USC hires NFL coach as defensive coordinator
After changing jobs four times in as many years, Brian VanGorder -- and his wife and five children -- wanted to settle down, figuring to work his way to defensive coordinator in the NFL.
But then Bobby Petrino abruptly left after less than a year as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for Arkansas, leaving VanGorder, the team's linebacker coach, to reassess where he was after having "the roof blown off here."
VanGorder, 48, who was defensive coordinator at Georgia from 2001 to 2004, had options, including possibly joining Petrino at Arkansas as well as "a number" of other opportunities.
But "from the beginning," VanGorder said he was focused on one job: University of South Carolina defensive coordinator. If coach Steve Spurrier offered him the job, he was headed to Columbia.
And that's what happened after Spurrier flew to the Falcons' camp in Flowery Branch, Ga., with his son, Steve Jr., and talked with VanGorder for about 90 minutes Tuesday.
"I think he's a real, real sharp guy that can really lead our defense," Spurrier said Wednesday. "I really think he's going to do a super job here."
VanGorder replaces Tyrone Nix, who left to become defensive coordinator at Ole Miss. VanGorder agreed to a three-year contract, although Spurrier didn't want to disclose the financial terms until it was signed.
Spurrier also said Ray Rychleski, who was hired Tuesday as special teams coordinator, agreed to a two-year deal.
"We're making a strong commitment to these guys that they're going to be an important part of our football program," Spurrier said.
USC sport information director Steve Fink said it would be January before the financial details would be finalized and then released.
VanGorder is also ready to settle down, but not as much, it seems, as his family. After finishing up four years at Georgia in 2004, VanGorder spent one year with the Jacksonville Jaguars before leaving for a one-year stint as head coach at Georgia Southern.
Then it was on to Atlanta.
"At this point in time I think it's very, very important for my family to get to a place (where it can settle in)," VanGorder said. "Certainly the three-year contract is nice. I think that's a statement for everybody. But my intentions are to be at South Carolina ... • for a long time."
Spurrier generally allows his defensive coordinator to run the defense, which has often allowed the coach to build a resume for a run at a head coaching job. VanGorder downplayed that as a reason for his coming to USC.
"Really, I'm beyond that," he said. "There's things at this time, stability, (that are more important)."
At Georgia, VanGorder consistently had one of the SEC's top defenses. The Bulldogs were in the top three in the league in scoring defense all four years -- and were third each year against the run, a particular problem in Spurrier's three years at USC when the Gamecocks have been ranked 11th, 9th and 12th.
"He's used to coaching very good defense," Spurrier said. "So hopefully that'll transcends to our players."
VanGorder said he wasn't too familiar with USC's players, although he planned to try to talk with some of them ó and try to watch some film as well -- before coming to Columbia after the Falcons end their season.
As for his defensive philosophy, VanGorder said he studies an offense and tries to find ways his scheme can stop what the opponent does best.
"But I think the mark on most of my defenses are going to be we're going to play fast. I'm someone that believes in creating a scheme that allows players to unwind and play fast," he said. "I expect great effort on every play, and I'm an emotional coach. I like my defense to play with emotion."
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