James Willis ... UL Defensive Coordinator

[moorecajun]

I agree with you that Hud and Willis must have had a decent relationship for Willis to keep this under wraps until the end of signing day. But, if "we all knew" (including Hud) that we were one and done with Willis, we'd have passed on him. Willis did not re-establish himself at UL, and we didn't improve defensively under his coordination. His pedigree got him the interview/offer at FSU. He's probably better off as a LB coach at an established program than being a DC at UL (financially and assignment-wise).

Personally, I'd like to see Hud find a guy that has a similar resume to Hud (young, energetic, trying to build a career, built his existing career within 300 miles of Lafayette, and has the ability to use mid major talent intelligently). I'm not a fan of guys that spent most of their careers in programs that have had the pick of the litter and think their actual coaching skills had something to do with the success of those programs.

It would be seriously wise, IMO, to find someone with existing ties to Louisiana recruiting. There is no reason we cannot locate, recruit, teach and retain great defensive talent in this state, or in the immediate areas adjoining this state.

Are you one of the wise men?

[CajunAlum10]

I agree with you that Hud and Willis must have had a decent relationship for Willis to keep this under wraps until the end of signing day. But, if "we all knew" (including Hud) that we were one and done with Willis, we'd have passed on him. Willis did not re-establish himself at UL, and we didn't improve defensively under his coordination. His pedigree got him the interview/offer at FSU. He's probably better off as a LB coach at an established program than being a DC at UL (financially and assignment-wise).

Personally, I'd like to see Hud find a guy that has a similar resume to Hud (young, energetic, trying to build a career, built his existing career within 300 miles of Lafayette, and has the ability to use mid major talent intelligently). I'm not a fan of guys that spent most of their careers in programs that have had the pick of the litter and think their actual coaching skills had something to do with the success of those programs.

It would be seriously wise, IMO, to find someone with existing ties to Louisiana recruiting. There is no reason we cannot locate, recruit, teach and retain great defensive talent in this state, or in the immediate areas adjoining this state.

This post is so right on point that I don't even know what to do with myself. I might go buy a thong and get Just1More screen printed on the back of it just for you.

[BlueDawg]

His timing was good. ; ) did he bring in any recruits?

[cajunfan337]

Wade Phillips is looking for a job...

[CajunRebel]

I went through some serious groaning pains last year with the "8 guys lost in space" defense. There is no defense, regardless of complexity, that won't instantly improve on that "scheme". Hopefully, whatever player personnel issue that led to the use of that "scheme" will or has been addressed. But, we will be radically better next year, defensively, just by playing assignment football and obliterating the false belief that 8 people occupying space downfield in random circling patterns is acceptable because it supposedly prevents "the big play".

Oddly, we lined up tight on Tulane, pass rushed, pressured, and played assignment football the majority of that game. It was a good decision. And even the two big pass plays (hail marys) that we goofed up, we had the QB on the run, and we had guys all over the receivers. They just had small timing issues with how to read the WR for signs that the pill's arriving.

It's amazing what armchair DC fans see compared to what actual coaches see. I was one of many here who believed Willis' defensive schemes and strategies were terrible last year. I was one of many who hoped Hud would be looking for another DC this offseason. You can imagine my surprise to see the news that he was poached by an elite football program. Shows how little we all know sometimes.

[CrazyCajun]

I was also surprised to see he took us from 8th to 3rd ranked defense in the league in year 1

[basinbear]

His timing was good. ; ) did he bring in any recruits?

yep

[Just1More]

Are you one of the wise men?

I was the 4th Magi that came to Bethlehem... never got credit for it... but yes... I am one of the wise men. The guy that brought the frankincense was the real "wise guy". That guy could tell a joke! The myrrh guy wasn't that bright at all and I never liked the way he looked at me (he road side saddle on his donkey... if that doesn't give you a clue).

I, on the other hand, was simply way ahead of my time. I brought with me a description of the world wide web (later coined "the internet") as my gift to the King (who, by the way, told me just the other day... He loves it). Anyhow... many thought I was written out of the New Testament due to having had on my thong. I actually always wear a robe, just like the other 3 did, when attending the births of kings.

In fact, the truth be told, the other 3 were nude under their robes (you spend time with guys crossing a desert and these things become self evident). That's actually where the trouble started. The guy with the gold is the one that kept me out of the Big Book. When I told him about my concept of the internet, he went behind my back and told the disciples that I was trying to start this trend of wearing fancy underwear, teaching women how to have orgasms, and using something I invented called "toilet paper" on route to Bethlehem. He also said that I fabricated this story about "the gift of the internet" to avoid bringing a "real gift" to the party. The disciples and I were pretty tight... but in the end... I was written out of the New Testament. "The Four Wise Men" were reduced to "The Three Wise Men". There was some gold that changed hands under the table on that deal. That is why I invented the saying, "He with the gold makes the rules". Yes, that started way back then.

Anyhow... the story gets a whole lot more complicated... but yes... I am one of the 4 Wise Men. I just didn't get any of the credit in the Big Book. The last laugh is on the other 3... all they are is figurines that flank goats in nativity scenes... they're played by the worst actors in church plays... and in my spare time... I'm the fluffer for the Victoria Secret model photo shoots. Bam... who's the wise man now?!

[Just1More]

It's amazing what armchair DC fans see compared to what actual coaches see. I was one of many here who believed Willis' defensive schemes and strategies were terrible last year. I was one of many who hoped Hud would be looking for another DC this offseason. You can imagine my surprise to see the news that he was poached by an elite football program. Shows how little we all know sometimes.

What? You think that Willis's time with the Cajuns got him the job at FSU? Are you out of your mind? You think he was "poached" as a LB coach at FSU for his work as DC with the Cajuns?

[CajunJack55]

What? You think that Willis's time with the Cajuns got him the job at FSU? Are you out of your mind? You think he was "poached" as a LB coach at FSU for his work as DC with the Cajuns?

I agree, I think his work and relationships prior to what got him in trouble helped get him the job. I believe it has very little to do with his time here.

[Bigbuf]

I have seen Lance Guidry's name slung around the board (in the past). Would he be a good fit?

[Just1More]

I was also surprised to see he took us from 8th to 3rd ranked defense in the league in year 1

What took us, statistically, to a better defensive ranking in the SBC was our rushing attack and eating up time of possession. I also credit special teams for giving the Cajuns better field position this past year, leading to longer opponent drives for scores. It's one of the reasons I don't care a whole lot for statistics (without the details behind them). Our defense was not any better in 2013 than it was in 2012. And as far as "scheme" goes... our coaches knew we were not operating a good "scheme". They didn't defend it as out-smarting conventional football wisdom. They defended it as a requirement due to inexperience in the defensive secondary.