James Willis ... UL Defensive Coordinator

[I_Bleed_RED]

Sounds good overall, but his past is worrisome.

I'm very skeptical about this hire.

[ULGrad@HOU]

James Willis is a bold but exciting football hire. He has a great coaching background and I'm sure if Coach Hud likes him, he will be good for UL.

[I_Bleed_RED]

Can people explain to me why they're so excited about this hire? I just dont see it. He was pretty bad as a DC at Texas Tech, and he runs a 3-4 which we were pretty bad at last year. He may be a good recruiter but I dont see how he fits as a DC.

[ulforlife]

Can people explain to me why they're so excited about this hire? I just dont see it. He was pretty bad as a DC at Texas Tech, and he runs a 3-4 which we were pretty bad at last year. He may be a good recruiter but I dont see how he fits as a DC.

Look who Texas Tech had to play in the Big 12, no one has a good defense against Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, KSU, etc. especially in only 1 year

[BeauCajun]

Will run a 4-3 here.

[ULGrad@HOU]

Can people explain to me why they're so excited about this hire? I just dont see it. He was pretty bad as a DC at Texas Tech, and he runs a 3-4 which we were pretty bad at last year. He may be a good recruiter but I dont see how he fits as a DC.

Because he is a respected coach, by other even more respected and successful coaches; ie Saban, Gene Chizik, Tommy Tuberville, Will Muschamp. One year at Tx Tech does not make who he is. He has very good qualifications to coach our Defense.

[I_Bleed_RED]

Thanks for the answers. I feel a little better but I'm still not 100% on this hire. However I trust Hud's opinion more than mine.

[basinbear]

Coach Willis is a tremendous recruiter and from what people in the profession tell me a fine coach. He will open up new recruiting territory for us....I like the hire and I like the fact that Hud took his time on this matter.

[CajunEXPRESS]

Thanks for the answers. I feel a little better but I'm still not 100% on this hire. However I trust Hud's opinion more than mine.

You should always trust Hud's opinion on football and women. Your opinion is just that. ;0 )

[CrazyCajun]

Can people explain to me why they're so excited about this hire? I just dont see it. He was pretty bad as a DC at Texas Tech, and he runs a 3-4 which we were pretty bad at last year. He may be a good recruiter but I dont see how he fits as a DC.

He was associate head coach under nick saban when they beat Texas for national title. He has been around some of the best coaches and defensive minds in the country. Guy can also recruit big time.

[Zeebart21]

He was associate head coach under nick saban when they beat Texas for national title. He has been around some of the best coaches and defensive minds in the country. Guy can also recruit big time.

[Just1More]

I'm very skeptical about this hire.

I'm not skeptical. But, I'm kind of glad you posted this... because I like the responses. Personally, the biggest thing is that Hud hired him, in the middle of Hud's huge HC climb... so he obviously has massive faith in him. Second, Willis has been hand picked and utilized by other great coaches. Third, recruiting talent on defense... quite honestly... has more to do with a good defense... than any other aspect. Willis can recruit. Fourth, running a 3-4 or a 4-3 is not a challenge for a guy that has his level of experience. In reality, I think this is one of the most impressive staff hires at UL.

[CrazyCajun]

I'm not skeptical. But, I'm kind of glad you posted this... because I like the responses. Personally, the biggest thing is that Hud hired him, in the middle of Hud's huge HC climb... so he obviously has massive faith in him. Second, Willis has been hand picked and utilized by other great coaches. Third, recruiting talent on defense... quite honestly... has more to do with a good defense... than any other aspect. Willis can recruit. Fourth, running a 3-4 or a 4-3 is not a challenge for a guy that has his level of experience. In reality, I think this is one of the most impressive staff hires at UL.

Have we ever hired a coordinator from a bcs conference to become a coordinator here? I do t think so, can't think of any.

[I_Bleed_RED]

I'm not skeptical. But, I'm kind of glad you posted this... because I like the responses. Personally, the biggest thing is that Hud hired him, in the middle of Hud's huge HC climb... so he obviously has massive faith in him. Second, Willis has been hand picked and utilized by other great coaches. Third, recruiting talent on defense... quite honestly... has more to do with a good defense... than any other aspect. Willis can recruit. Fourth, running a 3-4 or a 4-3 is not a challenge for a guy that has his level of experience. In reality, I think this is one of the most impressive staff hires at UL.

Yea those are some good points. The one thing that lingers in the back of my mind is he did not do well in his lone DC job. And if he is that good of a recruiter I'd imagine he would have had plenty of success recruiting in Texas. I realize one job does not define the guy. But it is something to consider.

With that said, I'm liking this hire more and more.

[Zeebart21]

Yea those are some good points. The one thing that lingers in the back of my mind is he did not do well in his lone DC job. And if he is that good of a recruiter I'd imagine he would have had plenty of success recruiting in Texas. I realize one job does not define the guy. But it is something to consider.

With that said, I'm liking this hire more and more.

IBR, why do you think HUD brought him here?

Z