Before we hire anybody for our new Defensive Coordinator I want to make sure everybody knows what our expectations are at App State and where the bar is set for anybody taking on this job going forward.

2018 App State Defensive Statistics for FBS (just pulled today so may or may not include all bowl data, just use this as a general guideline)
Total Defense - #5 - 15.7 ppg
Passing Defense - #3 - 148 ypg
Rushing Defense - #30 - 131 ypg

Basically we have had top 25-30 FBS defenses for the last 3-4 yrs. This isn't an anomaly. This is the new bar and any new coaches coming in should know what is expected. Anything less is unacceptable.

We all understand that year to year we have different personnel and it may fluctuate some but the bottom line is that we should EXPECT the new DC to maintain or improve on this level. The new hire should know this when they take the job and each year they should be graded on their results.

So now that we know who that DC is are we going to hold him to that expectation?

No reason to expect a major drop off. This defense should be equally as good as this past year's. New coaches and new wrinkles, may be even better.

the talent should be improved, some unproven, but improved. Coaching is assuredly better. So as long as the chemistry is there, we should be ok and similar statistics should be expected.

We will be breaking in a new starter at DT next season (I think). That is a huge position in the 3-4, Stout has been a beast there. I see that as one potential starting place for a step back as the rotation gets set there. Even though we only lose a couple starters on defense, they are extremely important players, in important positions. I wouldn’t be surprised to see growing pains, regardless of who is the DC.