There’s been a shuffling of shorts among defensive coordinators in the Lone Star State.
Houston announced earlier today that defensive coordinator David Gibbs had turned down an offer to remain aboard Tom Herman‘s program, and it was a lucrative one at that.Source: #UH offer to keep @CoachDavidGibbs: new 2-year, $1.15M deal. Includes $175K increase, play-calling duties and could keep 1 staffer
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) January 6, 2015
There was a very good reason for that, it turns out. Texas Tech announced Gibbs as its defensive coordinator on Monday night; defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator Zac Spavital is coming along as well.
“I am extremely excited to have Coach Gibbs and Coach Spavital join our staff,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said in a statement. “What they were able to accomplish in their short time at the University of Houston is incredible. Coach Gibbs developed UH into a Top-20 defense that lead the country in turnovers over a two-year span. With stops in both College Football and the NFL, Coach Gibbs will bring experience and ingenuity to our defensive unit.”
Gibbs specialized in turning opponents over. The Cougars forced 43 turnovers a year ago, the most since 2011, and tied for 10th nationally this season with 30 takeaways. Texas Tech forced 34 turnovers - total - over the past two seasons. The Red Raiders are just 3-14 in their last 17 games against Power Five competition and fixing their abysmal turnover margin will go a long way toward fixing that. They ranked 123rd in 2013 and 119th this fall.
“I couldn’t be more excited about joining Coach Kingsbury and the rest of our coaching staff,” Gibbs said. “I have followed Kliff’s career and believe special things are happening in Lubbock. There are several talented, young defensive players that will contribute for years to come. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to getting started soon.”
Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports that Gibbs signed a two-year deal worth $550,000 a year, which is less than what he had on the table to stay at Houston. The Red Raiders also announced that interim defensive coordinator Mike Smith will remain on staff as co-defensive coordinator, and that running backs coach Mike Jinks has been promoted to associate head coach.
Houston wasted no time announcing Gibbs’ replacement, pulling Todd Orlando away from Utah State. As the Aggies’ defensive coordinator the past two years, Orlando ranked 12th (19.7 points per game, 2014) and seventh (17.1 points per game, 2013) nationally in scoring defense.
“When you look at the success Utah State has had defensively over the last two seasons, we are excited to add Todd Orlando as our defensive coordinator,” Herman in a statement. “His defensive style is both aggressive, as evident by the sacks and tackles for loss number, and opportunistic, ranking among the nation’s best in turnovers.”
Houston also announced the hiring of Craig Naivar (assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach), Jason Washington (special teams coordinator/cornerbacks coach), Drew Mehringer (wide receivers coach) and Corby Meekins (tight ends coach).
