Hammer and Rails - 2012 Purdue Football Head Coaching SearchPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2013-03-05T14:14:49-05:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/33783812013-03-05T14:14:49-05:002013-03-05T14:14:49-05:00Purdue Football Coaches: Jim Bridge & Rubin Carter
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ifENQ47mXy8mZ4NHGLNS2JcqrAk=/0x551:2667x2329/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9133697/154445451.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirk Irwin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue's coaching staff is finally set.</p> <p></p>
<p>The first coaching staff for Darrell Hazell is now complete with the recent hire of Rubin Carter on the Defensive Line and today's hire of Jim Bridge on the offensive line. Bridge is a replacement for Bollman, who was at Purdue for all of a month before jumping to Michigan State to be offensive coordinator. That move was actually labeled as a good one by Ohio State fans, who <a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2013/2/27/4035710/michigan-state-lands-their-al-borges-in-former-osu-oc-jim-bollman">have suffered under Bollman before</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Given that Bollman often under recruited the offensive line while at Ohio State and even worse, failed to develop the four/five star types he did get into viable professionals with but a few exceptions, he as a position coach hire was suspect enough. But now that Bollman is expected to step back into the role of play calling, something any Ohio State fan would tell you more often than not left you tearing at your own flesh just to feel something, anything. Well, it's certainly not a tremendous day to be a Michigan State football fan.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, yay us!</p>
<p><b>Rubin Carter</b></p>
<p>Purdue's fine history of developing NFL-caliber defensive linemen is important, and now that will be Rubin Carter's responsibility. Carter comes to Purdue after coaching at Towson on the FCS level. He had a good defense there in one season, but most of his experience has come at the NFL level. He's been a defensive line coach for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Redskins</a>, and <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a> in addition to coaching at New Mexico, Temple, Maryland, San Jose State, and he is a former head coach at Florida A&M.</p>
<p>As a player, Carter was an All-American in 1974 at Miami (FL) before The U was The U. He also played in a pair of Super Bowls during a 12-year career in Denver in the NFL.</p>
<p>The choice <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/72320/purdue-hires-carter-as-defensive-line-coach">was well-received</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Hazell appears to have made a very good choice with Carter, who will oversee a group that underachieved in 2012 and loses its biggest piece in tackle <a target="_new" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/382047/kawann-short">Kawann Short</a>. Carter's extensive experience around the country also should aid Purdue's recruiting efforts. He'll be the third defensive line coach the players have had in as many seasons, so it'll be important to make the transition as smooth as possible.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I like Carter's experience. He knows what it takes to be a winner at all levels and was a hell of a player in his own right. He'll be right at home with plenty of talent to work with, too. In addition to Ryan Russell There is still <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114161/bruce-gaston" class="sbn-auto-link">Bruce Gaston</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160186/greg-latta" class="sbn-auto-link">Greg Latta</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114157/ryan-isaac" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Isaac</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135200/michael-rouse-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Rouse III</a>, <span>Brandon Taylor</span>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160187/ryan-watson" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Watson</a>.</p>
<p><b>Jim</b><b> </b><b>Bridge</b></p>
<p>Since Michigan State stole Bollman from us we stole Bridge from Illinois. The Fighting Illini hired Bridge on January 23<sup>rd</sup>, previously working at North Carolina State in the same capacity. At NC State he developed a line that pass blocked for over 310 yards per game, which are definitely more Purdue-like numbers. Considering that Danny Hope was in charge of the Brees line (probably the best in Purdue history) it was always disappointing that his lines as head coach did not perform better.</p>
<p>Our friends at the Champaign Room <a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2013/3/5/4067342/report-jim-bridge-leaves-illinois-for-purdue">have already commented</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>So, yeah, that's awesome. Just when you thought the coaching staff was finally complete, Bridge leaves on the first day of spring practice. Tim Beckman now needs to overhaul the overhaul of his coaching staff.</p>
<p>Needless to say, this puts a bit of a damper on the natural optimism that occurs when spring practice begins. I was a big fan of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2013/1/23/3907440/jim-bridge-named-ol-coach-illinois-fighting-illini-football/in/3605107">the Bridge hire when it was announced</a> he'd be replacing Luke Butkus, and now here we are without an offensive line coach yet again.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So what do we take from this? Well, Purdue again has an edge on Indiana and Illinois in the Leaders Division and Penn State is ineligible again. Ohio State comes to Purdue, where we own them, so it's once again Wisconsin or Bust to win the division!</p>
<p><b>UPDATE: </b>Jim Bridge yells <a href="http://www.backingthepack.com/2011/11/30/2601471/bridge-over-the-river-awesome">at things in meme form</a>.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/3/5/4067782/purdue-football-coaches-jim-bridge-and-rubin-carterBoilerTMill2013-02-27T10:44:48-05:002013-02-27T10:44:48-05:00BREAKING NEWS: Jim Bollman Leaves Purdue For MSU
<figure>
<img alt="The Bollman offense?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7EFMhQspCZ2jMuhVFwjtbbsAKlU=/0x12:391x273/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8803329/abandon_313138_2396202.0.gif" />
<figcaption>The Bollman offense?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Thanks for Dan Monteroso, I guess?</p> <p>Well, Darrell Hazell has had his first coaching defection. Jim Bollman, the former offensive coordinator at Ohio State and <strike>current</strike> former offensive line coach at Purdue has already left after about 30 days and jumped ship to be <a href="http://www.theonlycolors.com/2013/2/27/4035488/jim-bollman-to-join-msu-football-staff">offensive coordinator at Michigan State</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's unclear at the moment if Bollman will be the offensive coordinator, but this is Mark Dantonio going all-out on Tresselball. Bollman was Tressel's OC in Columbus, and Mark Dantonio spent some time as DC. Bollman and Dantonio also spent time under Tressel at Youngstown State and under Nick Saban at MSU.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So I guess this guy is trying to coach at all <strike>12</strike> 14 Big Ten schools. With two Big Ten jobs in less than a year that's B1Gamy!</p>
<p>Also, Ohio State fans are basically saying that he is doing Purdue a favor by leaving for the Spartans.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23understatementoftheyear">#understatementoftheyear</a> RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/hammerandrails">hammerandrails</a>: from the sounds of things Michigan State may have done Purdue a favor by taking Bollman.</p>
— Kevin Bertolini (@kbertolini) <a href="https://twitter.com/kbertolini/status/306788886762385408">February 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/lostinatown">lostinatown</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/hammerandrails">hammerandrails</a> key word/letter "a" recruit. Dude recruits depth like a video game with the injury setting on OFF</p>
— Kevin Bertolini (@kbertolini) <a href="https://twitter.com/kbertolini/status/306790423706357761">February 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Thanks, I think?</p>
<p>The net gain is wide receiver Dan Monteroso, who decommitted from Boston College and signed with Purdue when Bollman came over from BC.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/2/27/4035688/breaking-news-jim-bollman-leaves-purdue-for-michigan-stateBoilerTMill2013-02-11T16:28:44-05:002013-02-11T16:28:44-05:00Purdue Football Coaching: Gerad Parker
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fOk5gfORD_QYPCLCCmUBNKP16yM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827917/large_hammerandrails.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Purdue hires a new tight ends Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.</p> <p></p>
<p>The Boilermakers and coach Hazell have a new Tight Ends coach and Recruiting Coordinator on the same day that the Big Ten fired back at the NCAA for the upcoming rules in recruiting. Gerad Parker already coached a game in Ross-Ade this past season as he was the previous wide receivers coach at Marshall.</p>
<p>Parker played at Kentucky from 2001-04, where he was twice on the SEC Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll and was Kentucky's Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2004. The past two seasons he has coached a prolific passing offense that scored over 40 points per game and had 4300+ yards passing. Receiver Tommy Shuler had 110 catches for 1,138 yards and six TDs this year, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36584/antavious-wilson">Antavious Wilson</a> had nine touchdowns.</p>
<p>As recruiting coordinator he'll face these challenges, as stated in this release from the Big Ten:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Park Ridge, Ill. - The Big Ten Football Coaches and Athletic Directors met today in Park Ridge for a regularly scheduled meeting and subsequently issued the following statement with regard to pending NCAA DI legislation impacting college football:</p>
<p>We reviewed the 26 Rules Working Group proposals acted upon by the NCAA Board of Directors in January, some of which will become effective as early as July 1, 2013. While we applaud the work that has been done to date, we are very concerned that the timeline proposed for implementation of the proposals does not allow sufficient time for the Football Recruiting Subcommittee of the NCAA Leadership Council to thoughtfully consider the impact of the proposals.</p>
<p>We are specifically concerned with the following three proposals and ask that they be tabled along with Proposal 13-2:</p>
<p>Proposal 11-2: Athletics Personnel - Limitations on the Number and Duties of Coaches - Elimination of Recruiting Coordination Functions</p>
<p>Proposal 13-3: Recruiting - Deregulation of Modes and Numerical Limitations on Communication</p>
<p>Proposal 13-5-A: Recruiting - Elimination of Printed Recruiting Materials and Video/Audio Legislation</p>
<p>We have serious concerns whether these proposals, as currently written, are in the best interest of high school student-athletes, their families and their coaches. We are also concerned about the adverse effect they would have on college coaches, administrators and university resources. </p>
<p>We look forward to working with the NCAA toward improving the game, the recruiting process and the overall college football experience for all student-athletes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, stay tuned. With a class that was not in the top 50 the Boilers are going to need to improve to be competitive. That will be Parker's bigger role.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/2/11/3977758/purdue-football-coaching-gerad-parkerBoilerTMill2013-01-24T14:17:15-05:002013-01-24T14:17:15-05:002013 Purdue Football THE NORDFENSE IS GONE!!!!!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X7UIREEW85AgL_FlouLXVvAypXk=/0x35:2950x2002/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7061985/20121020_gav_ab8_230.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Purdue has found its offensive coordinator and the Nordfense is officially banished. </p> <p></p>
<p>I was getting a little worried there that offensive coordinator was the biggest position left on the Purdue coaching staff to be filled and there was no news on what Gary Nord was doing. The Darrell Hazell hiring was great news, but if Nord somehow was retained and we returned to Danny Etling, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160163/austin-appleby">Austin Appleby</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77526/rob-henry">Rob Henry</a> throwing screen pass after screen pass I was probably going to get a Buffalo Bill van and start driving out west somewhere.</p>
<p>Well, fear the Nordfense no more! We have been liberated, my friends. Former North Carolina offensive coordinator John Shoop is coming to West Lafayette and the playbook of all screens and draws on 3<sup>rd</sup> and 12 will be burned publicly at <a href="../../../../../college-football/2013/1/24/3911702/john-shoop-purdue-football-2013">7pm tonight on the Engineering Mall</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Shoop spent nearly 20 years as an assistant coach in the NFL before becoming the offensive coordinator at North Carolina in 2007. Most of that experience came as a quarterbacks coach, but he did spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> from 2001-2003.</p>
<p>Shoop's offenses at North Carolina weren't known for being tremendously explosive. The Tar Heels were only ranked 51st in total offense during his best season in Chapel Hill (2010), and failed to average more than 28 points per game during his regime. In fact, the pairing of Shoop and offensive line coach Jim Bollman (formerly of Ohio State) <a href="https://twitter.com/Landgrant33/statuses/294493000682307584" target="_blank">has some Big Ten fans not exactly trembling in their boots</a>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yeah, it is not a splashy hire, but hopefully he understands that getting the football to explosive players like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135188/akeem-hunt">Akeem Hunt</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135180/raheem-mostert">Raheem Mostert</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135185/brandon-cottom">Brandon Cottom</a> is a good thing. If he doesn't complain about the fans not understanding his genius it will be an improvement.</p>
<p>In the five years at North Carolina the Tar Heels went 4-8, 8-5, 8-5, 8-5, and 7-6 under Shoop. The offensive was far from being basketball on grass, but it was effective. It is difficult to say if Shoop has more offensive talent in the right spots now or not. They also had a pretty big academic scandal which <a href="http://chapelboro.com/Thanks--Amazing-Student-Athletes/14110131?pid=280125&archive=1">Shoop himself wrote about</a>.</p>
<p>In the NFL Shoop has been a quarterbacks coach for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>, Bucs, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>, and Bears. He was also the Bears' offensive coordinator from 2001-03, helping them to an NFC Central title in 2001. The Bears went 13-3 before losing to Philadelphia in the playoffs.</p>
<p>This is a lukewarm hire, but really, is it worse than the Nordfense? I mean come on! This guy got Jim Miller lead a 13-3 NFL team! If he performs two more miracles I believe that qualifies him for Sainthood.</p>
<p>Honestly, I am not thrilled, but I am willing to give this group a shot. Shoop has NFL experience and he was coaching at a school where football is a very distant second to basketball. He has better tools in West Lafayette, so let's see what happens.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/24/3912174/2013-purdue-football-coaching-staff-purdue-hires-john-shoopBoilerTMill2013-01-15T14:09:12-05:002013-01-15T14:09:12-05:002013 Purdue Football Coaching Staff: What's Filled
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gna50wrVHGI2W-IY_05sWBdrKKg=/0x227:2828x2112/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6604477/20130106_lbm_al6_286.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coach Hazell has a pretty good staff assembled so far, but there are still some huge openings. </p> <p></p>
<p>New football coach Darrell Hazell is slowly starting to fill his staff out now that the college football season has been over for a few weeks. We already know a few of the assistants he has picked up with his $2.1 million shopping spree, but there are still a few key positions to be filled. Here are the ones we know:</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115557/greg-hudson">Greg Hudson</a> - Defensive Coordinator - </b>Hudson was the recent linebackers coach at Florida State. I wrote about <a href="http://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/7/3848020/purdue-football-coaching-search-greg-hudson-hired-as-defensive">him a few weeks ago</a>.</p>
<p><b>Jim Bollman - Offensive Line - </b>This one came through my inbox the other day from <a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/boston-college-football-coaching-search-frank-spaziani/2013/1/14/3876718/former-bc-offensive-line-coach-jim-bollman-takes-same-position-at">SB Nation's BC Interruption</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Bollman, who came to Boston College after an unsuccessful stint as offensive coordinator at Ohio State, leaves after one year of service to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>. The offensive line struggled mightily for BC in 2012 and many debate how much of the fault lies with Bollman. While he did not recruit the current players, it's hard to defend him when there were countless plays where linemen were either out of place or completely blew their assignments. The result of this mess? Chase Rettig was sacked 34 times, placing BC 104th in the country in sacks allowed.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yikes. When I tweeted this article last night even Ohio State diehards were not convinced:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Have. No. Words. RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/hammerandrails">hammerandrails</a>Former BC OL Coach Jim Bollman Takes Same Position At Purdue <a href="http://t.co/scC52RBx" title="http://sbn.to/103djSb">sbn.to/103djSb</a>via @<a href="https://twitter.com/bcinterruption">bcinterruption</a></p>
— Elika Sadeghi (@steakNstiffarms) <a href="https://twitter.com/steakNstiffarms/status/291002810575773697" data-datetime="2013-01-15T02:04:11+00:00">January 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-in-reply-to="291002810575773697">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/steaknstiffarms">steaknstiffarms</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/hammerandrails">hammerandrails</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/bcinterruption">bcinterruption</a> Hazell has lost his damn mind</p>
— KCCOCleveland (@sthrob77) <a href="https://twitter.com/sthrob77/status/291002935125614592" data-datetime="2013-01-15T02:04:40+00:00">January 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-in-reply-to="291002810575773697">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/steaknstiffarms">steaknstiffarms</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/hammerandrails">hammerandrails</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/bcinterruption">bcinterruption</a> I believe the words you're looking for are False. Start.</p>
— Steve Poland (@StevePoland) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevePoland/status/291003308481585152" data-datetime="2013-01-15T02:06:09+00:00">January 15, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>That's hardly a ringing endorsement. He is supposedly a good recruiter, but our offensive line had worse protection than a broken condom last season. It is an area that needs an overhaul and this appears to not be the answer. He did work with Hazell at OSU though.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/7190/marcus-freeman">Marcus Freeman</a> - Linebackers</b> - Freeman is an extremely young coach on the staff at only age 27. He was drafted out of Ohio State by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> but did not make it in the NFL. He was a graduate assistant for the Buckeyes for a year before serving as coach Hazell's linebackers coach the last two years. As a player he was twice Second-Team all-Big Ten. He retired due to an enlarged heart in May 2010.</p>
<p>This is yet another coach with a strong Ohio State influence, which does not bother me in the least. The Buckeyes have been the premier program in the Big Ten over the last decade, so they are clearly doing SOMETHING right.</p>
<p>Here is his <a href="http://kentstatesports.com/sports/fball/coaches/Marcus_Freeman">bio from Kent State</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Junior linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84435/luke-batton">Luke Batton</a> also had a breakout season for Kent State under Freeman's guidance. Batton led the team with 102 tackles in 2011 and earned Second Team All-MAC recognition. Freeman's linebacking corps was a staple of consistency for the MAC's top-ranked defense in conference-only games. The Golden Flashes also led the MAC in total red zone defense and pass efficiency defense in conference-only games. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Batton went on to have a great season this past year with 143 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and four fumble recoveries. He has decent draft prospects for this spring even as an undersized guy at 5'11" 230 pounds.</p>
<p>Freeman was part of the staff that had a breakout year at Kent State, so this seems like a pretty good hire. He has three returning starters in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114136/sean-robinson">Sean Robinson</a>, Will Lucas, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114156/joe-gilliam">Joe Gilliam</a> to work with too.</p>
<p><b>Jafar Williams - Running backs - </b>Kent State's offense relied heavily on the running game last season with a pair of 1,000 yard rushers. Williams was their coach, so we should be excited that he is coming in with some talent to work with. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135184/akeem-shavers">Akeem Shavers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135185/brandon-cottom">Brandon Cottom</a> were not used enough last season and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135180/raheem-mostert">Raheem Mostert</a> with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160169/danny-anthrop">Danny Anthrop</a> could also see carries. Freshmen Keyante Green and David Yancey are also very talented.</p>
<p>There is talent at the position. Can Williams use it? Williams was a wide receiver at Maryland from 2000-03, giving Purdue yet another young, up and coming coach. He has some Big Ten experience as Special Teams Quality Control in 2010 at Northwestern, The last year he has been Hazell's <a href="http://www.kentstatesports.com/sports/fball/coaches/Jafar_Williams">running backs coach at Kent State</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>During the 2011 season, Williams mentored a pair of true freshmen tailbacks that made an immediate impact for the Golden Flashes. In their first year of collegiate action, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135684/trayion-durham">Trayion Durham</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/141954/anthony-meray">Anthony Meray</a> combined for 910 yards rushing and six touchdowns. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Let's not forget what Durham and Dri Arhcer did this past season. He can also add plenty of tips on catching the ball out of the backfield with 90 catches for 1,301 yards at Maryland.</p>
<p><b>Jon Heacock - Defense - </b>Heacock was Hazell's defensive coordinator at Kent State after being head coach at Youngstown State after some guy named Jim Tressell left. He's been an assistant at Toledo, Michigan, and was Indiana's defensive coordinator from 1997-99.</p>
<p>That last part raises an alarm, as he was the coach that gave up 56, 52, and 30 points to Purdue in consecutive seasons. Fortunately, though his final role is not defined yet, it is not as defensive coordinator. That job is Hudson's.</p>
<p>In the past he has worked with the defensive line and secondary, so He could fill-in at either of those two positions. He worked with the secondary and special teams at Michigan from 1988-89 as a graduate assistant. He was also with the defensive backs at Youngstown State before taking over for Tressell. In 2006 the Penguins reached the semifinals of the FCS playoffs under him.</p>
<p>I am betting that he moves to the secondary, where Danny Hope assembled a nice roster of speed and talent for him led by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114141/ricardo-allen">Ricardo Allen</a>.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Doug Davis</a> - Strength Coach - </b>One of the major tenets of Jim Tressell at Ohio State was having a strong, tough football team. Well, we have the <a href="http://www.kentstatesports.com/sports/fball/coaches/Doug_Davis">strength coach behind those teams now</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He arrived at OSU as an assistant strength coach in January of 2007, before moving to strength and conditioning coordinator in May of 2008. Davis designed and implemented the year-round strength, speed, and conditioning program for the Buckeyes. He specifically trained the Ohio State wide receivers and defensive backs on a daily basis and also prepared a number of Buckeyes entering the NFL Draft. Specifically, he coordinated the training of seven Buckeyes selected in the 2009 draft, including first round picks <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/7191/malcolm-jenkins">Malcolm Jenkins</a> and Chris Wells.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>From his bio it looks like he specializes in working with speed, which Danny Hope was kind enough to leave behind.</p>
<p><b>Tommy Cook - Director of Football Operations - </b>A former wide receiver at Kentucky, Cook takes over a role that is primarily involved in recruiting and working with players off the field. He, too, is coming over from Kent State, where he worked for one year after spending a few seasons at his alma mater. I am a fan of having another younger guy in this role that is so closely affiliated with recruiting because he can connect better with incoming players.</p>
<p><b>Kevin Sherman - Wide Receivers - </b>Sherman comes to Purdue from perennial ACC power Virginia Tech, where he was also the receivers coach. He has been the coach at VaTech since 2006 and was part of a team that went to four BCS bowls in six years.</p>
<p>Sherman coached the top two receivers in Virginia Tech history in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5588/danny-coale">Danny Coale</a> and Jarrett Boykin. This past season Marcus Davis caught 51 passes for 953 yards and five TDs while Corey Fuller caught 43 passes for 815 yards and six scores. Like other coaches, he has some talent returning in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114133/o-j-ross">O.J. Ross</a> and Gary bush, plus several other younger players. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135182/dolapo-macarthy">Dolapo Macarthy</a> will be a fun prospect to work with too.</p>
<p><b>Who is NOT coming back for sure:</b></p>
<p><b>J.B. Gibboney - Special Teams - </b>Western Michigan will now lead Division I in piss-poor punt protection and special teams breakdowns.</p>
<p><b>Tim Tibesar - Defensive coordinator - </b>No word on if he is going back to Canada, eh?</p>
<p><b>Patrick Higgins and Cornell Jackson - wide receivers and running backs - </b>Both of these guys are off to UTEP.</p>
<p><b>Shawn Clark - Offensive Line - </b>Clark is going the other way and heading to Kent State.</p>
<p><b>Danny Hope - Head Coach - </b>Hope did interview at Florida International, but did not get the job.</p>
<p><b>Open spots:</b></p>
<p><b>Offensive Coordinator - </b>By far this is the most important position coach Hazell has not filled, and with no news about Gary Nord I fear the Nordfense could make a horrifying return. I don't care if we hire a 12-year-old Madden junky. He would have to be better than the Nordfense.</p>
<p><b>Quarterbacks - </b>Get someone good, for crying out loud! We're the damn Cradle of Quarterbacks with TWO freshmen to mold into greatness!</p>
<p><b>Defensive line - </b>Does anyone have Rosevelt Colvin's number handy?</p>
<p><b>Special teams - </b>Like Gary Nord, I don't care if we have a mentally challenged chimp in this spot, as long as he can identify a punt protection that works and get kickoff coverage to tackle I am good.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/15/3879730/2013-purdue-football-coaching-staff-the-filled-vacanciesBoilerTMill2013-01-07T16:42:12-05:002013-01-07T16:42:12-05:00Greg Hudson Hired As Defensive Coordinator
<figure>
<img alt="No, we didn't get this guy, but we got his coach!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vmfFyhKeC6noWvTaH8OngmFgxeY=/0x50:4000x2717/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6209043/20120922_jla_av1_607.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>No, we didn't get this guy, but we got his coach! | Melina Vastola-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Boilers hire a good one away from Florida State to shore up a defense that struggled greatly in 2012. </p> <p></p>
<p>That did not take long. Last night we found out that Tim Tibesar would not be retained as Purdue's defensive coordinator. Today it was announced that Linebackers coach at Florida State <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115557/greg-hudson">Greg Hudson</a> would be taking over as the defensive guru under new coach Darrell hazel. FSU's on Scout.com affiliate <a href="http://floridastate.247sports.com/Article/Noles247-has-learned-Greg-Hudson-will-leave-FSU-for-Purdue-110219">broke the news</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Sources indicate that Florida State linebackers coach <a href="http://247sports.com/Coach/Greg-Hudson-42">Greg Hudson</a> has accepted the offer to become the new defensive coordinator at Purdue.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I love this news. Florida State had a defense that actually stopped people this season. In the two games I watched extensively (Miami and Northern Illinois) they strangled the life out of two pretty good offenses. Against Miami the Hurricanes jumped out to an early 10-0 lead then nothing worked for the rest of the game.</p>
<p>Hudson was a DC at East Carolina from 2005-09. In <a href="http://www.jhowell.net/cf/scores/EastCarolina.htm">that time the Pirates</a> went 5-6, 7-6, 8-5, 9-5, and 9-5 with a pair of Conference-USA championships and a stout defense. The 2008 season was especially good as the Pirates opened with wins against Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Virginia Tech went on to win the ACC and the Orange Bowl that season.</p>
<p>Hudson has been linebackers coach at Cincinnati (1997-2000), Minnesota (2001-2004), and Florida State 2010-12) while playing at Notre Dame for two seasons. Therefore, we've seen him before with the Golden Gophers (who were at their best under Glen Mason at that time) and the Fighting Irish.</p>
<p>This season was a very good one for FSU, as the Seminoles were 12-2, won the ACC, and won the Orange Bowl with a defense-first philosophy. The Noles were 6<sup>th</sup> scoring nationally at 14.7 points per game given up and held teams to 10 or fewer points six times in 14 games.</p>
<p>Christian Jones is one of the <a href="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=109192&draftyear=2014&genpos=OLB">top-rated linebackers</a> in the country and could go pro early as a player that Hudson coached. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114270/telvin-smith">Telvin Smith</a> is also pretty damn good in his own right. Hudson can help us fix a vast, gaping hole at linebacker that last saw <span>Niko Koutouvides</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9367/landon-johnson">Landon Johnson</a> as dominant players a decade ago. Since they left Purdue had has a revolving door of decent, but not great linebackers and the overall defensive unit has struggled as a result.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/7/3848020/purdue-football-coaching-search-greg-hudson-hired-as-defensiveBoilerTMill2013-01-06T19:30:03-05:002013-01-06T19:30:03-05:002013 GoDaddy.com Bowl: A Preview Of Darrell Hazell
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fIxzQdQWPEZVfzjma-zJK0gmt0c=/0x11:4000x2678/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6153221/20121029_kkt_sn3_225.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim O'Connor-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>New Purdue coach Darrell Hazell has some unfinished business before coming to West Lafayette. </p> <p>Most football coaches leave their previous teams high and dry when they escape to a "better" job after a successful regular season. Butch Jones, Dave Doeren, and Bret Bielema are just some of the most recent examples of cashing in on a successful regular season only to jump ship before the bowl game.</p>
<p>New Purdue coach Darrell Hazell is different, as he has the integrity to stick around and coach Kent State in the first bowl game for the Golden Flashes in 40 years. Kent State takes on a pretty good Arkansas State tonight in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.</p>
<p>Consider this the Open Thread to discuss coach Hazell as he completes his obligation to Kent State before coming to West Lafayette. Dri Archer and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135684/trayion-durham">Trayion Durham</a> are both 1,000+ rushers for this Kent State team with a powerful running game. They have combined for 33 total touchdowns and almost 2,300 yards from scrimmage.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/1/6/3843272/2013-godaddy-com-bowl-a-preview-of-darrell-hazell-open-threadBoilerTMill2012-12-06T08:30:32-05:002012-12-06T08:30:32-05:00Boilermakings Has Your Ticket Deal For Dallas
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fOk5gfORD_QYPCLCCmUBNKP16yM=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827917/large_hammerandrails.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Once again, BoilerPaulie has a sweet ticket deal for year Heart of Dallas Bowl tickets.</p> <p>Last season loyal reader and Boilermaker Special caretaker BoilerPaulie was able to set up a great ticket deal with his dad for the game at Rice. Since his dad is in the Dallas area he was able to swing a similar deal for the Heart of Dallas Bowl.</p>
<p>Mr. Branham has a block of 40 tickets in section 21 of the lower bowl between the Purdue band and the JPC allotment of tickets. So far, 16 of those 40 have been spoken for. This tickets are $5 off of the normal price, and he said that he can order more. For every block of 20 he gets another $5 gets hacked off the price of each ticket. Theya re roughly on the 20 yard line and the ticket's face value is $75. The more tickets he is able to sell, the cheaper they will be, however, up to 20% off.</p>
<p>Mr. Branham said to contact Paul (paul.a.branham at gmail.com) if you are interested in tickets and he will get in contact with you personally for details on payment, etc. If he can sell the 24 extras he has now he will order another block of 20, which will drop the overall price even more. So, if you have any questions or you want to go, contact Paul.</p>
<p>Onto the links:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2012/12/3/3722170/the-every-bowl-game-ranking-2012-edition">THE EVERY BOWL GAME RANKING, 2012 EDITION - Every Day Should Be Saturday</a><br>NO ONE SAID COLLEGE FOOTBALL WAS SMART.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-swim/spec-rel/120312aaa.html">Boudia to be Judge on New Celebrity Diving Show on ABC TV - PURDUESPORTS.COM - Purdue Official Athletic Site</a><br>Former Purdue diver and two-time Olympic medalist David Boudia announced he has signed on to be one of the three judges on a new reality show focused on diving set to air on ABC television in 2013.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/67182/darrell-hazell-a-good-choice-for-purdue-big-ten">Darrell Hazell a good choice for Purdue, Big Ten - ESPN</a><br>Darrell Hazell might not have been Purdue's first choice as football coach, but he could turn out to be the right one.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.offtackleempire.com/2012/12/5/3730246/darrell-hazell-to-purdue">Darrell Hazell to Purdue - Off Tackle Empire</a><br>After narrowly missing out on a MAC Championship (and BCS bid), Darrell Hazell is headed to Purdue.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2012/12/4/3729386/former-ohio-state-assistant-head-coach-darrell-hazell-to-purdue">Former Ohio State assistant head coach Darrell Hazell to be named Purdue head coach - Land-Grant Holy Land</a><br>The architect of Kent State's remarkable reconstruction job is headed to the Indian burial ground known as West Lafayette.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/20838606/">CFB coaching carousel one-stop shop - CBSSports.com</a><br>Looking for one place with all the latest on the 2012 college football coaching changes, organized by conference and job? This is that place.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.whbc.com/Sam-Bourquin/12518285">News - Talk 1480 WHBC - Canton, OH - WHBC-AM - Sam Bourquin</a><br>Here is a link to the interview I did on air yesterday with WHBC in Canton, Ohio about coach Hazell.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2012/12/3/3724924/heart-of-dallas-bowl-2013-purdue-vs-oklahoma-state-early-preview-and">Heart of Dallas Bowl 2013: Purdue vs. Oklahoma State: Early Preview and a Cocktail - Cowboys Ride For Free</a><br>Purdue vs. Oklahoma State: Early Preview and The Official Cocktail of Purdue</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/">Cowboys Ride For Free, an Oklahoma State Cowboys community</a><br>Cowboys Ride For Free, an Oklahoma State Cowboys community</p>
<p><a href="http://www.jconline.com/article/20121205/SPORTS020101/312050034/Purdue-football-Boilermakers-coach-Darrell-Hazell">Darrell Hazell sets expectation level high as new Purdue football coach | Journal and Courier | jconline.com</a><br>Darrell Hazell quickly established the tone for his tenure as Purdue's new football coach. 'Only from the alliance of people working with and through each other are great things born,' said Hazell, who was introduced Wednesday during a press conference.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2012/12/darrell_hazell_could_bring_old.html">Darrell Hazell could bring old Ohio State Buckeyes feel to new job with Purdue Boilermakers | cleveland.com</a><br>Some former Ohio State assistants could be logical candidates for jobs at Purdue.</p>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indystar.com%2Farticle%2F20121205%2FSPORTS0602%2F121205021%2FDarrell-Hazell-joins-short-list-black-football-coaches-Big-Ten-history&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hammerandrails.com%2F2012%2F12%2F6%2F3735200%2Fboilermakings-has-your-ticket-deal-for-dallas" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Big Ten Network analysts weigh in on Purdue hiring Darrell Hazell | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com</a><br>WEST LAFAYETTE - Big Ten Network analysts Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith have watched and observed Purdue new coach Darrell Hazell in action.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20121205/fbc-purdue-hazell-hired/?utm_hp_ref=media&ir=media">Purdue's new coach sets sights on Rose Bowl</a><br>The goals are high for coach Hazell. It sort of reminds me of Joe Tiller's "We have won here before."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/flashes-football-darrell-hazell-says-goodbye-to-kent-state-gets-12-million-for-six-years-at-purdue-1.355622">Flashes football: Darrell Hazell says goodbye to Kent State, gets $12 million for six years at Purdue - Top Stories - Ohio</a><br>More on the contract details for coach Hazell.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2012/12/6/3735200/boilermakings-has-your-ticket-deal-for-dallasBoilerTMill