Scott Shafer to Terps as DC

Submitted by JoeyFootball19 on

Scott Shafer to Terps as DC. Looks like Durkin scooped him up

Ex-Syracuse coach Scott Shafer is the new defensive coordinator for Terrapins coach D.J. Durkin per source.

— Thayer Evans (@ThayerEvansSI) December 8, 2015
MGoBoard

alum96

December 8th, 2015 at 1:28 PM ^

My question with Shannon is why isn't he hired now if he is a legit candidate.  Why wait a month?  UF has co-DCs ala OSU so he could be here tomorrow if he was the guy they want.  It strikes me as puzzling if he is the guy they want he is not working for us today.  Esp to help us with all these FL kids. 

Joined: 04/28/2012

MGoPoints: 82424

GoBlueinMN

December 8th, 2015 at 7:19 PM ^

I'm thinking, if anything, both sides have expressed mutual interest and have agreed to postpone any further discussions until after the bowl game in the spirit of fair competition. Just trying to think of how Harbaugh would think (if that is possible).

Joined: 01/29/2010

MGoPoints: 14119

alum96

December 8th, 2015 at 1:26 PM ^

Bomb averted - Syracuse D ave in the 70s/80s in FEI his 3 yrs there as HC i.e. Purdue level.  As a DC there did ok with most ranks around 40 but plenty of other candidates show at least 1-2 yrs of spiking into the top 20 at least.  Never anything like that in 7 yrs.

Joined: 04/28/2012

MGoPoints: 82424

Wolverine 73

December 8th, 2015 at 1:26 PM ^

But I suspect Harbaugh had someone specific in mind, has talked to him and gotten his agreement to join Michigan, but he is not in a position to switch jobs just yet.  If Harbaugh wanted Scott, he would have grabbed him already.

Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 27184

alum96

December 8th, 2015 at 1:31 PM ^

Herman stayed at OSU thru  playoff game but it was announced well ahead he was leaving.  Narduzzi stayed at MSU thru NY6 bowl but it was announced well ahead he was leaving. Smart staying with Bama thru playoff game but move to GA already announced, etc.

So I dont see anyone in the college game that could not be announced immediately.  Even if its mutually decided he stays at old haunts thru bowl game.

Makes me think its a NFL guy.

Joined: 04/28/2012

MGoPoints: 82424

Chiwolve

December 8th, 2015 at 1:34 PM ^

Yes, but in fairness those were coordinators going to fill HC positions at schools completely unlinked to their current employers. I think it's a little different to say "I'm taking a lateral move (interpretation) to become the Defensive Coordinator for the team that I'm supposed to be 100% focused on helping you prepare to beat in 4 weeks."

Joined: 08/26/2011

MGoPoints: 5795

alum96

December 8th, 2015 at 1:45 PM ^

I don't see Collins coming north - that's a southern boy thru and thru.

Developed those nasty Miss State defenses of late with "lesser talent".  Also a linebacker coach.  Tons of exposure to deep south as well.  Shannon had the benefit of a lot better talent in his Miami days than a guy at MSU (south) ever gets.

http://www.gatorzone.com/football/staff/collins

These were 2 good hires as DCs by McElwain.  Surprised they agreed to be co-DCs - they sort of have similar backgrounds aside from the HC experience of course by Shannon. 

  • In his first season as full-time defensive coordinator in 2013, Collins’ unit was one of the best in the SEC, ranking among the SEC’s top five in total defense (fourth - 349.3 yards per game), rushing defense (fourth – 144.2 yards per game) and pass defense (fifth – 205.2 yards per game).
  • Prior to earning the full-time defensive coordinator position at Mississippi State, he was the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for two seasons (2001-12) where developed linebacker Cameron Lawrence into All-SEC selection.   
  • As the defensive coordinator at FIU in 2010, Collins was a finalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.
  • His 2010 defense led the Sun Belt in total defense, scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and turnover margin, a year after ranking 119th nationally in total defense.
  • In 2008 at UCF, he helped the Knights defense rank second in Conference USA in total and scoring defense.
  • He spent a year at Alabama (2007) serving under Nick Saban as his director of player personnel.

Joined: 04/28/2012

MGoPoints: 82424

alum96

December 8th, 2015 at 1:38 PM ^

He doesnt need to stay at Miami.  They have 2 DCs.  Plenty of guys leave between the bowls  and don''t stick around at old school.   This is not a playoff or NY6 bowl game.  And is in a beneficial position where even if he leaves they still have a DC there.  So its an ideal program to leave with "non critical bowl" at stake and "peer who does the same job" installed.

Joined: 04/28/2012

MGoPoints: 82424

Chiwolve

December 8th, 2015 at 1:44 PM ^

Well, first he's not at Miami -- he's at Florida aka the school we are playing. Plus if he is hired and comes on board now what does JH do -- tell GMatt nevermind? Pull Partridge off the road? He is a DC fergodsakes -- very important, but will not be the reason why we secure a commitment with ~1 month left in recruiting season.

Joined: 08/26/2011

MGoPoints: 5795

alum96

December 8th, 2015 at 1:47 PM ^

obvious typo is obvious re: Miami.

At this point no he can't go back but I mean a week ago if that was his guy he could have pulled the string before the other announcements were made. 

Maybe Shannon will come over to our side at halftime of the bowl game ...

Joined: 04/28/2012

MGoPoints: 82424

Mr Miggle

December 8th, 2015 at 6:06 PM ^

They have important jobs to do at the new school, like putting together a staff. They all start that job, then come back for bowl practices. Smart is recruiting for UGA right now, for example. There is a balancing of responsibilities that all sides have to agree to. There is no similar need with an assistant coach.

Joined: 10/07/2010

MGoPoints: 47590