As already referenced in the FanPosts (by littlebrother), CRN has finally stopped making Godot look punctual and made his pick for the long-vacant defensive coordinator position, hiring Joe Tresey, formerly of the University of South Florida and the University of Cincinnati as our new DC. Tresey spent the 2010 season as defensive backs coach for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.
From the official site:
Joe Tresey, who has served as defensive coordinator at both Cincinnati and South Florida, has been named defensive coordinator at UCLA, Bruin head coach Rick Neuheisel announced today.
"Joe has had outstanding success at both Cincinnati and South Florida and I know he is going to be successful here at UCLA," said Neuheisel. "He has an aggressive style that forces turnovers and negative-yardage plays and I feel our players, especially our youngsters, will benefit greatly from his style of play. He is a fine teacher and I can't wait for him to get started."
Took CRN a while, but it looks like he made a solid pick at the almost-eleventh hour.
CRN has reportedly wanted a more aggressive style of defense, and regular BNers have often wondered what a new D would look like if our talented youngsters were allowed to make plays. Well, if wishes were horses, it looks like we're all in for a ride (emphasis added)
In 2009, South Florida ranked 24th nationally in total defense (321.8 yards) and 19th (tied) in scoring defense (19.8 points) while compiling a record of 8-5. The Bulls forced 23 turnovers that season.
Tresey spent two seasons (2007-08) as defensive coordinator at Cincinnati under current Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly. In 2007, he authored a Bearcat defense that led the nation in turnovers gained (42) and interceptions (26). A pair of Bearcat defenders earned All-America honors and two others were selected in the 2008 NFL Draft. UC finished 13th nationally in scoring defense (18.8) and 19th in rush defense (114.2) and put five of 11 defensive starters on the All-Big East team.
In 2008, Cincinnati ranked 31st nationally in total defense (321.9 yards), 19th in rushing defense (115.0) and 25th in scoring defense (20.1 points).
We didn't see this coming, but we're glad we're here. If the paper profileholds up, then we appear to have all the boxes on the list checked off.
Aggressiveness? See the record at USF and Cincinnati.
Experience? 14+ years coaching at various college levels, 3 years DC at Div. I level, and 5 years DC at lower college levels, too.
Up-and-comer? Looks like it here from the cheap seats.
Price? Safe to say that a Pac-10 salary is probably more handsome than USF or the UFL.
Took you long enough, CRN, but glad you made it. Welcome aboard, Coach Tresey!
M