Defensive Scheme

[theLSkid]

The 4-2-5 is literally what we’ve ran for the last 8 years, nothing different.
The Husky position is another way of saying Nickel, or Star if you’re a Rams fan.
The 4-2-5 relies heavily on interior pass rush and versatile DB play, we did not have a nickel who could play the run game (bookie)
And the interior pass rush was non-existent, it’s hard for the DEs to sack a QB AND keep contain.

We played a 4-2-5 but with a regular nickel, not a hybrid safety/lb big nickel. The DL alignment and gap responsibilities will also be different.

We put way too much on our DTs in the run game, and on our DBs in the pass game. Worked well when we had elite corners and elite DTs. This year we only had elite corners.

Better to have a scheme where you find guys who can fill a role, rather than require certain positions to be good at everything.

You’re talking personnel differences and packages, not scheme. Look at TCU from 2009 vs 2019, looks like a different defense because the SS (their nickel) is a massive linebacker in 09, now he’s an Elijah molden type, it’s how football changes and who you can RECRUIT.

The DL will change because our younger guys weren’t able to slant techniques like a traditional 4-2-5, they didn’t have the ability and would get washed. We tried it, didn’t work. Playing a base front in a 4-2-5 is not what coaches want to do anyways.

I agree with what you said about DBs and DTs but that won’t change with this Fresno Scheme.

Recruit better players = Defense gets better

Now if you want to talk about Arandas 3-4 Tite front..

 

[DerekJohnson]

Will never understand Kwat hitching his wagon to Sark. Dude could have gone to any number of big-time programs.

Perplexing to say the least.

Simple. Jimmy is/was that bad.

Imagine doing all the work for your your subordinate only for him to get promoted to equal "co-DC" and then get a massive HC bag when you know he doesnt know shit, hasn't learned shit, and never did any of the actual work. I dont blame him.

Same feeling here. I have to admit that Kwat probably made the best choice. He damaged his reputation but that will fade and he made a fuck ton if money doing it. He got away from Jimmy which must've felt like the most important thing to him.

I dont know that I'd want him back. His success was with Petersen as HC. Pete's assistants, for the most part, overperform[/i][/b].

Say again?

His assistants are better under him than they do without him. Jonathan Smith is the only example I can think of that doesn't fit.

Same with James. We chased his assistants for a decade or more

Gilby was the exception then as an assistant not head coach. Could always coach the O line

Pinkel was the exception, and Mora Sr if you want to go back that far

 

[RaceBannon]

Will never understand Kwat hitching his wagon to Sark. Dude could have gone to any number of big-time programs.

Perplexing to say the least.

Simple. Jimmy is/was that bad.

Imagine doing all the work for your your subordinate only for him to get promoted to equal "co-DC" and then get a massive HC bag when you know he doesnt know shit, hasn't learned shit, and never did any of the actual work. I dont blame him.

Same feeling here. I have to admit that Kwat probably made the best choice. He damaged his reputation but that will fade and he made a fuck ton if money doing it. He got away from Jimmy which must've felt like the most important thing to him.

I dont know that I'd want him back. His success was with Petersen as HC. Pete's assistants, for the most part, overperform[/i][/b].

Say again?

His assistants are better under him than they do without him. Jonathan Smith is the only example I can think of that doesn't fit.

Same with James. We chased his assistants for a decade or more

Gilby was the exception then as an assistant not head coach. Could always coach the O line

Pinkel was the exception, and Mora Sr if you want to go back that far

Yes sir. But I was thinking assistants

 

[CH0Pwarlord]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

 

[digits]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

Losing out to Nevada's defensive coordinator is always special. Seriously though, WTF? Not a good sign, if true.

 

[chuck]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

Bull shit. Not buying that at all. If he wanted him he would've outbid cuog. They can't pay a coach half of what UW can, and nobody would choose cuog/pullman over a UW job, at least not with more money being offered.

 

[OreDawg]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

Losing out to Nevada's defensive coordinator is always special. Seriously though, WTF? Not a good sign, if true.

Maybe he didn’t want to share DC duties with Donte. Or maybe he just likes the rolling hills of the Palouse

 

[backthepack]

Football Scoop said Harsin was a serious candidate here

 

[digits]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

Bull shit. Not buying that at all. If he wanted him he would've outbid cuog. They can't pay a coach half of what UW can, and nobody would choose cuog/pullman over a UW job, at least not with more money being offered.

Football Scoop completely changed that article, no mention of UW.

 

[CH0Pwarlord]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

Losing out to Nevada's defensive coordinator is always special. Seriously though, WTF? Not a good sign, if true.

Maybe he didn’t want to share DC duties with Donte. Or maybe he just likes the rolling hills of the Palouse

Article seems to indicate he will have more autonomy at Cuog and less of an already established staff.

 

[CuntWaffle]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

Bull shit. Not buying that at all. If he wanted him he would've outbid cuog. They can't pay a coach half of what UW can, and nobody would choose cuog/pullman over a UW job, at least not with more money being offered.

Football Scoop completely changed that article, no mention of UW.

Go Cuog

 

[AtomicDawg]

Why wouldn’t he just bring his dc vs hiring Nevada’s?I don’t even think Nevada was good on defense. Maybe I am wrong.

 

[digits]

Why wouldn’t he just bring his dc vs hiring Nevada’s?I don’t even think Nevada was good on defense. Maybe I am wrong.

Football Scoop must've had bad info. or some shit because they have since removed any mention of UW interest.

 

[CH0Pwarlord]

Why wouldn’t he just bring his dc vs hiring Nevada’s?I don’t even think Nevada was good on defense. Maybe I am wrong.

Football Scoop must've had bad info. or some shit because they have since removed any mention of UW interest.

It also said some weird shit about DeBoer and Nevada’s DC being best friends or something.

 

[PasadenaHuskyFan]

DeBoer wanted Nevada’s DC but he chose Cuogs according to football scoop. Apparently both schools will now run the 4-2-5

You mean BYU? Because WSU doesn't have a defensive coordinator listed on their website. Their DC was just promoted to head coach.

 

[PasadenaHuskyFan]

Here is the scoop on Nevada's DC Brian Ward:

"A veteran defensive coach who has worked at all levels of college football, Brian Ward enters his second season as the Wolf Pack's defensive coordinator in 2021 Ward will also undertake his first season coaching Nevada's defensive tackles after overseeing the linebacker corps in 2020.

Five members of the Wolf Pack defense earned All-Mountain West recognition in 2020, linebacker Lawson Hall being named to the Second Team. Also named to the Second Team were defensive linemen Sam Hammond and Dom Peterson, while defensive backs Berdale Robins and Tyson Williams were each voted All-Mountain West Honorable Mention.

Hall paced the Wolf Pack defense in tackles (65) and tackles-for-loss (8.5), while also racking up 3.0 sacks. As a unit, the Nevada defense ranked 36th in the FBS in rushing defense (138.1 yards per game), and averaged 2.56 sacks per game. The Pack's defensive showing was highlighted by a standout effort at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, in which it recorded eight sacks and intercepted three passes in the 38-27 victory over Tulane.

Ward comes to Nevada after a four-year stint at Syracuse with the Orange, where he coached two-time All-ACC selection and current Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin. He was hired as defensive coordinator in 2016 and added the role of linebackers coach in 2017. The rise of the Syracuse defense played a large role in the Orange’s win over No. 2 Clemson in 2017 and its 10-3 season in 2018 where the Orange finished the year ranked 14th in the nation and defeated No. 15 West Virginia in the 2018 Camping World Bowl.

Ward’s defenses at Syracuse were nationally relevant, including back-to-back seasons (2017 and 2018) in which the Orange led the nation in turnovers forced in 2018, forced more turnovers in 2017 and 2018 than any other FBS team in the nation, and finished in the top 15 in third-down defense. Syracuse was also top-six nationally in 2018 in turnovers gained, interceptions, fumbles recovered and sacks, while also setting the school record for sacks. He helped develop a quintet of players into All-Atlantic Coast Conference selections during his time with the Orange.

Before joining the Orange, Ward served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Bowling Green in 2015. He oversaw a defense that improved in several statistical categories from the previous year and featured two All-MAC selections at linebacker, including first-team honoree Austin Valdez. Ward also served as Bowling Green’s head coach for the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl versus Georgia Southern.

Ward was a nominee for the Broyles Award – given to the nation’s top assistant coach – in 2017 at Syracuse and he was one of three FBS finalists for Linebackers Coach of the Year from FootballScoop.com in 2015 while at Bowling Green.

Ward’s defensive improvements were a major factor in Bowling Green winning the 2015 Mid-American Conference (MAC) title. The Falcons surrendered 4.6 fewer points and nearly 76 yards less of total offense per game than they did in 2014. In addition, Bowling Green moved up the NCAA statistical rankings in passing defense (up 44 spots), rushing defense (up 20 spots), scoring defense (from 106 to 84) and total defense (from 115 to 86). Bowling Green finished 13th nationally in turnovers gained (27) and eighth in interceptions (20). Valdez was the leader of the unit, racking up 144 tackles and ranking 10th in the FBS in tackles per game (10.3).

From 2012-14, Ward was the defensive coordinator at Western Illinois where he molded the Leathernecks into one of the top defenses in FCS football. Ward’s 2013 unit ranked seventh in the nation in total defense (305.3 ypg) and third nationally in passing defense (149.0 ypg). The next year, the Leathernecks put on one of the most impressive defensive displays of the season against Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon. Western Illinois held the Heisman Trophy finalist to 38 yards on 17 carries (2.2 yards per carry).

Before joining Western Illinois, Ward was the defensive coordinator at Drake in 2011 where he helped the Bulldogs to a 9-2 record and the Pioneer Football League championship.

Ward’s other previous coaching stops include: McPherson College (1997, 2007-09), Glendale Community College (1999-2000), Wabash College (2001-04), Missouri Southern State (2005) and North Dakota State (2010). He spent the 2006 season as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Tulsa Union High School in Oklahoma.

A 1997 graduate of McPherson College, Ward served as the head coach of his alma mater for three seasons from 2007-09, compiling a 17-14 (.548) record. In his final season, he led the Bulldogs to a 9-2 mark, the program’s first berth in the NAIA national playoffs, and was named CollegeFanz.com Sports Network NAIA Coach of the Year. During his head-coaching tenure, the Bulldogs boasted seven All-Americans, two Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Players of the Year, seven NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 39 All-KCAC selections.

Ward holds a bachelor’s degree in history from McPherson and a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. He is married to the former Amy Brandseth. The couple has three children – Travis, Ellie and Erin.

The File on Brian Ward
Born: May 22, 1973
Hometown: Glendale, Ariz.
Family: Wife – Amy; Daughters – Ellie, Erin; Son – Travis
Education: Bachelor's, McPherson College, 1997

Coaching Experience
2020-present: Defensive Coordinator/LBs, Nevada
2016-19: Defensive Coordinator/LBs, Syracuse
2015: Defensive Coordinator/LBs, Bowling Green
2012-14: Defensive Coordinator/LBs, Western Illinois
2011: Defensive Coordinator/LBs, Drake
2010: Assistant Coach/DBs, North Dakota State
2007-09: Head Coach, McPherson College
2006: Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, Tulsa (Okla.) Union HS
2005: Asst. Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator/Special Teams Coordinator/LBs, Missouri Southern State
2001-04: Asst. Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Secondary, Wabash College
1999-2000: Defensive Coordinator/Secondary, Glendale CC
1997: Defensive Coordinator/Special Teams Coordinator, McPherson College

Playing Experience
McPherson College (1994-96)"

Nevada did beat CAL this year.

 

[LawDawg1]

Will never understand Kwat hitching his wagon to Sark. Dude could have gone to any number of big-time programs.

Perplexing to say the least.

Simple. Jimmy is/was that bad.

Imagine doing all the work for your your subordinate only for him to get promoted to equal "co-DC" and then get a massive HC bag when you know he doesnt know shit, hasn't learned shit, and never did any of the actual work. I dont blame him.

Same feeling here. I have to admit that Kwat probably made the best choice. He damaged his reputation but that will fade and he made a fuck ton if money doing it. He got away from Jimmy which must've felt like the most important thing to him.

I dont know that I'd want him back. His success was with Petersen as HC. Pete's assistants, for the most part, overperform[/i][/b].

Say again?

His assistants are better under him than they do without him. Jonathan Smith is the only example I can think of that doesn't fit.

Same with James. We chased his assistants for a decade or more

Gilby was the exception then as an assistant not head coach. Could always coach the O line

Pinkel was the exception, and Mora Sr if you want to go back that far

USC is finally done with the Pete Carroll tree.

 

[Bonedog]

I gives a damn what defense DeBoner runs! Just Asa in the portal

 

[Ice_Holmvik]

Why would he go from Syracuse to Nevada for the same job titles/duties?

 

[HFNY]

I have heard Lake pushed out Kwat, said there wasn't room for him after the 2020 season.

And I agree, I was sick of seeing the 2-4-5 in too many situations when the down and distance didn't call for it.