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Ranking the top ten defensive coaches in college football

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Kirby Smart talks to linebacker Walker Jones (35) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Kirby Smart talks to linebacker Walker Jones (35) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Marcus Trotter (59) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) in the second half of the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. The Badgers defeated the Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Marcus Trotter (59) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) in the second half of the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. The Badgers defeated the Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

After Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen left the Badgers to become the head coach at Oregon State, new head coach Paul Chryst asked defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to stay in Madison to continue leading the defense he has built into one of the nation’s finest units.

Aranda, who came to Wisconsin with Andersen from Utah State, decided to stick around though he was linked to an interview with the Green Packers in February. It was a big win for Chryst and should help the team make a smooth transition under the new head coach.

Last season, Aranda’s 3-4 defense finished the season ranked fourth nationally in total defense (294.1 yards per game) as well as fourth against the pass (168 passing yards per game). The Badgers were also in the top 25 in rushing defense (126.1 rushing yards per game) and were 17th in the country in scoring defense (20.8 points per game).

All of that statistical success includes the Badgers’ embarrassing performance in the Big Ten Championship Game, which they lost 59-0 to Ohio State. Against the Buckeyes, Wisconsin allowed 558 total yards, 301 of which came on the ground.

And it’s worth noting that Aranda had to replace his entire front seven after the 2013 season. Overall, it was an incredibly impressive performance. As long as Dave Aranda is in Madison, expect the Badgers to field one of the strongest defensive units in the Big Ten.

Next: 8. Brent Venables

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