Ad Disclosure
In many ways, Auburn’s Will Muschamp and Texas A&M’s John Chavis will collectively be the biggest story in the SEC West this season.
The two are both high-profile defensive coaches. They’re both coming off divorces from their high-profile previous gigs — Muschamp was fired as Florida’s head coach, while Chavis declined an extension at LSU and left for Texas A&M. (Chavis leaving LSU was undoubtedly messier, as it came as a surprise and the timing irked many.)
Both coaches have been around the SEC for much of their careers — Chavis spent more than two decades at Tennessee before moving to LSU, while Muschamp has been a DC at LSU, Auburn and head coach at Florida before returning to Auburn.
Muschamp and Chavis are both set to be very well-compensated for their services, with both scoring contracts that pay them around $1.7 million in 2015.
And, most importantly, both coaches are now paired with excellent offensive coaches, expected to elevate their new defenses to a level comparable to their offensive counterparts and, in turn, elevate their new teams to national contention.
How do the situations for the two defensive coordinators compare as they attempt to lift their new defenses to greatness? Let’s take a look.
Biggest change
Chavis — Simplified aggression: In 2013-14, when Texas A&M finished last in the SEC in total defense both seasons, there was plenty of concern that Mark Snyder’s defense was simply too complicated. Chavis will change that while ramping up the aggression. The defensive line will be responsible for attacking one gap and getting into the backfield, while the corners will play closer to the line in man coverage.
Muschamp — Multiple defense: Muschamp’s excellent defenses have become known for their multiple fronts, a change from the base 4-2-5 that Ellis Johnson ran at Auburn. With the Buck (LB/DE hybrid) and Sam/nickel hybrids playing a significant role in Muschamp’s scheme, Auburn’s defensive formations could look very different on a week-to-week basis.
Biggest strength
Chavis — Defensive line talent: Chavis likes to generate pressure with his defensive line, and he’ll have all the talent to do it. Myles Garrett is the biggest piece of the equation, a freakish athlete who is only going to get better as he adds strength. Qualen Cunningham and Daeshon Hall fit the Chavis mold as well. He’ll also have some interesting players at defensive tackle, including returning starter Alonzo Williams, defensive end Julien Obioha (who spent time at DT this spring) and incoming freshman Daylon Mack.
Muschamp — Veteran bunch: Muschamp may be implementing a good bit of change, but it’s not like he’ll be teaching a bunch of rookies his new scheme. Auburn was fortunate that linebackers Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy both returned for their senior seasons, while the defensive line and secondary both have standout veterans Muschamp can count on, including veteran DT Montravius Adams and returning DE Carl Lawson.
Biggest challenge
Chavis — Linebackers: In addition to his title as defensive coordinator, Chavis will also coach the Aggies linebackers. They’ll certainly need his tutelage, as its the thinnest group on the defense, including a secondary that lost three starters from last year. The Aggies lost three seniors from the linebacker group, plus another player who left the program.
Muschamp — Secondary: Auburn tied for the SEC lead in interceptions last year, but the majority of those picks went out the door at graduation. The task of rebuilding that secondary has become more difficult in the last few days, as three defensive backs have decided to transfer. Muschamp has two building blocks in Johnathan “Rudy” Ford and Jonathan Jones, but the latter was out with a foot injury for much of spring practice. The front four should be able to generate pressure, but it could be rendered moot if the secondary can’t cover.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
