A two-time conference coach of the year Bridgewater, then a junior, was a finalist for the 2013 Manning Award and a semifinal- and the architect of a revitalized University ist for both the Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award. He threw for 3,970 yards and a of Louisville program that posted at least 11 school-record 31 TDs with only four interceptions and led the nation with a 71.0 completion wins in each of his final two seasons, Charlie percentage. On the defensive side of the ball, Smith was a Hendricks Award finalist and Strong is in his second year as the Texas head earned second-team All-America honors while leading the nation in sacks (1.1 per game/14). football coach. The Cardinals had 11 players earn All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2013. Strong, the 29th head coach in UT his- In 2012, Louisville posted an 11-2 record, claimed a Big East Championship and finished tory, spent the previous four seasons as the year ranked 13th in the BCS Standings, USA Today Coaches Poll and AP Poll. The Cards Louisville head coach, re-energizing a pro- capped the year with a 33-23 upset win over the fourth-ranked Gators in the Allstate Sugar gram that was coming off back-to-back losing Bowl. Bridgewater was named Big East Player of the Year, ranked eighth in the nation in seasons (5-7 in 2008, 4-8 in 2009) and a 15-21 passing efficiency and helped the Cardinals finish No. 3 in the FBS in red-zone efficiency record in the three years prior to his arrival. (93.0%), tied for sixth in turnovers lost (13), eighth in third-down conversions (49.7%) and He amassed a 37-15 record, a pair of Big East 24th in passing offense (296.1 ypg). Defensively they ranked 16th in passing yards allowed Conference Championships (2011, 2012) and (154.2 ypg), tied for 22nd in first downs yielded (18.2 pg) and 23rd in total yards allowed was named Big East Coach of the Year in (340.3 ypg). both 2010 and 2012. He also led UofL to four In Strong’s first two seasons (2010-11), Louisville recorded identical 7-6 records, includ- straight bowl game appearances (3-1 record), ing appearances in the 2010 Beef `O’ Brady’s Bowl and the 2011 Belk Bowl. After Louisville including a victory over No. 4 Florida in the won a combined two league games in the two seasons prior to his arrival, Strong led the 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Strong is the only Cardinals to three Big East victories in 2010, and five in 2011. UofL won five of its last six coach in Louisville history to win three bowl games and prior to his arrival the Cards had games, including a win over nationally-ranked West Virginia to win a share of the Big East won just six bowl games in the program’s 100-year history. title and qualify for the Belk Bowl. Strong guided Bridgewater to Big East Rookie of the During 2014, Strong rallied the Longhorns from a 3-5 record to reach a bowl game despite Year honors and freshman All-America accolades, while guard Jake Smith became the first the loss of two key starters on offense (QB David Ash, C Dominic Espinosa) and one on Cardinal player to be named a FWAA Freshman All-American. defense (DT Desmond Jackson) for nearly the entire season. Louisville defeated Southern Mississippi 31-28 in the 2010 Beef `O’ Brady’s Bowl in St. Texas ended the season with one of the better defenses in the nation, ranking 25th in the Petersburg, Fla., after falling behind 14-0. The game capped one of the best turnarounds in FBS in total yards allowed (348.5 per game), No. 11 in passing defense (184.2 ypg), No. 7 in the FBS that season as the Cards increased their win total by three games from 2009. The yards allowed per play (4.68), 15th in passing efficiency defense (110.04 rating), tied for 11th Cardinals also improved in nearly every major statistical category from 2009 to 2010, includ- in sacks (3.1 pg) and 31st in points allowed (23.8 pg). ing jumping from 65th to 14th in total defense, 65th to 18th in scoring defense, 42nd to ninth A number of players earned individual honors in Strong’s first season. Defensive tackle in passing defense, 58th to sixth in sacks, 84th to 52nd in rushing offense, 89th to 34th in Malcom Brown was a finalist for both the Nagurski and Outland trophies, as well as becom- rushing offense, 111th to tied for 63th in scoring offense, 95th to 48th in passing efficiency, ing the 47th consensus All-American in school history. Brown and linebacker Jordan Hicks tied for 111th to 26th in sacks allowed and 77th to 44th in turnover margin. earned All-America honors. They were also among 10 players to secure All-Big 12 accolades. Prior to Louisville, the veteran of 31 years in collegiate coaching built an impressive Five players - Brown (first round to New England), Hicks (third round to Philadelphia), resume as an assistant coach, including 11 seasons as a defensive coordinator in the SEC and safety Mykkele Thompson (fifth round to NY Giants), cornerback Quandre Diggs (sixth four years as an assistant coach at Notre Dame. All totaled, Strong spent 15 seasons as an round to Detroit) and tight end Geoff Swaim (seventh round to Dallas) - were selected in assistant at Florida during four stints, including seven years as the defensive coordinator, the the 2015 NFL Draft. In addition, deep snapper Nate Boyer (Seattle), running back Malcolm last five of which were under current Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer. Strong was also on Brown (St. Louis), wide receiver John Harris (Philadelphia), defensive end Cedric Reed two of Lou Holtz’s staffs, spending the first two years of his Fighting Irish tenure under the (Buffalo) and wide receiver Jaxon Shipley (Arizona) signed as free agents after the draft and Hall of Fame coach, as well as four more as defensive coordinator at South Carolina. Strong nine of Strong’s former players at Louisville were chosen. was a finalist for the Broyles Award (nation’s top assistant coach) three times. Malcom Brown became the fifth player under Strong to be drafted in the first round Strong spent seven seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Florida under during the last two years. Louisville’s DeVante Parker went in the first round (14th overall) Meyer from 2005-09 and Ron Zook from 2003-04 where he helped the Gators win a pair of to Miami in 2015. Last season, Louisville had three first round picks in safety Calvin Pryor national titles – 2008 over Oklahoma and 2006 over Ohio State. (18th overall to New York Jets), defensive end Marcus Smith (26th overall to Philadelphia) In that stretch, Strong coached 13 All-Americans, a National Defensive Player of the Year, and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (32nd overall to Minnesota). Since 1995, Strong has a Jack Tatum Award winner, two SEC Defensive Freshmen of the Year, two Thorpe Award coached 14 players selected in the first round and 35 taken in the first four rounds. finalists, two Nagurski Trophy finalists and the 2008 Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year. During Strong’s final two years, Louisville was the nation’s fourth-winningest program, He also developed seven first-round NFL Draft picks and 18 players that were selected in the posting a 23-3 record (88.5 percent) and registering bowl victories in consecutive seasons for third round or higher. the first time in school history. The Cardinals’ 11-plus win seasons in 2012 and 2013 were In 2009, Strong guided one of the nation’s top defensive units, finishing in the top six the fourth and fifth in school history and the first back to back. Louisville finished among the in four different statistical categories. UF was fourth in the nation in scoring defense (12.4 nation’s top 15 for a school-record second straight year. The Cardinals ended 2013 among the top 25 in both polls for just the ninth time in school history. Featuring an explosive offense and stingy defense in 2013, the Cardinals ranked 15th in both the USA Today Coaches and Associated Press polls (also No. 18 in final BCS Standings) after compiling a 12-1 record, including a 7-1 mark in the American Athletic Conference, and capped the year with a 36-9 win over Miami (Fla.) in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Strong’s squad racked up 554 total yards while holding the Hurricanes to just 174. It marked just the second 12-win season in school history (2006). In 2013, the Cardinals led the nation in nine team categories: total defense (251.5 yards per game), rushing defense (80.7 ypg), third-down conversion defense (26.7 percent), sacks (3.31 per game), fewest passes intercepted (4), fewest turnovers lost (10), fewest first downs allowed (183), completion percentage (70.8) and punt-return defense (1.15 yards per return). UofL also ranked second in scoring defense (12.2 points per game), third-down conversions (56.0%), time of possession (33:49) and turnover margin (+1.3 pg), while placing in the top 10 in fewest yards allowed per play (third – 4.20), passing efficiency defense (fourth – 99.2 rating), passing yards allowed (fifth – 170.8 pg), tackles for loss (sixth – 7.8 pg), red-zone defense (fifth – 68.4%) and passing efficiency (third – 171.9 rating). Additionally, Louisville was one of only five schools to rank among the top 28 in the FBS in both total offense and defense, and one of just seven to rank among the top 25 in both scoring offense and defense. The Cards ranked 25th in scoring offense (35.2 ppg) and 28th in total offense (460.8 ypg). www.TexasSports.com 61 Head Coach ppg), second in passing defense (152.8 ypg), fourth in total defense (252.6 ypg) and sixth in CHARLIE STRONG AT-A-GLANCE passing efficiency defense (96.1 rating) as the Gators went 13-1, including a trip to the SEC Championship game for the third time in Strong’s tenure. Florida finished the season with Hometown______Batesville, Ark. a 51-24 win over Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl and a No. 3 ranking in both polls. He was High School______Batesville named a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach, for College______Central Arkansas ‘82 the second straight year and is only the second three-time finalist in the history of the award. Year in coaching______33rd In Strong’s position group, LB Brandon Spikes earned consensus first-team All-America Wife______Vicki honors and earned the second of his two Butkus Award finalist nods and was a finalist for the Children______Tory, Hailee, Hope Bednarik Award, while CB Joe Haden also earned unanimous first-team All-America honors CHARLIE STRONG YEAR-BY-YEAR and was a Thorpe Award finalist. In 2008, Strong’s defense ranked in the top 20 nationally in 10 statistical categories, Career Record Four years/43-23 (.652) including a school-record tying 26 interceptions that also tied for the most in the country Yr. School Record Bowl that season. UF’s scoring defense showed the third-largest improvement from 2007 to 2008, 2014__ Texas______6-7______Texas finishing fourth in the nation by yielding only 12.9 points per game. The defense also ranked 2013__ Louisville (AP: #15; USA Today: #15)______12-1_ Russell Athletic ninth in total defense (285.3 ypg), and third in pass efficiency defense (96.76 rating). Spikes 2012__ Louisville (AP: #13; USA Today: #13)______11-2______Sugar preceded his consensus All-America honors from the previous year with unanimous honors 2011__ Louisville______7-6______Belk and being named a finalist of the Lombardi and Butkus Awards under Strong. In the 2009 2010__ Louisville______7-6__ Beef O’Bradys FedEx BCS National Championship Game versus Oklahoma, which entered the contest 2009__ Florida (Assoc. Head Coach/Def. Coord./LBs)______BCS scoring a nation’s best 54.0 ppg, the UF defense held Heisman-winning quarterback Sam 2008__ Florida (Assoc. Head Coach/Def. Coord./LBs)______Capital One Bradford and the Sooners to just 14 points and 363 total yards in a 24-14 win. The Gators 2007__ Florida (Asst. Head Coach/Co-Def. Coord./LBs)______BCS ended the year with a 13-1 record and earned their second national title in three years. That 2006__ Florida (Asst. Head Coach/Co-Def. Coord./LBs)______Outback came on the heels of a nine-win season in 2007 in which Florida finished No. 13 in the AP 2005__ Florida (Asst. Head Coach/Co-Def. Coord./LBs)______poll and No. 16 in the coaches poll with an appearance in the Capital One Bowl. 2004__ Florida (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Ends)__0-1______Peach* Under Strong’s watch in the 2006 season, Florida set a BCS record for fewest yards 2003__ Florida (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Ends)______Outback allowed in the national title game, holding Ohio State to only 82 total yards. He guided a 2002__ South Carolina (Defensive Coordinator)______Outback Gator defense that limited opponents to a SEC-best 72.5 rushing yards per game for the 2001__ South Carolina (Defensive Coordinator)______Outback season, ranking fifth nationally, while rating sixth in the nation in total defense (255.4 ypg), 2000__ South Carolina (Defensive Coordinator)______sixth in scoring defense (13.5 ppg) and fourth in passing efficiency defense (98.31 rating). 1999__ South Carolina (Defensive Coordinator)______Safety Reggie Nelson earned first-team consensus All-America honors and was a Thorpe 1998__ Notre Dame (Defensive Line)______Gator Award and Nagurski Trophy finalist, while the AP named CB Ryan Smith second-team All- 1997__ Notre Dame (Defensive Line)______Independence America and LB Brandon Siler was on its third team. 1996__ Notre Dame (Defensive Line)______The 2005 season saw Florida once again win nine games with the defense ranking in the 1995__ Notre Dame (Defensive Line)______Orange top 10 in both total yards allowed (ninth/299.8 ypg) and rushing (10th/94.9 ypg). The Gators 1994__ Florida (Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Tackles)______Sugar 1993__ Florida (Defensive Ends)______Sugar also ranked 18th in scoring defense at 18.8 ppg. UF defeated Iowa, 31-24, in the Outback 1992__ Florida (Defensive Ends)______Gator Bowl and finished the season ranked 12th in the AP poll and 16th in the coaches poll. 1991__ Florida (Defensive Ends)______Sugar In Strong’s first two seasons (2003-04) the Gators finished 8-5 and 7-5, respectively. UF 1990__ Mississippi (Wide Receivers)______Gator finished ranked in both seasons coming in at No. 24/25 in 2003 and No. 25 in the coaches poll 1989__ Florida (Outside Linebackers)______Freedom in 2004. Strong made his first appearance as a head coach in the 2004 Peach Bowl in place of 1988__ Florida (Outside Linebackers)______Zook. In 2003, CB Keiwan Ratliff was a consensus first-team All-American and a finalist for 1987__ Southern Illinois (Wide Receivers)______the Thorpe Award, while being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, while in 2004, Siler 1986__ Southern Illinois (Wide Receivers)______was the SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year. 1985__ Texas A&M (Graduate Assistant)______Cotton From the 2003-09, Strong’s defensive units at Florida allowed an average of 17.6 points 1984__ Florida (Graduate Assistant)______per game, which ranked ninth in the country over that span. His stint as defensive coor- 1983__ Florida (Graduate Assistant)______Gator dinator marked his fourth tenure at Florida, including a stretch from 1991-94 in which *Served as interim head coach he coached defensive ends (1991-93) and defensive tackles (1994) after coaching outside Career Record (Five Years)______43-23 (.652) linebackers in 1988-89, and serving as a graduate assistant in 1983-84. He served as Florida’s Bowl Record______3-3 (.500) assistant head coach from 2005-07 and was the associate head coach in 2008-09. Before returning to Florida for the fourth time, Strong received his first defensive coor- dinator assignment at the University of South Carolina under Holtz from 1999-2002. There, he earned his first finalist nod for the Broyles Award after he helped guide the Gamecocks to a top 20 national ranking in 2000, which he did twice while at South Carolina, peaking with a No. 13 final ranking in both polls in 2001. The 2000 squad ranked sixth in the country in scoring defense after yielding just 15.8 points per game, while the 2001 team finished 12th at 18.4 points per game. The 1999 team ranked 20th in the nation in total defense, allow- ing 307.7 ypg. The 2000 and 2001 seasons saw some of the highest achievements in South Carolina history to that point, ending in back-to-back Outback Bowl wins over Ohio State. Outside of his time at Louisville, Florida, and South Carolina, Strong’s career stops have included one season (1985) at Texas A&M as a graduate assistant before moving on to Southern Illinois as wide receivers coach from 1986-87, one season (1990) at Mississippi as wide receivers coach and four seasons (1995-98) as the defensive line coach at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish registered a single-season school record 41.5 sacks in 1997. A native of Batesville, Ark., Strong was a three-year letterwinner (1979-81) and three- time all-conference safety at Central Arkansas, which reached the NAIA Playoffs each of his final two seasons. He was also a two time all-conference performer in track and field and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Strong was inducted into the Central Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He and his wife, Vicki, have a son, Tory, and two daughters, Hailee and Hope.
62 2015 Texas Football Spring Guide • Coaches Profiles Vance Bedford Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
to the SEC Championship game. Florida finished the THE BEDFORD FILE season with a 51-24 win over Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl and a No. 3 ranking in both polls. CB Joe Haden Hometown______Houston, Texas earned unanimous first-team All-America honors High school______Hebert (Beaumont, Texas) and was a Thorpe Award finalist. College______Texas ‘83 In 2008, the Florida defense ranked in the top Year in coaching______31st 20 nationally in 10 statistical categories, including Wife______Margaret a school-record tying 26 interceptions that also tied for the most in the country that season. UF’s scor- COACHING ASSIGNMENTS ing defense showed the third-largest improvement from 2007 to 2008, finishing fourth in the nation by 2014-______Defensive Coordinator/Secondary______Texas yielding only 12.9 points per game. The defense also 2010-13______Defensive Coordinator______Louisville ranked ninth in total defense (285.3 ypg), and third 2008-09______Cornerbacks______Florida in pass efficiency defense (96.76 rating). In the 2009 2007______Defensive Backs______Michigan BCS National Championship Game versus Oklahoma, which entered the contest scoring a nation’s best 54.0 2005-06______Defensive Coordinator______Oklahoma State ppg, the UF defense held Heisman-winning quarter- 1999-04______Defensive Backs______Chicago Bears back Sam Bradford and the Sooners to just 14 points 1995-98______Defensive Backs______Michigan and 363 total yards in a 24-14 win. Two of Bedford’s 1993-94______Defensive Backs______Oklahoma State defensive backs earned second-team All-SEC honors. former Texas defensive back, Vance Bedford 1987-92______Defensive Backs______Colorado State Bedford spent one season as secondary coach returned to his alma mater and is in his 1986______Assistant______Navarro Junior College under Lloyd Carr in his second stint at Michigan in second season as defensive coordinator and 1985______Assistant______Forest Brook (Texas) High School 2007. The Wolverines finished eighth in the nation Asecondary coach. Bedford spent the previous four in pass defense (178.9 ypg), 17th in pass efficiency seasons with head coach Charlie Strong as defensive COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE defense (109.5), 23rd in scoring defense (21.4 ppg) coordinator at Louisville. and 24th in total defense (335.7 ypg) en route to a 9-4 A native of Beaumont, Texas, Bedford was a four- 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas record and a win over Florida in the Capital One Bowl. year letterman (1977-79, 1981) and was a starter at 2013______Russell Athletic Bowl______Louisville Prior to Michigan, Bedford served two years as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State in 2005-06. cornerback for Texas. He was also voted team captain 2013______Sugar Bowl______Louisville in 1980 despite missing most of that season with an The Cowboys ranked eighth in the nation in tackles 2011______Belk Bowl______Louisville for loss and 12th in sacks in 2006. Safety Andre injury. He set a then-UT season record for pass break- 2010______Beef `O’ Brady’s Bowl______Louisville ups with 22 in 1981 and is currently fifth on the career Sexton was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the pass breakup list (47). Bedford played in the Cotton 2010______Sugar Bowl______Florida Year, while DE Victor DeGrate was named second- and Sun bowls twice during his career. He also earned 2009______BCS Championship______Florida team All-Big 12 and finished tied for 18th in the Most Valuable Player honors in the 1982 Senior Bowl 2007______Insight Bowl______Oklahoma State nation in sacks. Oklahoma State finished the season All-Star game. 1999______Citrus Bowl______Michigan with a 7-6 mark, including a win over Alabama in During his coaching career, Bedford has been part 1998______Rose______Michigan^ the Independence Bowl. In 2005, the Cowboys also of two National Championships, with Florida in the 1997______Outback______Michigan ranked in the top 30 in the nation in tackles for loss. 2008 season and Michigan in 1997, and he was also 1995______Alamo Bowl______Michigan Bedford made his way to the NFL in 1999 as the position coach for 1997 Heisman Trophy winning the defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears. He 1990______Freedom Bowl______Colorado State remained with the team until 2004, and during that defensive back Charles Woodson, who is the only ^National Champions primary defensive player to win the award. time his secondary returned seven interceptions for In 2014, Bedford oversaw a defense that ranked touchdowns during a four-year stretch, equaling the among the nation’s best. Texas finished the season The Cardinals’ 11-plus win seasons in 2012 and 2013 33-23 upset win over the fourth-ranked Gators in the team’s total from the previous nine seasons com- ranked 25th in the FBS in total yards allowed (348.5 were the fourth and fifth in school history and the first Allstate Sugar Bowl. Louisville ranked 16th in passing bined. While with Chicago, Bedford coached former per game), No. 11 in passing defense (184.2 ypg), No. back to back. defense (154.2 ypg) and 23rd in total defense (340.3 Longhorn Pro Bowler Nathan Vasher. 7 in yards allowed per play (4.68), 15th in passing In 2013, the Cardinals finished ranked 15th in ypg). Pryor made first-team All-Big East that season During his first stint with Michigan as secondary efficiency defense (110.04 rating), tied for 11th in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches along with S Adrian Bushell. coach (1995-98), Bedford’s unit led the nation in sacks (3.1 pg) and 31st in points allowed (23.8 pg). polls after compiling a 12-1 record, including a 7-1 In Bedford’s first two seasons with the program pass defense in 1997 and ranked 20th in 1996. The In addition, the Longhorns posted 15 interceptions, mark in the American Athletic Conference, mark- (2010-11), Louisville recorded 7-6 records, including Wolverines’ 1997 national championship secondary, which was tied for 23rd in the FBS. ing the first back-to-back Top 15 finishes in school winning five of its last six games in 2011 to win a led by Heisman Trophy winner Woodson, set an Under his guidance, defensive tackle Malcom history. The year was capped with a 36-9 win over share of the Big East title. The defense ranked 10th in NCAA record allowing just 8.8 yards per completion Brown was a finalist for both the Nagurski and Miami (Fla.) in the Russell Athletic Bowl as Bedford’s the nation against the run (100.5 ypg), while register- and finished fifth nationally by allowing just 133.8 Outland trophies, as well as becoming the 47th con- defense held the Hurricanes to just 174 total yards. It ing in the top 25 in scoring defense (17th/20.1 ppg), passing yards per contest. His secondary in 1997 sensus All-American in school history. Brown and marked just the second 12-win season in school his- total defense (23rd/327.9 ypg), sacks (21st/2.54 pg) led the Big Ten and finished third nationally with linebacker Jordan Hicks earned All-America honors. tory (2006). and tackles for loss (22nd/7.1 pg). Smith and Bushell 22 interceptions. Along with the Heisman Trophy, They were also among seven defenders to secure All- The Cards led the nation in total defense (251.5 earned first-team All-Big East honors. Woodson was a two-time All-American (1996-97) Big 12 accolades. yards per game), rushing defense (80.7 ypg), sacks The 2010 season finished with a win over and the winner of the 1997 Maxwell Award, Walter Brown (first round to New England) and Hicks (3.31 pg), fewest first downs allowed (183), and Southern Mississippi, 31-28, in the 2010 Beef `O’ Camp Player of the Year Award, Nagurski Trophy, (third round to Philadelphia), along with safety third-down conversion defense (26.7 percent). UofL Brady’s Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Cardinals Bednarik Award and Thorpe Award. Mykkele Thompson (fifth round to NY Giants) and also ranked second in scoring defense (12.2 points defense was once again one of the best in the nation, Bedford began his coaching career at Forest cornerback Quandre Diggs (sixth round to Detroit), per game), while placing in the top 10 in passing effi- ranking sixth in sacks (3.0 pg), ninth in pass defense Brook High School in Houston, Texas, in 1985. He were selected in the 2015 NFL Draft. In addition, ciency defense (fourth), passing yards allowed (fifth), (167.4 ypg), 13th in third-down conversion defense moved into the collegiate ranks at Navarro (Texas) defensive end Cedric Reed (Buffalo) signed as a free tackles for loss (sixth) and red-zone defense (fifth). (34.1 percent), 14th in total defense (311.7 ypg) and Junior College in 1986, before accepting a position agent after the draft and four of Bedford’s former DE Marcus Smith was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks 18th in scoring defense (19.4 ppg). CB Johnny Patrick at Colorado State in 1987. Bedford was the Rams’ defensive players at Louisville were chosen, including Award, earned second-team All-America honors and earned first-team All-Big East recognition, while defensive backs coach for five seasons (1987-92). His three defensive backs. was the American Athletic Conference Defensive Smith received the first of his three all-conference 1990 secondary set a school record and led the nation At Louisville, Bedford helped Strong amass a Player of the Year, while leading the nation in sacks nods on the second team. with 25 interceptions. He spent two seasons as the 37-15 record and a pair of Big East Conference (1.1 per game/14). The defense featured three other Prior to Louisville, Bedford served two years defensive backs coach at Oklahoma State (1993-94) Championships (2011, 2012). The Cardinals also first-team All-AAC selections in CB Charles Gaines, (2008-09) as the defensive backs coach at Florida with before going to Michigan. made four straight bowl game appearances (3-1 S Calvin Pryor and S Hakeem Smith. Both Pryor and Strong as defensive coordinator. They guided one of After his collegiate playing career, Bedford was record), including a victory over No. 4 Florida in the Marcus Smith were first-round picks in the 2014 NFL the nation’s top defensive units, finishing in the top selected in the fifth round of the 1982 NFL Draft 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Draft. six in four statistical categories. UF was fourth in by the St. Louis Cardinals. He played one season During 2012-13, Louisville was the nation’s In 2012, UofL posted an 11-2 record, claimed a the nation in scoring defense (12.4 ppg), second in with the Cardinals (1982) and one year with the fourth-winningest program, posting a 23-3 record Big East Championship and finished the year ranked passing defense (152.8 ypg), fourth in total defense USFL’s Oklahoma Outlaws (1984) before beginning (88.5 percent) and registered bowl victories in con- 13th in the BCS Standings, USA Today Coaches (252.6 ypg) and sixth in passing efficiency defense his coaching career. Bedford is married to the former secutive seasons for the first time in school history. Poll and AP Poll. The Cards capped the year with a (96.1 rating) as the Gators went 13-1, including a trip Margaret Bulloch. www.TexasSports.com 63 Brick Haley Defensive Line
career as a graduate assistant at Arkansas THE HALEY FILE in 1990. His first coaching job was at Hometown______Gadsden, Ala. Enterprise (Ala.) High School in 1989. High school______Emma Sansom (Gadsden, Ala.) The Gadsden, Alabama, native played College______Alabama A&M ’89 linebacker at Alabama A&M from 1984- Year in coaching______27th 88 and was inducted into the school’s Wife______Tina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. He received Children______Adrian, A.J., Jeremy Alabama A&M’s Inspiration Award in 1987 and was named football MVP for the 1988 season. COACHING ASSIGNMENTS Off the field, Haley is involved in rais- ing awareness for autism as he annually 2015-______Defensive Line______Texas hosts a golf tournament each year with all 2009-14______Defensive Line______LSU proceeds going to his foundation. He and 2007-08______Defensive Line______Chicago Bears his wife, Tina, have three sons: Adrian, A.J. 2004-06______Defensive Line______Mississippi State and Jeremy. 2002-03______Linebackers______Georgia Tech 1999-2001_____Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers______Baylor 1998______Outside Linebackers______Clemson former defensive line coach at LSU 1997______Outside Linebackers______Houston and Mississippi State, who also has 1994-96______Defensive Line______Troy State NFL experience with the Chicago 1991-93______Defensive Line______Austin Peay ABears, Brick Haley is in his first season as 1990______Graduate Assistant______Arkansas defensive line coach at Texas. 1989______Assistant Coach______Enterprise (Ala.) High School Haley joined the Longhorns in February from LSU where he served six seasons COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE (2009-14). In that time, he coached 10 defensive linemen selected in the NFL 2014______Music City Bowl______LSU Draft, including a pair of first-round picks 2013______Outback Bowl______LSU in DT Michael Brockers (No. 12 overall 2012______Chick-fil-A Bowl______LSU in 2012) and DE Barkevious Mingo (No. 2011______BCS National Championship______LSU 6 overall in 2013). Danielle Hunter was 2010______Cotton Bowl______LSU selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL 2009______Capital One Bowl______LSU Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, extend- 2003______Humanitarian Bowl______Georgia Tech ing LSU’s streak of years with at least one 2002______Silicon Valley Bowl______Georgia Tech defensive lineman picked in the draft to 12. among the best in the nation, allowing Prior to his stop in the NFL, Haley From 2009-14, LSU’s defensive line just 17.5 points per game (12th nation- spent three years (2004-06) as the defen- accounted for 109 sacks and forced 42 ally) along with 101.6 rushing yards (No. sive line coach at Mississippi State. He turnovers, while allowing only 73 rushing 9 nationally) and 307.6 total yards (No. 8 helped improve a Bulldogs defense that TDs (12 per season). nationally). finished 41st in the nation in 2006 after Last season, despite primarily start- A year prior, during LSU’s perfect 13-0 finishing 113th a year before his arrival. ing a true freshman and a sophomore at regular season mark, it was the line that Defensive end Titus Brown developed defensive tackle, the Tigers ranked fifth in often set the tone for the Tigers defense as into a second-team All-SEC selection after the nation in scoring defense (17.5 ppg) it combined for 28.5 sacks and 64 tackles leading the team and ranking fifth in the and ninth in total defense (316.8 ypg). for loss. LSU’s defense ranked in the top conference in sacks in 2006. Hunter led the team with 13 TFL, and tied five in the nation in four categories in In 2005, Haley coached the SEC leader for third in tackles with 73 prior to forego- 2011, allowing just seven rushing TDs in sacks (third in NCAA) and tackles for ing his senior year to enter the 2015 NFL all season, and holding opponents to 10 loss (fourth in NCAA) in Willie Evans, Draft. Senior DE Jermauria Rasco led the or fewer points nine times. It helped the who went on to spend four years in the team with eight pressures, tied for second Tigers make an appearance in the BCS NFL. with 7.5 TFL, and was fifth in tackles with National Championship game. Before arriving at Mississippi State, 71. In 2010, the Tigers had two defensive Haley coached linebackers for two years In 2013, Haley was again tasked with linemen picked in the NFL Draft – Drake (2002-2003) at Georgia Tech, where he developing young players as LSU returned Nevis and Lazarius Levingston - while Al helped the Yellow Jackets to a pair of bowl only one starter on the defensive line from Woods was taken in the draft a year ear- games. In 2003, he coached a first-team the previous season. The Tigers lost three lier. All-ACC performer after Tech’s trio of players to the NFL from the 2012 squad – Under Haley’s direction, LSU’s defen- starting linebackers finished the 2002 sea- Mingo, Sam Montgomery (third round) sive front combined for 39 tackles for loss son as the team’s top three tacklers. and Lavar Edwards (fifth round). and 15.5 sacks in 2010 after posting 44 Previously, Haley was the defensive Despite losing three NFL Draft picks, tackles for losses and 14 sacks in 2009. coordinator and linebackers coach at Haley and his group responded by put- Haley joined the Tigers in the spring of Baylor (1999-2001) after coaching out- ting a unit on the field that featured two 2009 after two years as the defensive line side linebackers for one season each at All-SEC picks in Anthony Johnson and coach with the Chicago Bears. There he Clemson (1998) and Houston (1997). The Ferguson. Danielle Hunter (57 tackles, 8.0 coached a line that helped Chicago rank defensive line coach at Troy State from tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks) and Jermauria fifth in the league in rushing yards allowed 1994-96, he was promoted to defensive Rasco (56 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 per game in 2008. The Bears finished sixth coordinator following the 1996 campaign sacks) shined in their first year as starters in the NFL in sacks in 2007 with defensive before leaving for Houston. Haley coached at defensive end. end Tommie Harris earning a spot in the the defensive line at Austin Peay from In 2012, LSU’s defense again ranked Pro Bowl. 1991-93 after starting his college coaching 64 2015 Texas Football Spring Guide • Coaches Profiles Brian Jean-Mary Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator
THE JEAN-MARY FILE In 2009, Jean-Mary helped Georgia Tech post an 11-3 record, an ACC Hometown______Apopka, Fla. Championship victory over Clemson and High school______Apopka an appearance in the 2010 FedEx Orange College______Appalachian State ‘98 Bowl. LB Brad Jefferson led the team in Year in coaching______16th tackles with 95 and was second in tackles Wife______Jerilyn for loss with eight, while adding two forced Children______Brooke, Brittany fumbles. The Yellow Jackets registered a 9-4 record in 2008. The defense ranked COACHING ASSIGNMENTS 13th in tackles for loss, 18th in sacks, 24th in rushing defense, 25th in total defense 2014-______Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator______Texas and 28th in scoring defense. Linebackers 2010-13______Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers______Louisville Kyle Jackson and Sedric Griffin were third 2004-09______Linebackers______Georgia Tech and fourth on the team, respectively, in 2003______Secondary______North Alabama tackles, while Griffin had eight tackles for 2001-02______Graduate Assistant______South Carolina loss. 2000______Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach______Louisville Under Jean-Mary’s tutelage, LBs Phillip Wheeler and Gary Guyton became the COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE core of the Tech defense in 2007. The rian Jean-Mary, a 16-year coaching duo was first and second on the team in veteran, including four with head 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas tackles, respectively, and combined for coach Charlie Strong at Louisville, 2013______Russell Athletic Bowl______Louisville 22.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Wheeler Bis in his second season as linebackers 2013______Sugar Bowl______Louisville was awarded for his play by being selected coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas. 2011______Belk Bowl______Louisville to the All-ACC second team. Georgia Tech During the 2014 season, Jean-Mary 2010______Beef `O’ Brady’s Bowl______Louisville led the nation in sacks and ranked second helped tutor a pair of All-Big 12 players 2010______Orange Bowl______Georgia Tech in tackles for loss during the regular sea- in Jordan Hicks and Steve Edmond, with 2008______Chick-fil-A Bowl______Georgia Tech son. Hicks also earning All-America honors. 2007______Humanitarian Bowl______Georgia Tech Jean-Mary guided the linebacker duo That duo ranked 1-2 on the team in tackles 2006______Gator Bowl______Georgia Tech of Wheeler and KaMichael Hall into two (Hicks - 147; Edmond - 131) and com- 2005______Emerald Bowl______Georgia Tech of the top defenders in the ACC in 2006. bined for 26 tackles for a loss and nine 2004______Champs Sports Bowl______Georgia Tech Wheeler earned second-team All-America sacks, as Texas ranked No. 25 nationally 2003______NCAA Division II Playoffs______North Alabama honors as well as second-team All-ACC in total defense (348.8 yards per game). 2003______Outback Bowl______South Carolina accolades, while Hall garnered honorable Hicks’ tackle total ranks tied for seventh 2002______Outback Bowl______South Carolina mention All-ACC recognition. on the UT single-season list. In 2005, Jean-Mary coached two-time Hicks went on to become a third-round defense (251.5 ypg), rushing defense (80.7 (23rd/327.9 ypg), sacks (21st/2.54 pg) All-ACC linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, pick of Philadelphia in the 2015 NFL Draft, ypg), sacks (3.31 pg), fewest first downs and tackles for loss (22nd/7.1 pg). Dexter Tech’s leading tackler his last two sea- along with two of his former Louisville allowed (183), and third-down conversion Heyman was a second-team All-Big East sons. Wilkinson was a third-round draft players - Lorenzo Mauldin (third round defense (26.7%). UofL also ranks second selection and finished as the team’s lead- pick of the New York Giants. Jean-Mary’s to NY Jets) and Deiontrez Mount (sixth in scoring defense (12.2 ppg), while plac- ing tackler. Heyman also led the Cardinals linebackers recorded seven of the Yellow round to Tennessee). ing in the top 10 in passing efficiency in interceptions (three) and tackles for Jackets’ 21 interceptions. At Louisville, Jean-Mary (ZHAHN- defense (fourth), passing yards allowed loss (16). Brown showed great improve- In 2004, Jean-Mary also worked with muh-REE) served as assistant head coach (fifth), tackles for loss (sixth) and red-zone ment under Jean-Mary’s tutelage, totaling Chris Reis, who earned honorable men- and linebackers coach and helped Strong defense (fifth). LB Preston Brown earned a career-high 84 tackles and 5.0 tackles for tion All-ACC honors in his only season amass a 37-15 record and a pair of Big East second-team All-AAC East honors under loss. at outside linebacker. Wilkinson and Reis Conference Championships (2011, 2012). Jean-Mary while leading the team with 98 The 2010 season finished with a win flourished at linebacker after moving from The Cardinals also made four straight tackles. Brown was second with 12.5 tack- over Southern Mississippi, 31-28, in defensive end and safety, respectively. bowl game appearances (3-1 record), les for loss, in addition to having 4.5 sacks, the 2010 Beef `O’ Brady’s Bowl in St. Prior to his tenure at Georgia Tech, including a victory over No. 4 Florida in three forced fumbles and two recovered Petersburg, Fla. The Cardinals defense was Jean-Mary spent one season coaching the the 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl. fumbles. He went on to be drafted in the once again one of the best in the nation, defensive backs at North Alabama, one During 2012-13, Louisville was the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. ranking sixth in sacks (3.0 pg), ninth in of the top programs in NCAA Division II. nation’s fourth-winningest program, In 2012, UofL posted an 11-2 record, pass defense (167.4 ypg), 13th in third- He helped the Lions to a 13-1 record, the posting a 23-3 record (88.5 percent) and claimed a Big East Championship and down conversion defense (34.1 percent), Gulf South Conference title and a berth in registering bowl victories in consecutive finished the year ranked 13th in the BCS 14th in total defense (311.7 ypg) and 18th the semifinals of the 2003 NCAA Division seasons for the first time in school his- Standings, USA Today Coaches Poll in scoring defense (19.4 ppg). Led by II playoffs. North Alabama’s defense was tory. The Cardinals’ 11-plus win seasons and AP Poll. The Cards capped the year Brandon Heath, the linebackers finished as one of the best in the nation, ranking sixth in 2012 and 2013 were the fourth and fifth with a 33-23 upset win over the fourth- three of the team’s top six tacklers. Heath nationally in scoring defense at 14.1 points in school history and the first back to back. ranked Gators in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. registered 70 tackles and three sacks, while per game, and 25th in pass defense and In 2013, the Cardinals finished ranked Louisville ranked 16th in passing defense Daniel Brown had 54 tackles and three 26th in total defense. 15th in both the Associated Press and (154.2 ypg) and 23rd in total defense sacks. Jean-Mary previously spent two years USA Today Coaches polls after compiling (340.3 ypg). Brown also led the team in Prior to his time at Louisville, Jean- (2001-02) as a defensive graduate assistant a 12-1 record, including a 7-1 mark in tackles that season with 109 en route to Mary was the linebackers coach at Georgia at South Carolina under Lou Holtz and the American Athletic Conference, mark- second-team All-Big East honors. Tech from 2004-09 where he helped one year (2000) as a graduate assistant ing the first back-to-back top 15 finishes In Jean-Mary’s first two seasons with recruit the state of Texas under head coach on the strength and conditioning staff at in school history. The year was capped the program (2010-11), Louisville record- Chan Gailey for much of that time. He Louisville. with a 36-9 win over Miami (Fla.) in the ed 7-6 records, including winning five of was instrumental in building a defense A native of Apopka, Fla., Jean-Mary Russell Athletic Bowl as the defense held its last six games in 2011 to win a share that was one of the most consistent in the played college football at Appalachian the Hurricanes to just 174 total yards. It of the Big East title. The defense ranked country. It ranked among the nation’s top State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree marked just the second 12-win season in 10th in the nation against the run (100.5 30 in rushing defense, total defense and in 1998. Jean-Mary is married to the for- school history (2006). ypg), while finishing in the top 25 in scor- scoring defense in five of his six seasons mer Jerilyn Ardis and has two daughters, The Cards led the nation in total ing defense (17th/20.1 ppg), total defense he was there. Brooke and Brittany. www.TexasSports.com 65 Jay Norvell Wide Receivers
(414.57 ypg) and 17th in scoring offense THE NORVELL FILE (30.6 ppg), while ranking 23rd in both Hometown______Madison, Wisc. rushing (170.5 ypg) and passing (244.1 High school______Memorial (Madison, Wisc.) ypg), making the Huskers one of two College______Iowa ‘86 teams to rank in the top 25 of all four Year in coaching______30th categories. QB Zac Taylor was the Big 12 Wife______Kim Offensive Player of the Year, setting school Children______Jaden records with 3,197 passing yards, 26 TDs and 3,165 total yards. The team finished COACHING ASSIGNMENTS 9-5, winning the Big 12 North Division. Norvell went to Nebraska after spend- 2015-______Wide Receivers______Texas ing six seasons as an assistant coach in the 2011-14______Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers______Oklahoma NFL, first with the Indianapolis Colts as 2008-10______Asst. Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers______Oklahoma wide receivers coach from 1998-2001, then 2007______Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks______UCLA with the Oakland Raiders as tight ends 2004-06______Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks______Nebraska coach from 2002-03. 2002-03______Tight Ends______Oakland Raiders He helped the Raiders earn a spot in 1998-2001_____Wide Receivers______Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl XXXVII. That season, the 1995-97______Asst. Head Coach/Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers______Iowa State Raiders’ passing attack led the NFL by former offensive coordinator at 1989-94______Offensive Line/Wide Receivers/Special Teams______Wisconsin averaging 279.7 ypg. With the Colts, Oklahoma, UCLA and Nebraska, 1988______Wide Receivers______Northern Iowa Norvell tutored All-Pro Marvin Harrison, who also has NFL experience, Jay 1986-87______Graduate Assistant______Iowa who hauled in 109 catches for 1,524 yards ANorvell is in his first season as wide receiv- and 15 TDs in 2001. In 2002, Harrison ers coach at Texas. COLLEGE BOWL/NFL POSTSEASON EXPERIENCE became the only player in NFL history A coach with nearly 30 years of experi- with four consecutive 100-catch seasons. ence that includes coaching in both the 2014______Russell Athletic Bowl______Oklahoma While with Norvell, Harrison had 385 BCS National Championship Game and 2014______Sugar Bowl______Oklahoma receptions for 5,376 yards and 48 TDs. the Super Bowl, Norvell, who was hired 2013______Cotton Bowl______Oklahoma From 1995-97, Norvell was assistant in January, spent the last seven of those at 2011______Insight Bowl______Oklahoma head coach at Iowa State, working with Oklahoma, first as assistant offensive coor- 2011______Fiesta Bowl______Oklahoma quarterbacks and receivers, including Sage dinator and receivers coach from 2008- 2009______Sun Bowl______Oklahoma Rosenfels, who went on to play with the 10, then as co-offensive coordinator and 2009______BCS Championship______Oklahoma Minnesota Vikings. receivers coach from 2011-14. 2007______Las Vegas Bowl______UCLA For the six previous seasons, the native Three of the top four players on 2006______Cotton Bowl______Nebraska of Madison, Wisconsin, coached offen- Oklahoma’s all-time receptions chart have 2005______Alamo Bowl______Nebraska sive line, receivers and special teams played under Norvell’s direction – Ryan 2002______NFL Playoffs______Oakland Raiders at Wisconsin, which followed his first Broyles (349), Kenny Stills (204) and 2000______NFL Playoffs______Indianapolis Colts full-time position, coaching receivers at Juaquin Iglesias (202) – while five of the 1999______NFL Playoffs______Indianapolis Colts Northern Iowa in 1988. top six single-season reception marks have 1995______Hall of Fame Bowl______Wisconsin As a player, Norvell was an All-Big Ten come under Norvell. 1994______Rose Bowl______Wisconsin defensive back with Iowa in 1985, when In 2014, Norvell helped WR Sterling 1987______Holiday Bowl______Iowa he recorded a league-high seven intercep- Shepard earn first-team All-Big 12 hon- 1986______Holiday Bowl______Iowa tions. That season, the Hawkeyes won ors and be named a semifinalist for the the Big Ten championship and advanced ers produced a total of eleven 100-yard to All-America status and becoming a Biletnikoff Award. Despite being limited to the Rose Bowl, finishing with a 10-2 receiving games. The Sooners produced finalist for the Biletnikoff Award in 2010, in several games and missing one full record. He graduated from Iowa in 1986 a trio of WRs with three 100-yard perfor- including smashing his own single-season game due to injury, Shepard caught 51 and went on to play one season with the mances in a single game versus Oklahoma receptions record with 131 (ninth-most in passes for 970 yards (No. 9 on the OU sin- Chicago Bears in 1987. He and his wife, State, which was a first in school history. NCAA history) in 2010. gle-season list) and also tied the Oklahoma Kim, have a son, Jaden. That group included Brown, Saunders and Broyles had previously set the Sooners single-game receptions record with 15 The acclaimed coach is also an author, Stills. receiving record with 89 in 2009, along against Kansas State. He tied the mark of having penned Complete Wide Receiver in Stills accumulated 204 catches for 2,594 with the receiving TDs record of 15. In Justin Brown, Broyles and Jalen Saunders, 2012. who all played under Norvell. In fact, the yards (12.2 avg.) with 24 TDs during three 2008, Oklahoma was led by Iglesias, who top 12 single-game marks in Sooners his- years under Norvell, the third-highest tallied 74 receptions for 1,150 yards, which tory came under Norvell with two others reception total in Sooners’ history. He at the time were both second-best in OU tied for 13th. Shepard also produced two then led all NFL pass catchers with a 20.0 history and currently stand sixth and fifth, of the top five single-game receiving yards yards-per-catch average as a rookie with respectively. He also caught 10 TD recep- performances with 215 against TCU and the New Orleans Saints in 2013 after shat- tions, which was fifth and is now tied for 197 versus Kansas State. tering OU’s freshman receiving records in eighth. Last season, Oklahoma ranked 20th in 2010. Prior to Oklahoma, Norvell served as the nation in scoring offense (36.4 ppg) In 2011, Broyles became the all-time offensive coordinator and quarterbacks and 23rd in total offense (464.7 ypg). It NCAA career receptions leader with 349 coach at UCLA in 2007 and in the same also ranked 10th in rushing offense with despite only playing in nine games that role at Nebraska from 2004-06. With the 261.2 ypg, which was its highest average year, while also moving into second on the Cornhuskers, he served on the same staff since 1990. In 2013, Norvell helped it career receiving yardage list (4,586) and as current Texas assistant head coach for register its best rushing average since 1991 fourth on the receiving TDs list (45). The offense and quarterbacks coach Shawn with 223.9 ypg, which ranked 18th in the Biletnikoff finalist and All-American still Watson during the 2006 season when country. had the third-best season in Oklahoma Watson was tight ends coach and recruit- Oklahoma finished the 2012 regu- history with his 83 receptions for 1,157 ing coordinator there. lar season fifth in the nation in passing yards and 10 TDs. Broyles set eight major During that ‘06 season, Nebraska offense (336.5 ypg) as five different receiv- Oklahoma receiving records en route ranked 14th in the nation in total offense 66 2015 Texas Football Spring Guide • Coaches Profiles Tommie Robinson Running Backs
THE ROBINSON FILE backs coach at Oklahoma State, where he worked with Tatum Bell who went on to a Hometown______Phenix City, Ala. five-year NFL career. High school______Central (Phenix City, Ala.) Robinson was an offensive assis- College______Troy State ‘85 tant with the Dallas Cowboys for three Year in coaching______30th years (1998-2000), working with the wide Wife______Lartonyar receivers (including future Hall of Famer Children______Dantrell, Trey, Tawanda Michael Irvin) and special teams. Working under Gailey, the 1998 and 1999 Cowboys COACHING ASSIGNMENTS advanced to the NFL playoffs and the 1998 squad won the NFC East title. 2014-______Running Backs______Texas He went to the Cowboys after a brief 2013______Passing Game Coordinator/Running Backs______USC three-month stop as the running backs 2010-12______Running Backs______Arizona Cardinals coach at UNLV in the spring of 1998. Before 2007-09______Running Backs______Miami (Fla.) that, he coached running backs at Utah State 2006______Running Backs______Memphis for two years (1992-93), helping the Aggies 2003-05______Tight Ends______Georgia Tech advance to the 1993 Las Vegas Bowl II, their 2002______Wide Receivers______Georgia Tech first bowl appearance in 32 years and only 2001______Running Backs______Oklahoma State fourth in school history to that point. He longtime assistant coach at both the 1998-2000_____Offensive Assistant/WRs/Special Teams______Dallas Cowboys collegiate and professional levels, 1994-97______Wide Receivers______TCU coached Abu Wilson and Tai Gordon who Tommie Robinson is in his second 1992-93______Running Backs______Utah State were second team All-Big West Conference Aseason as the Texas running backs coach. 1991______Graduate Assistant______Arkansas picks in 1992. Profail Grier was a first team Robinson has spent time with some of 1991 (spring)___Restricted Earnings Coach______Troy State all-league running back in 1993. the most storied teams in college and the 1988-90______Assistant Coach______Central (Ala.) High School Robinson went on to coach wide receiv- NFL. He was the passing game coordina- 1986-87______Assistant Coach______Woodham (Fla.) High School ers for four years (1994-97) at TCU, helping tor/running backs coach at USC in 2013 the Horned Frogs in reaching the 1994 and previously served as an assistant with COLLEGE BOWL/NFL POSTSEASON EXPERIENCE Independence Bowl. He coached John Miami (Fla.) and the Dallas Cowboys. Washington, who was an All-Southwest He helped Texas post some of its best 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas Conference pick in 1995 and went on to play rushing games in the second half of 2014 2013______Las Vegas Bowl______USC in the NFL for New York Giants and Dallas as the Longhorns overcame a 3-5 start to 2009______Champs Sports Bowl______Miami (Fla.) Cowboys, and Jimmy Oliver, who played 2008______Emerald Bowl______Miami (Fla.) become bowl eligible. Behind Malcolm for the San Diego Chargers and Cowboys, 2004______Champs Sports Bowl______Georgia Tech Brown and Johnathan Gray, UT posted 200- as well as the Ottawa Roughriders in the 2003______Humanitarian Bowl______Georgia Tech plus rushing yard games in wins over Texas CFL. In addition, Jason Tucker was one of 2002______Silicon Valley Classic______Georgia Tech Tech and then No. 24/25 West Virginia. his pupils and played professionally for two 2000______Playoffs______Dallas Cowboys Brown, who ended his career No. 9 on the years (1999-00) for Dallas and seven (2002- 1999______Playoffs______Dallas Cowboys Texas all-time rushing yards list (2,678), 08) for the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. 1998______Playoffs______Dallas Cowboys Robinson also aided in the development of had a team-best 708 yards on the ground 1994______Independence Bowl______TCU and six touchdowns. He earned second team running back LaDainian Tomlinson who 1993______Las Vegas II Bowl______Utah State was a freshman during the 1997 season and All-Big 12 honors from league coaches and 1991______Independence Bowl______Arkansas went on to sign as a free agent with St. Louis went on to a long Pro Bowl career. following the 2015 NFL Draft. Gray was sec- He began his college coaching career as 228 yards against the St. Louis Rams that followed up with a career-high 841 rushing a restricted earnings coach at Troy State ond on the team with 637 rushing yards and season. The Cardinals’ rushing attack was yards in 2008, capturing team MVP honors. a team-high seven scores after missing the in the spring of 1991 and then moved hampered in 2012 by injuries and the 2010 Robinson spent the 2006 season as the on to become a graduate assistant that end of the 2013 campaign with an Achilles offense was primarily pass-oriented. running backs coach at the University of injury. fall at Arkansas when the the Razorbacks Prior to his stint with Arizona, Robinson Memphis, following a four-year stint as an advanced to the Independence Bowl. In 2013 at USC, Robinson led a running spent three seasons (2007-09) as the run- assistant at Georgia Tech (2002-05), where back unit that had four players gain more Robinson started coaching at the high ning backs coach at Miami (Fla.), helping he coached under Chan Gailey, for whom he school level, guiding Woodham High in than 350 rushing yards, which helped the the Hurricanes reach the 2008 Emerald played at Troy State and worked under as an Trojans win six of their last seven games, Pensacola (Fla.) in 1986 and 1987 and Bowl and 2009 Champs Sports Bowl. assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys. Central High in Phenix City (Ala.), his alma including a dominating 45-20 win over Robinson tutored one of the most talent- At Georgia Tech, Robinson coached wide Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl. Javorius mater, from 1988 to 1990. ed running back trios in the Atlantic Coast receivers for one season before becoming During his various college stops, he also ‘Buck’ Allen, the team’s leading rusher with Conference in 2009. Graig Cooper, Damien the tight ends coach, where he tutored for- 785 yards and 14 rushing scores (19th in served minority coaching internships with Berry and Javarris James shared the carries, mer NFL players John Paul Foschi and the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Rams, the nation) earned All-Pac-12 honors. Tre with Cooper logging a team-high 695 yards Darius Williams. During the 2002 season, Madden, who led the Pac-12 in rushing Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. and Berry posting a 6.6 yards-per-carry Robinson worked with standout receiv- He was a four-year letterwinner, three- before getting injured, gained 703 yards average and eight rushing TDs. ers Kerry Watkins and Will Glover, who on the season. In addition, first-year start- year starter at strong safety and team cap- Robinson also coached one of the best both finished their careers among the top tain as a senior at Troy State, where he was ing quarterback Cody Kessler ranked 26th young running back tandems in the country five receivers in Georgia Tech history. The nationally in passing efficiency (148.8 rat- a member of the 1984 Division II national in 2007. James, then a sophomore, and Yellow Jackets played in three bowl games championship team. Robinson played his ing). Cooper, a true freshman, combined for in that four-year stretch: 2002 Silicon Valley Robinson spent the previous three sea- final two seasons under Gailey and received 1,354 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Classic, 2004 Humanitarian Bowl and 2004 his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at sons (2010-12) coaching the running backs Cooper’s 682 yards were the third most Champs Sports Bowl. with the Arizona Cardinals. In 2011, he Troy State in 1985. yards by a UM freshman and he ranked At Memphis, he tutored running back He and his wife, Lartonyar, have two helped Beanie Wells become the first player fourth nationally in rushing among true Joseph Doss who went on to become the in franchise history to run for at least 1,000 sons, Dantrell and Trey, and a daughter freshmen. He also earned freshman All- fifth-leading rusher in school history. Tawanda. yards and 10 touchdowns. Wells also set a America honors from Sporting News. He He spent the 2001 season as the running franchise single-game rushing record with www.TexasSports.com 67 Jeff Traylor Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator
THE TRAYLOR FILE Hometown______Gilmer, Texas High school______Gilmer (Gilmer, Texas) College______Stephen F. Austin ‘89 Year in coaching______27th Wife______Cari Children______Jordan, Jake, Jaci COACHING ASSIGNMENTS
2015-______Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator______Texas 2000-14______Head Coach______Gilmer (Texas) High School 1993-99______Assistant Coach______Jacksonville (Texas) High School 1989-92______Assistant Coach______Big Sandy (Texas) High School
Arlington and had eight different players earn 4A All-State honors from either the eff Traylor, the former head coach Associated Press or Texas Sports Writers and athletics director at Gilmer Association. [Texas] High School, is in his first Gilmer’s two other state titles under Jseason as tight ends and special teams Traylor both came in 3A in 2004 coach at Texas. (Division 2) and 2009 (Division 1), Traylor, who was hired in February, before the change in class structure in was Gilmer’s head coach for the past 15 Texas high school football moved the seasons (2000-14), amassing three state school into 4A last season. championships (2004, ‘09 ‘14) and a 175- Prior to Gilmer, Traylor was an assis- 26 overall record (.871). He also led GHS tant coach at Jacksonville [Texas] High to state runner-up finishes in 2007 and School from 1993-99, where he served 2012, along with 12 district titles. as passing coordinator, defensive backs Gilmer has reached the 10-win mark coach, receivers coach and special teams 11 times under Traylor’s direction, all coordinator. in the last 12 years, while also recording Traylor began his coaching career at seven 13-win campaigns. The Buckeyes Big Sandy [Texas] High School, where reached the 15-win plateau three times, he spent four years as an assistant coach all of which resulted in undefeated state from 1989-1992. championship years, including two 16-0 A 1986 graduate of Gilmer High marks in 2004 and 2014. School, Traylor earned both undergradu- Two former Longhorns who have had ate and graduate degrees in education NFL careers played under Traylor at from Stephen F. Austin while playing Gilmer in CB Curtis Brown and C David football as a walk-on. Snow. Brown lettered at Texas from Traylor and his wife, Cari, have two 2007-10, and was a 2011 third-round sons, Jordan, who is a quarterback at pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing Texas A&M, and Jake, and one daughter, with the organization until 2013, and Jaci. recently signing with the New York Jets. Snow lettered at UT from 2008-11, sign- ing as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills (2012) before playing with the Steelers (2013). En route to the 4A Division 2 state title in 2014, the Gilmer offense put up the second-most points in the his- tory of Texas high school football with 950 in 16 games for an average of 59.4 points per game. The Buckeyes scored over 60 points on nine occasions, twice posting 80 or more. They also averaged 536.1 total yards per game (8,577) with a balanced 293.9 passing yards and 242.1 rushing yards per contest. The defense was equally impressive, allowing only 276 points (17.3 ppg) with five single-digit performances and two shutouts, while recording 23 intercep- tions and forcing 17 fumbles. Gilmer capped the season with a win over West Orange-Stark at AT&T Stadium in 68 2015 Texas Football Spring Guide • Coaches Profiles Chris Vaughn Defensive Backs
top five recruits and eight of top 12. The THE VAUGHN FILE class included a school-record four U.S. Hometown______Tallahassee, Fla. Army All-Americans. High school______Godby Prior to Ole Miss, Vaughn served on College______Murray State ‘98 the Arkansas staff for nine seasons (1999- Year in coaching______16th 2007), including four as recruiting coordi- Wife______Marquette nator. During his Razorbacks tenure, his Children______Christopher Matthew II, Cienna Marquette, Camryn McNeil coaching responsibilities included outside linebackers (2000-04), outside linebackers COACHING ASSIGNMENTS and strong safeties (2001-03) and all safe- ties (2005, 2007). He spent the 2006 season 2015-______Defensive Backs______Texas as the director of on-campus recruiting. 2014______Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coordinator______Texas Among his pupils at Arkansas were 2012-13______Cornerbacks______Memphis Tony Bua, a fifth-round pick by Miami 2008-11______Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator______Ole Miss in the 2004 NFL Draft; Vickiel Vaughn, a 2007______Safeties______Arkansas seventh-round pick of the San Francisco 2006______Director of On-Campus Recruiting______Arkansas 49ers; and Matt Hewitt, who signed a free 2005______Safeties______Arkansas agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. In 2004______Outside Linebackers______Arkansas 2003, Vaughn directed a unit that helped hris Vaughn, who has served stints 2001-03______Outside Linebackers/Strong Safeties______Arkansas Arkansas finish 23rd in the nation in pass- at Memphis, Ole Miss and Arkansas, 2000______Outside Linebackers______Arkansas ing efficiency defense and 21st in pass is in his second season as defensive 2000 (Jan.-Feb.)_ Linebackers______Tulsa defense ranked third in pass efficiency Cbacks coach at Texas. 1999______Graduate Assistant______Arkansas Vaughn helped coach one of the top sec- defense. ondary’s in the nation during 2014, with the COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE As outside linebackers coach, Vaughn Longhorns ranking 11th nationally in pass- was instrumental in developing Bua into ing yards allowed (184.2 per game), 15th in 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas an All-SEC performer. Bua earned All-SEC passing efficiency defense (110.04) and 25th 2010______Cotton Bowl______Ole Miss honors from 2001-03 and ended his career in total defense (348.5 ypg). Cornerbacks 2009______Cotton Bowl______Ole Miss as Arkansas’ all-time tackles leader with Quandre Diggs and Duke Thomas, as well 2007______Capital One Bowl______Arkansas 408 stops. as safety Dylan Haines, earned All-Big 12 2003______Independence Bowl______Arkansas In 2001, Vaughn helped Arkansas’ honors. Those three combined for 10 of 2002______Music City Bowl______Arkansas defense rank second in red zone defense Texas’ 15 interceptions, which were tied for 2002______Cotton Bowl______Arkansas and third in turnover margin in the SEC. the 23th most in the country. 2000______Las Vegas Bowl______Arkansas The Razorbacks defense held opponents to Diggs (sixth round to Detroit) and safety 1999______Cotton Bowl______Arkansas scoring only 68.3 percent in the red zone Mykkele Thompson (fifth round to NY and posted a plus-five turnover margin. Memphis, the Tigers led Conference USA in the NCAA. The Rebels finished fourth Giants) ended up being selected in the 2015 Vaughn also helped coach a 2000 defen- in total defense in league games, giving in the SEC and 15th nationally in scoring NFL Draft. sive unit which led the SEC and was 12th up just 331.6 yards per game. Memphis defense (17.7 ppg) and fourth in the league Vaughn also served as special teams nationally in total defense, allowing only lowered its total yardage allowed in confer- and 21st nationally in total defense (314.7 coordinator last season when Texas had to 292.1 yards per game. ence games from the previous season by 30 ypg). After the season, Green and Vaughn replace Lou Groza finalist Anthony Fera, Vaughn began his Arkansas career as a percent and ranked 50th nationally in total signed NFL contracts with Arizona and who was also the punter in 2013. Place- graduate assistant in 1999, working with defense (383.6 yards per game). The Tigers Denver, respectively. kicker Nick Rose improved during 2014, the defense. Vaughn landed his first full- made a 67-position improvement from the In his first season with Ole Miss, Vaughn ending the year 14 of 21 on field goals, time coaching position less than a week 2011 season when they ranked 117th with a helped coach a Rebels defense that inter- including hitting five of his last six. Seniors after a Cotton Bowl win when he was 491.0 yards-per-game average. The rushing cepted 16 passes, which were eight more William Russ and Michael Davidson each named Tulsa’s linebackers coach on Jan. 3, defense ranked 32nd nationally, only sur- than the previous season. The unit also punted during the season, with Russ ending 2000. Vaughn’s tenure at Tulsa, however, rendering 138.0 yards per game. Memphis improved from 11th to fifth in scoring the year averaging 42.4 per attempt, which lasted fewer than six weeks. When a full- ranked last nationally in pass defense for defense and from 12th to fifth in total ranks fourth on the UT career list. time slot opened on the Razorbacks staff, the 2011 season but in Vaughn’s first sea- defense in the SEC. Vaughn spent the previous two seasons Nutt hired Vaughn back on Feb. 17, 2000, son the Tigers made a 42-spot improve- During his first spring drills as corner- serving as the University of Memphis cor- in time to prepare for spring practice. ment, allowing 245.6 yards passing in 2012. backs coach at Ole Miss, he faced the imme- nerbacks coach. In 2013, he helped coach Vaughn earned four letters as a line- The Tigers posted a 4-4 mark in diate challenge of transforming Green, a a defense that ranked 39th in the nation backer at Murray State. He was a member Conference USA, winning more league wide receiver, into a cornerback. Green in both total yards (370.7 ypg) and sacks of Murray State teams that claimed back- games in 2012 than the previous three entered the starting lineup in the third (2.3 pg), 44th in scoring defense (24.6 ppg) to-back Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) seasons combined. Memphis’ 4-8 overall contest of the 2008 season and started 22 and 12th in rushing defense (116.3 ypg). titles and made consecutive NCAA Division record marked the team’s best finish since games his final two seasons. Cornerback Bobby McCain, who ended up I-AA playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996. 2008. Under Vaughn’s watch, Green earned being taken by Miami in the fifth round of Vaughn earned All-OVC honors as a Prior to joining the Memphis staff, Defensive MVP honors in the 2009 AT&T the 2015 NFL Draft, played in only nine of senior in 1997, totaling 103 tackles, six Vaughn spent the previous four seasons Cotton Bowl Classic. The Ole Miss sec- the Tigers’ games, but led the team with six sacks and 10 TFL. He earned his bachelor’s (2008-11) at Ole Miss where he directed ondary limited Texas Tech All-American interceptions and 10 passes defended, while degree in advertising with a minor in art the defensive backs and served as the pro- Michael Crabtree to just 30 receiving yards CB Andrew Gaines was third on the team from Murray State in 1998. gram’s recruiting coordinator. in that game. in tackles with 64, and CB Bakari Hollier A native of Tallahassee, Fla., Vaughn Vaughn’s time at Ole Miss was high- As recruiting coordinator, Rivals.com led with eight pass breakups. Despite a 3-9 was an all-state linebacker, state wrestling lighted by a 2009 unit that was one of the named Vaughn one of the top 25 Recruiters record, Memphis had several defeats by runner-up and 4A state weightlifting cham- nation’s toughest pass defenses. With cor- in the nation. The Rebels’ 2010 class earned narrow margins, including by seven points pion at Godby High School. ners Marshay Green and Cassius Vaughn, even higher praise from Scout.com (No. to conference powers Central Florida and He and his wife, Marquette, are the Ole Miss ranked No. 11 in passing efficien- 15), while the 2011 signing class dominated Louisville. parents of Christopher Matthew Vaughn II, cy defense and No. 15 in passing defense the state of Mississippi, inking the state’s In 2012, Vaughn’s first season at Cienna Marquette and Camryn McNeil. www.TexasSports.com 69 Shawn Watson Assistant Head Coach for Offense/Quarterbacks
Senior quarterback Joe Ganz set single-season THE WATSON FILE school records for total offense (3,826) and Hometown______Carbondale, Ill. passing yards (3,568) and ranked 14th nation- High school______Carterville High School (Carbondale, Ill.) ally in passing efficiency (153.6 rating). He College______Southern Illinois ‘82 threw for 25 touchdowns while completing Year in coaching______34th 67.9 percent of his passes, finishing his career Wife______Anita with more than 20 Cornhusker records. In 2007, his first season as offensive coor- Children______Sons, Aaron and Adam; Daughter, Amber dinator/QB coach, the Huskers threw for a COACHING ASSIGNMENTS school-record 3,886 yards, including the top three passing days in Cornhusker history. The 2014-______Assistant Head Coach for Offense/Quarterbacks______Texas Nebraska offense ranked ninth nationally at 2012-13______Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks______Louisville 468.2 yards per game, A pair of Watson’s quarterbacks - Ganz and Sam Keller - helped 2011______Quarterbacks______Louisville Nebraska rank seventh nationally in passing 2007-10______Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks______Nebraska with a school-record 323.8 yards per game. 2006______Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator______Nebraska In his first season at Nebraska, Watson 2000-05______Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks______Colorado coached the tight ends and was the recruiting 1999______Quarterbacks______Colorado coordinator. Among his protégés was Matt 1997-98______Quarterbacks______Northwestern Herian, who finished his career with a Husker ormer Louisville offensive coordinator 1994-96______Head Coach______Southern Illinois tight end record for receptions (65) and receiv- Shawn Watson is in his second season 1990-93______Quarterbacks/Recruiting Coordinator______Miami (Ohio) ing yards (1,243). as assistant head coach for offense and 1989______Wide Receivers______Miami (Ohio) Watson made his first stop in the Big 12 in Fquarterbacks coach at Texas. 1987-88______Wide Receivers/Tight Ends______Miami (Ohio) 1999 when he became the quarterbacks coach Watson has an extensive resume, which 1986______Wide Receivers______Illinois at Colorado. He helped Mike Moschetti rank features stops in the Big 12 Conference, Big 1985______Tight Ends/Offensive Tackles______Illinois 13th nationally in passing efficiency (140.7 rat- Ten and Big East, as well as head-coaching 1983-84______Graduate Assistant______Illinois ing) and 14th in total offense (281.8 ypg) that experience. 1982______Graduate Assistant______Southern Illinois season. During 2014, Watson helped Texas over- He was elevated to offensive coordina- come the loss of starting quarterback David COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE tor/QB coach the following season and spent Ash in the season opener and gain bowl eligi- six years (1999-05) in Boulder, helping the bility by winning three of its last four regular 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas Buffalos win the Big 12 North Division four season games. Watson tutored sophomore 2013______Russell Athletic Bowl______Louisville times, including a conference title in 2001. quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, who three times 2013______Sugar Bowl______Louisville Colorado went 10-3 in 2001 in large part passed for more than 300 yards, which is tied 2011______Belk Bowl______Louisville due to an offense which ranked 20th nationally for fourth on UT’s single-season list. Swoopes, 2010______Holiday Bowl______Nebraska in total yards (434.4 ypg), including eighth in one of only two healthy scholarship signal-call- 2009______Holiday Bowl______Nebraska rushing (228.5 ypg). Bobby Purify and Chris ers on the roster for all but one game, became 2009______Gator Bowl______Nebraska Brown each rushed for more than 900 yards, one of five quarterbacks in school history to 2007______Cotton Bowl______Nebraska and Bobby Pesavento and Craig Ochs com- pass for 2,000 or more yards and rush for at bined for nearly 2,500 passing yards. least 200 yards. Despite playing behind a new 2005______Champs Bowl______Colorado 2004______EV1.net Houston Bowl______Colorado Watson coached quarterbacks at starting offensive line that lost starting center Northwestern for two seasons (1997-98) under Dominic Espinosa, Swoopes threw for 2,409 2002______Fiesta Bowl______Colorado 2002______Alamo Bowl______Colorado Gary Barnett after serving as head coach at yards and completed 58.3 percent of his passes. Southern Illinois, his alma mater, for three 1999______Insight.com______Colorado In addition, his red-zone passing efficiency years (1994-96). He coached 20 all-conference 1985______Peach______Illinois (229.45 rating) ranked seventh in the FBS. players during his time with the Salukis. 1984______Rose Bowl______Illinois Watson spent the previous three years Watson was named the coach at SIU after (2011-13) on Charlie Strong’s staff at an impressive seven-year (1987-93) run as an offense (314.0 yards per game) and 28th in duties midway through the season. After a 2-4 Louisville, serving as the quarterbacks coach assistant coach at Miami University. At Miami, total offense (460.8 ypg). start, Watson helped the Cardinals win five and taking over as offensive coordinator the Watson tutored the wide receivers/tight ends That season, Bridgewater, a junior, was a of their last six games to finish the regular last two seasons. He helped the Cardinals for two years (1987-88), wide receivers for one finalist for the Manning Award and a semifi- season 7-5 and earn a bid to the Belk Bowl. post a 30-9 record, win a pair of Big East (1989) and served as quarterbacks coach and nalist for both the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien The 2011 campaign saw Bridgewater earn Big Conference Championships (2011, 2012) and recruiting coordinator in his final four seasons awards. He threw for 3,970 yards and a school- East Rookie of the Year honors and freshman earn three bowl appearances, while tutoring (1990-93). record 31 touchdowns with only four intercep- All-America accolades, while offensive guard Teddy Bridgewater, one of the top quarter- Watson played three seasons in college. The tions and led the nation with a 71.0 completion Jake Smith became the first Cardinal player to backs in the nation who went on to become a native of Cardondale, Ill., spent 1978 at Illinois percentage. be named a FWAA Freshman All-American. first-round pick of Minnesota in the 2014 NFL before transferring to Southern Illinois where In 2012, Louisville posted an 11-2 record, Watson was elevated to offensive coordinator Draft. he played two seasons (1979-80) as a safety. He claimed a Big East Championship and finished following the season. There were also four offensive players from earned a bachelor’s degree in health education the year ranked 13th in the BCS Standings, Prior to Louisville, Watson spent four sea- last year’s Louisville team selected in the 2015 from SIU in 1982, then served as a graduate USA Today Coaches Poll and Associated Press sons (2007-10) at Nebraska. He directed an NFL Draft - wide receiver DeVante Parker assistant that season with the Salukis. Poll. The Cards capped the year with a 33-23 offense in 2010 that ranked ninth in the coun- (first round to Miami), offensive tackle Jamon Watson went on to spend four seasons upset win over fourth-ranked Florida in the try in rushing (247.6 ypg) and 39th in scoring Brown (third round to St. Louis), offensive on Mike White’s staff at Illinois. He was a Allstate Sugar Bowl. Bridgewater was named (30.9 ppg). That rushing total was more than guard John Miller (third round to Buffalo) and graduate assistant for two seasons (1883-84) Big East Player of the Year and ranked eighth 100 yards better than the previous season when tight end Gerald Christian (seventh round to before being elevated to a full-time position. in the nation in passing efficiency, helping the the Cornhuskers were playing with first-year Arizona). He coached tight ends and offensive tackles in Cardinals finish No. 3 in the FBS in red-zone starter Zac Lee under center and had three true In 2013, Louisville finished 12-1 and led 1985 and the wide receivers in 1986. During efficiency (93.0%), tied for sixth in turnovers freshmen score during the season, a program the nation in completion percentage (70.8), that time, the Illini won the Big Ten title lost (13), eighth in third-down conversions record. fewest passes intercepted (4) and fewest turn- (1983), their first in 20 years, and made two (49.7%) and 24th in passing offense (296.1 In 2008, Nebraska ranked 12th nationally overs lost (10), and was second in third-down bowl appearances. ypg). in total offense (450.8 ypg), 15th in passing conversions (56.0 percent) and time of posses- A member of 15 bowl teams, Watson and Watson came to Louisville in 2011 as the offense (281.0 ypg), 15th in passing efficiency sion (33:49). The Cardinals also ranked third his wife Anita, have a daughter, Amber, and quarterbacks coach, and took over play-calling (154.5 rating) and 17th in scoring (35.4 ppg). in passing efficiency (171.9), 16th in passing two sons, Aaron and Adam. 70 2015 Texas Football Spring Guide • Coaches Profiles Joe Wickline Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
Oklahoma State offensive line blocked for an THE WICKLINE FILE offense that ranked sixth in the nation in total offense (487.7 ypg), ninth in scoring offense Hometown______St. Petersburg, Fla. (40.8 ppg), eighth in rushing offense (245.5 High school______Northeast High School (St. Petersburg, Fla.) ypg), fifth in pass efficiency (164.7) and 17th College______Florida ‘83 in fewest sacks allowed (16). That team also Year in coaching______34th finished the season 9-4 and was ranked No. Wife______Nicki 16/18, while Okung earned the first of his Children______Lacey, Kelby, Lauren first-team All-Big 12 honors. The 2007 offensive line keyed an offense COACHING ASSIGNMENTS that defined balance, finishing the season with exactly 3,161 yards both rushing and 2014-______Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line______Texas passing. The 243.15 rushing yards per game 2005-13______Offensive Line______Oklahoma State ranked eighth in the nation, while the com- 2002-04______Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator______Florida bined 486.3 total yards ranked seventh. The 1999-2001_____OL/Running Game/Recruiting Coordinator___ Middle Tenn. State Cowboys were also 15th in passing efficiency (145.1) and third in sacks allowed with 11, 1997-98______Offensive Line______Baylor while scoring 34.6 ppg, which was 22nd 1996______Head Coach______SW Miss. CC nationally. 1995______Offensive Line______Pearl River CC Oklahoma State’s balance in 2006 was 1988-94______Offensive Line______Mississippi close to that of 2007 with the line paving the oe Wickline, the former offensive line 1984-87______Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line______Delta State way for 208.0 rushing yards per game (7th coach at Oklahoma State and Florida, is 1984______Graduate Assistant______Tennessee NCAA) and 201.8 passing yards, leading to in his second year as the Texas offensive 1982-83______Graduate Assistant______Florida 409.8 total yards (16th NCAA). The offense Jcoordinator and offensive line coach. also ranked seventh nationally in scoring Wickline developed an offensive line in COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE (35.2 ppg) and 26th in pass efficiency (143.7). 2014 that was nearly void of any starting Corey Hilliard was a unanimous first-team experience after the loss of three-year start- 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas All-Big 12 selection and went on to be drafted ing center Dominic Espinosa to injury in the 2014______Cotton Bowl______Oklahoma State by the New England Patriots. season opener. Wickline used six starting In his first season at OSU, Wickline helped 2013______Heart of Dallas Bowl______Oklahoma State combinations along the line, including five Charlie Johnson make a successful transition first-time starters, as Texas went on to post 2012______Fiesta Bowl______Oklahoma State to tackle from tight end. Johnson became the its best rushing results in the second half of 2010______Alamo Bowl______Oklahoma State first OSU offensive lineman selected in the the season. 2010______Cotton Bowl______Oklahoma State NFL Draft since 1985 when Indianapolis took The Longhorns, who overcame a 3-5 start 2008______Holiday Bowl______Oklahoma State him in 2006. to become bowl eligible, had 241 rushing 2007______Insight Bowl______Oklahoma State Prior to Oklahoma State, Wickline served yards in a win over Texas Tech, and 227 in 2006______Independence Bowl______Oklahoma State three seasons (2002-04) as offensive line a victory over then-No. 24/25 West Virginia. 2004______Peach Bowl______Florida coach at Florida, the last two of which were Despite playing with first-year starting quar- 2004______Outback Bowl______Florida also as running game coordinator. terback Tyrone Swoopes, Wickline helped 2003______Outback Bowl______Florida At Florida, Wickline worked for two sea- direct Texas to an average of 440.5 yards of sons with Strong when the UT head coach 1992______Liberty Bowl______Mississippi total offense in wins over Iowa State, Texas was the defensive coordinator. Wickline Tech, West Virginia and Oklahoma State. 1990______Gator Bowl______Mississippi coached five All-Americans, including first- A 34-year coaching veteran, including the 1989______Liberty Bowl______Mississippi teamers Lomas Brown, Shannon Snell and previous nine at Oklahoma State, Wickline 1984______Sun Bowl______Tennessee Jeff Zimmerman. Wickline also coached Max was at the heart of offensive coaching staffs 1983______Gator Bowl______Florida Starks, a former UF tackle who now plays for that led the Cowboys to top 20 national 1982______Bluebonnet Bowl______Florida the Pittsburgh Steelers. finishes in total offense in 2006 (16th), 2007 Wickline went to Florida from Middle (seventh), 2008 (sixth), 2010 (third), 2011 Tennessee State, where he coached the offen- (third) and 2012 (fourth). In 2012, Oklahoma State ranked in the top then school-record 11th win to finish 11-2 10 in the nation in scoring offense (third/45.7 and a No. 13/10 ranking. Wickline took an sive line from 1999-2001 with the last of those From 2010-13, the Cowboys scored 50 seasons also as running game coordinator. or more points 19 times, broke the 60-point ppg), total offense (fourth/547.0 ypg), pass- offensive line that was replacing four start- ing offense (seventh/331.7 ypg) and sacks ers and turned it into a group that paved the Before his time at Middle Tennessee State, mark in seven contests, the 70-point mark Wickline spent two seasons in the Big 12 as twice and the 80-point plateau once with allowed (ninth/.92 pg), while ranking 21st in way for the nation’s third-ranked team in rushing as the team finished 8-5 with a win scoring offense (44.2 ppg) and total offense the offensive line coach at Baylor from 1997- Wickline’s linemen in the trenches. He 98 where he tutored NFL draft picks Derrick helped coach an Oklahoma State offense that over Purdue in the Heart of Texas Bowl. The (520.2 ypg), while finishing second in pass- offense also set school records in both aver- ing offense (345.9 ypg) and first in red zone Fletcher (New England Patriots) and Kelvin averaged at least 40 points per game in five Garmon (Dallas Cowboys). He also made of the last seven seasons. The line also paved age total offense and total yards (7,111). OG offense. It led the Big 12 in all of those cat- Lane Taylor was a unanimous first-team All- egories and also ranked first in pass efficiency stops at SW Mississippi Community College the way for six consecutive first-team All-Big (1996), Pearl River Community College 12 running backs from 2007-12, a 1,000-yard Big 12 selection and signed with the Green (155.2) and fewest sacks allowed with just Bay Packers. 10. Wickline helped guide junior OL Levy (1995), and Ole Miss (1988-94). rusher in five of the past six seasons, and a Wickline’s first full-time coaching 1,000-yard receiver in six of the past eight The 2011 season was one of the best in Adcock from minimal playing time prior to Oklahoma State history as the team went 2010 to a first-team All-Big 12 selection, also position was at Delta State University in seasons. Mississippi from 1984-87 after being a gradu- Wickline coached the 2009 and 2011 12-1, finished No. 3 in both polls, captured earning votes for Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Big 12 Championship and won the Fiesta the Year. ate assistant at both Tennessee (1984) and his recipients of the Big 12 Offensive Lineman alma mater, Florida (1982-83). As a player, of the Year Award, with tackle Russell Okung Bowl against Stanford. The team’s only loss In 2009, the Cowboys were also one of was in double overtime against Iowa State. the most balanced offenses in the nation, he was a three-year letterman with the Gators securing the recognition in 2009 and center and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray Grant Garner taking home the accolade in The Cowboys ranked second nationally in averaging 376.2 yards per game that included scoring offense (48.7 ppg) and passing offense 179.5 passing yards and a Big 12-leading Game following his senior season. He also 2011. lettered one season in wrestling. During 2013, OSU tied for the lead in (387.2 ypg), third in total offense (545.9 ypg) 187.8 rushing yards, while again leading the and 11th in sacks allowed (.92 pg). The conference in fewest sacks allowed with 12. A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., Wickline the Big 12 with Texas and Baylor going into earned his bachelor’s degree from UF in the final weekend of the regular season. The offense set school records for points scored OSU finished 9-4 and ranked No. 25 in the (633), passing yards (5,034) and completion coaches poll. Okung was named a unani- health, physical education and recreation Cowboys ended the season 10-3 and ranked in 1983. He is married to the former Nicki 17th in both polls. The offense finished 14th percentage (72.0 percent). Both Garner and mous first-team All-American and was the OT Levy Adcock were selected first-team All- only offensive finalists for the 2009 Outland Sturdivant and has three children, Lacey, in the nation in scoring at 39.1 ppg and OT Kelby and Lauren. Parker Graham earned first-team All-Big 12 Big 12, with Adcock a unanimous choice. Trophy before becoming a first-round selec- honors. The Cowboys capped 2010 with a 36-10 tion by the Seattle Seahawks. win over Arizona in the Alamo Bowl for a Under Wickline’s tutelage, the 2008 www.TexasSports.com 71 Pat Moorer Head Coach for Strength & Conditioning
THE MOORER FILE Association in 2006, the highest honor that can be achieved in the Hometown______Pensacola, Fla. profession. High school______Escambia High School Before his time at South Carolina, College______Florida ‘92 Moorer was the director of strength Year in coaching______24th Wife______Sharon and conditioning at the University of Children______Patrick II, Kaleb Ivan, Nina Rae Illinois for two years (1997-99). Moorer earned his bachelor of COACHING ASSIGNMENTS science in health and human perfor- mance from Florida in 1992. 2014-______Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Football______Texas A former walk-on, Moorer 2010-13______Head Strength and Conditioning Coach______Louisville 1999-2009_____Director of Strength and Conditioning______South Carolina earned a scholarship for the Gators, 1997-98______Director of Strength and Conditioning______Illinois where he played inside linebacker for 1995-96______Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning______Florida four seasons, was the SEC Freshman 1992-94______Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach______South Carolina of the Year in 1986, led UF in tackles in 1988-89 and was the team cap- COLLEGE BOWL EXPERIENCE tain as a senior. As a player, Moorer at Moorer is in his second sea- 2014______Texas Bowl______Texas appeared in three bowl games -- the son as the head strength and Aloha, All-American and Freedom conditioning coach for football 2013______Russell Athletic Bowl______Louisville 2013______Sugar Bowl______Louisville Bowl. Pat Texas. 2011______Belk Bowl______Louisville After graduating from Florida, Moorer came to Texas after four 2010______Beef `O’ Brady’s Bowl______Louisville Moorer played linebacker for the San years on Charlie Strong’s staff at the 2010______PapaJohn’s.com Bowl______South Carolina Diego Chargers in 1990 before moving University of Louisville, where he 2009______Outback Bowl______South Carolina to the Frankfurt (Germany) Galaxy of helped the Cardinals post a 37-15 2006______Liberty Bowl______South Carolina the World Professional League (later record, including 23-3 mark over the 2005______Independence Bowl______South Carolina 2002______Outback Bowl______South Carolina NFL Europe) in 1991-92. last two seasons. Moorer returned to Florida in Last season, Moorer helped the 2001______Outback Bowl______South Carolina 1997______Sugar Bowl (*National Championship Game)______Florida 1992 as assistant strength and con- Longhorns rally from a 3-5 start to 1996______Fiesta Bowl (*National Championship Game)______Florida ditioning and was named coordina- reach a bowl game while training 1995______Carquest Bowl______South Carolina tor of strength and conditioning in a team which had 10 players either 1995, a position he held until his selected in the 2015 NFL Draft or sign nine of Moorer’s former players at 2014 NFL Draft, including QB Teddy move to Illinois in 1997. Moorer’s as free agents. Louisville were picked in the 2015 Bridgewater, S Calvin Pryor and DE time as a player at Florida overlapped Defensive tackle Malcom Brown draft. Marcus Smith. with Strong’s second tenure with the (first round to New England), Jordan A native of Pensacola, Fla., Prior to his time at Louisville, Gators, while his time as a strength Hicks (third round to Philadelphia), Moorer had an immediate impact Moorer was the director of strength coach at UF overlapped with Strong’s safety Mykkele Thompson (fifth on the Cardinals, helping a team that and conditioning at the University third tenure at the school. round to NY Giants), cornerback went 15-21 the three years prior to of South Carolina from 1999-2009. Moorer also served as the per- Quandre Diggs (sixth round to his arrival, including a 4-8 mark in With the Gamecocks, Moorer man- sonal trainer to former Florida run- Detroit) and tight end Geoff Swaim 2009, to back-to-back 7-6 marks his aged four strength facilities and eight ning back Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s (seventh round to Dallas) were taken first two seasons on staff. In 2012, strength and conditioning coaches. all-time leading rusher. in the draft and deep snapper Nate Louisville went 11-2 with a Sugar For four years he worked alongside A 1986 graduate of Escambia Boyer (Seattle), running back Malcom Bowl win over Florida, Moorer’s alma Strong, who was defensive coordina- High School, Moorer and his wife, Brown (St. Louis), wide receiver mater, and in 2013 the Cardinals went tor there from 1999-2002. Sharon, have two sons, Patrick II, John Harris (Philadelphia), defen- 12-1 with a win over Miami (Fla.) in Moorer was presented with the and Kaleb Ivan, and a daughter Nina sive end Cedric Reed (Buffalo) and the Russell Athletic Bowl. The pro- certification of Master Strength and Rae. Moorer is a 2001 graduate of the wide receiver Jaxon Shipley (Arizona) gram went on to have three play- Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Sports Management Institute. signed as free agents. In addition, ers selected in the first round of the Strength & Conditioning Coaches
For a complete listing of all staff, please visit the football staff page at TexasSports.com
72 2015 Texas Football Spring Guide • Coaches Profiles