Syracuse defense now ‘uncoordinated’

By Darrell Laurant  |   Sunday, February 10, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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It may be a matter of opinion whether the Syracuse University football program is a sinking ship, but defensive coordinator Steve Russ is leaving it.

Wake Forest University announced over the weekend that Russ had been hired as a defensive assistant, although his exact duties weren't revealed. Russ played for Wake coach Jim Grobe at the Air Force Academy, and is regarded as one of the best young defensive coaches in the country.

Russ was one of the first assistants hired by Greg Robinson when Robinson moved from Texas to SU in 2005, coaching linebackers in '05 and '06 while Robinson served as defensive coordinator. He was made DC in '07 when Robinson decided juggling the two jobs was too taxing.

A former Denver Bronco, Russ played five years in the NFL and has two Super Bowl rings.

Commentary : This is not good news for Syracuse, because it's late in the game to find someone else of Russ' caliber. There is always the possibility that Robinson could assume control of the defense again -- the job he did so well at Texas -- but he caught considerable criticism attempting the dual role as the Orange offense floundered.

Syracuse was 2-10 last season (although the offense performed credibly, given its long periods on the field), and Robinson has been given one more year to turn things around.
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