Chris Ash was a very highly regarded DC at Wisconsin, OSU, and Texas. He was a terrible HC at Rutgers, but Rutgers sucks. Al Golden did have a better HC track record at Temple and Miami. I like the Ash hire, and think he has a similar record as DC to Knowles, who I think would have been one of the only others higher on the list.
My big concern is the interior line, but I am less concerned than I normally would be because they got a lot of reps last year.
No knock on Golden, but I've always felt Golden ran his own version of Freeman's defense. Marcus Freeman was a big pickup as DC when we got him against some pretty stiff competition, including Ohio State and LSU. Golden was a perfect hire as a steady hand at D while he learned the ropes as HC. Ash continues this trend.
Replies to: "I'm optimistic. Ash a great college DC/poor HC. Better D Talent. Mickens still here."
- What coach will carry the program this year? - koreasam - 8:39pm 7/20/25
(4) [View All]
- I'll be closely watching Denbrock's use of Love, which I think has been less than stellar. [NT] - iairishcheeks - 11:25am 7/21/25
- Al Golden will be sorely missed... He was the difference in a couple of close calls last year! [NT]
- irishslovak - 7:57am 7/21/25
- I'm optimistic. Ash a great college DC/poor HC. Better D Talent. Mickens still here. - Turkish - 10:25am 7/21/25
- Excellent points. Freeman is a great D coach. Ash has support IF he needs it. - ndphysics - 5:40pm 7/22/25
- I'm optimistic. Ash a great college DC/poor HC. Better D Talent. Mickens still here. - Turkish - 10:25am 7/21/25