There was an understandable mix of hope and excitement as Wesley McGriff was introduced as the Rebels’ new defensive coordinator Friday, partly because it’s somewhat of an outside hire, but also because he’s made a tangible impact pretty much everywhere he’s coached.
After adding McGriff as secondary coach, the Saints’ defense improved from 28th to sixth in Passing DVOA from 2012 to 2013. As co-defensive coordinator, he helped Auburn soar from 34th to seventh in Defensive S&P+ in 2016.
The job he faces in turning around the defense in Oxford, however, goes beyond anything he’s previously faced.