TCU and head coach Sonny Dykes introduced in two new hires to repair the protection. They employed Andy Avalos to be the brand new defensive coordinator and Ken Wilson to be the linebackers coach.
Most just lately, Avalos was the pinnacle coach at Boise State, the place he went 22-14 earlier than being fired halfway via this 12 months's season. He received Mountain West Coach of the 12 months in 2022 after a 10-win season that led the Broncos to the convention championship recreation. Previous to Boise, Avalos was the defensive coordinator at Oregon, the place his protection helped the Geese win two Pac-12 championships. His efforts made him a finalist for the 2019 Broyles Award, given to the highest assistant coach in faculty soccer.
As for Wilson, he reunites with Avalos. He served as linebackers coach at Oregon through the 2019-20 seasons.
Avalos and Wilson carry with them a system that has confirmed profitable in Oregon. In contrast to Joe Gillespie's Three-Three-5 protection, each coaches wish to rush 4. This could result in extra sacks attributable to elevated strain from TCU's defensive entrance. Their expertise ought to show to have a big effect on a TCU protection that struggled mightily in 2023.
These two have a historical past, however now they should take this TCU protection and get their system proper.
The most important adjustment for this unit will come within the secondary. Avalos and Wilson should modify the corners and safeties to solely have 4 males in protection in comparison with 5 in earlier years. Conditioning and overlaying extra floor will probably be key for the defensive backs.
The brand new employees may even have to repair the poor cross display protection. Coach Prime and Colorado uncovered this weak point in Week 1 and it has confirmed to be the Achilles heel for this Frog protection all season. With an elevated emphasis on pace, the Frogs ought to enhance in defending the quick passing recreation.
Studying an entire new defensive scheme isn’t simple. Some rising pains are to be anticipated as Avalos will get issues simply the best way he desires them. Issues will enhance in the long term, however within the rapid future, there could also be some wrinkles to iron out.
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