Ellis johnson defensive approach?

[chadalac06]

I was just wondering what kind of defensive schemes johnson runs?? how he blitzes and other things of this nature.....any one know anything bout his defenses'?

[bigbolbee]

just that he couldnt beat wofford, app state, furman, ga southern, and elon in the socon

[Gamecock_KC]

just that he couldnt beat wofford, app state, furman, ga southern, and elon in the socon


This comment from someone who can't spell "Riviera".....

:roll::roll::roll:

[Gamecock_4life]

This comment from someone who can't spell "Riviera".....

:roll::roll::roll:
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::woo:

[GVegasCock]

I wouldn't hold his Citadel years against him. He is a Citadel grad and he inherited NOTHING when he got there. The SoCon is a very tough AA league, takes many years to get competitive there.

[SNEEZ]

I wouldn't hold his Citadel years against him. He is a Citadel grad and he inherited NOTHING when he got there. The SoCon is a very tough AA league, takes many years to get competitive there.

So you're saying it took many years to get competitive there...what should we expect here in the SEC? luck within a decade?!

I'm not too big on this after doing my own research I'm a little deflated actually

[roosterrizk1]

The SEC ain't no cupcake....

[hardcock2]

but he did beat the U for the national title in '92 with Bama!....not bad.

[SC4EVER]

Ellis Johnson not offered job:

Updated: Johnson talks with Spurrier about coordinator’s post

By Joseph Person
The State
Published: December 17, 2007

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has spoken to Mississippi State defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson about running the Gamecocks’ defense, but has not offered him the job, according to a source close to the situation.

http://www.gogamecocks.com/index.php/site/daily_article/johnson_talks_with_usc_about_coordinators_post/

[ConwayGamecock]

So you're saying it took many years to get competitive there...what should we expect here in the SEC? luck within a decade?!

I'm not too big on this after doing my own research I'm a little deflated actually

If we're saying that we don't think USC can recruit talent that will put it on a closer level with other SEC programs, then yes maybe a decade, maybe longer.

If you're saying that USC's talent on defense is as far behind other SEC teams like the Citadel's talent was. Is that what you're saying? If that's the case, what good will Foster or Tenuta do us?

What research have you done that deflates you, if I may ask?

[Click]

just that he couldnt beat wofford, app state, furman, ga southern, and elon in the socon

Big difference between being a head coach and defensive coordinator, big difference. So I wouldn't use this as grounds to say he's not qualified.

[86 GradCock]

Gamecock Central is reporting that Johnson has been offered the job by Spurrier and it is likely he will accept. It is a free article as the top headline on the page.

[High Cotton]

In defense of The Citadel and Ellis Johnson. It is hard to recruit top atheletes to play at The Citadel, so don't hold that against him.

[bioniccock]

Ross is the only Citadel coach who won regularly at that school. You "critics" need to try coaching there. It's a prison. I know, because I was there. Few great athletes give the Citadel a glance. Ellis is a very good coach. Give him some talent and he will do well.

[chadalac06]

Yea i def. wouldnt hold the citadel years agianst him.....losing agianst wofford ga. southern and app st every year with a military school that top flight or at least middle of the road athletes wouldnt even consider doesnt seem like something that u shuld hold agianst a coach..and bein a head coach is completley dif. from a dc.....we shuld focus more on his dc days than the hc ones.......Im just wondring wat kind of schemes he runs....i was at the miss st game this year but cant recall how there d was attacking us...

[Alfred_HitchCOCK]

If this happens it would not the homerun hire I was hoping for.

[chadalac06]

If this happens it would not the homerun hire I was hoping for.
might not be a homerun hire as in foster....but it is def. a upgrade from nix....miss. state finished i think 5th in the sec in total d this year with less talent than us.....i think this is a good hire if it happens...

[blaze]

Ross is the only Citadel coach who won regularly at that school. You "critics" need to try coaching there. It's a prison. I know, because I was there. Few great athletes give the Citadel a glance. Ellis is a very good coach. Give him some talent and he will do well.

there was another guy named Taafe who did pretty good. They did pretty good in the late 80's early 90's.

I personally think that Johnson might do pretty good here. He was only with the Citadel for a couple of years, so nut much history there to look for.

[SNEEZ]

still not the "homerun" more like a balk.

[JAYBEZ]

I was just wondering what kind of defensive schemes johnson runs?? how he blitzes and other things of this nature.....any one know anything bout his defenses'?

If hired, I am sure he would describe he scheme the same way every D Co-ordinator explains His D.

"We will blitz more, try to disguise our coverages, and be quick to the ball."

Probably throw a couple other buzz words in there for good measure.




Regardless of the talent of the coach, they all describe defensive and their approach the same way.

[usc1]

might not be a homerun hire as in foster....but it is def. a upgrade from nix....miss. state finished i think 5th in the sec in total d this year with less talent than us.....i think this is a good hire if it happens...

Thats the thing, the dude can't recruit. You cant have a great defense without great players.

[LBC]

still not the "homerun" more like a balk.

To refer to Coach Ellis Johnson as a "balk" says a lot about our fanbase...

[Click]

still not the "homerun" more like a balk.


Think back to when Alabama beat Miami to win the National Championship, can't remember the year, but that defense was dominating. He knows his stuff, so maybe its not the big name "homerun" (Foster) everybody was hoping for but its not a balk by any means either.

[JAYBEZ]

Thats the thing, the dude can't recruit. You cant have a great defense without great players.

Um, he won't be on the recruiting trail here. NIX sure wasn't. He only came in for the final meeting if needed.

Thats why they aren't sweating bring someone in until after the bowls. They didn't lose anything by sending Nix away.

[AtlGAMECOCK]

he did well against Lsu this year his defense was the only reason that game was closer than it should have been.I do believe that they are bowling we aren't.

[mickeyrivers]

somebody buy this:

http://www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Football/Stopping-the-Run_FD-02575A.html?id=H7VISshe

[hardcock2]

Thats the thing, the dude can't recruit. You cant have a great defense without great players.

this was only his third year at MSU....and he had absolutely nothing to work with when he got there. i think he's done pretty well, because they have some solid players on D there now.

[JAYBEZ]

Here is what one MSU fan had to say about him on their rivals board:
Sarc Dawg

Pro Bowl Player
Post #829
Mobile, AL
MyFanPage
Add Buddy Re: ellis johnson questions Reply

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll be sad to lose him. He's done a good job with the D @ MSU even when we were really down. There was always 1 or 2 games a year that were head scratchers defensively, but I am no self proclaimed "expert" and couldn't say whether it is scheme or the players not executing- my gut says a little of both. Doesn't really attack much, but doesn't give up the big play too often either. Recruiting wise, he's not a big recruiter for MSU from everything I've heard, and according to Rivals "recruited by coach" search.

I can't really blame him for leaving if the $ numbers I've been seeing are correct and since SC is home. Hopefully he'll have some success at USC- except for when MSU rolls back around. I'd like for Spurrier and USC to shake things up a little in the east again.

[JAYBEZ]

somebody buy this:

http://www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Football/Stopping-the-Run_FD-02575A.html?id=H7VISshe

The team could save itself a few hundred thousand a year by just purchasing that...

[SNEEZ]

he did well against Lsu this year his defense was the only reason that game was closer than it should have been.I do believe that they are bowling we aren't.

you call 45-0 closer than it should have been?

[GratefulCock]

you call 45-0 closer than it should have been?

Actually the first half was pretty close... The MSU offense stunk so bad that the D was on the field the entire night. You can't blame them for eventually wearing down.

[doccock]

Think back to when Alabama beat Miami to win the National Championship, can't remember the year, but that defense was dominating. He knows his stuff, so maybe its not the big name "homerun" (Foster) everybody was hoping for but its not a balk by any means either.

He wasn't the defensive coordinator then. He coached outside LB's in those years from 1990-93. Then he left for 3 years at Clemson. 2 as OLB coach and the last as DC

He was Bama DC in 1998-2000.
doc

[AtlGAMECOCK]

um yes it was closer than it should have been with the way Hnig was giving the ball to the LSU D it should have been 100 - 0. that d did keep it close for a while. he isn't a horrible D- cor. They are going to a bowl game we arent plain and simple and to go to a bowl game u have to stop the other team from scoring or outscore the other team which MSU didn't have a hi octane Offense.He is a SC native he knows about the rivalry.If we can't get the guy we want then get the guy that wants to be here.He can't do any worse than anyone else.

[ConwayGamecock]

While reporting on the whole circus with Foster may have been within this board's rules, it seems unfortunately that it instantly spoiled some here into not being satisfied unless South Carolina only hires a DC from the available elite of the elite, regardless if those candidates would be a poor fit, or if it would be - at best - a lateral move, or worse. The Foster possibility was a little inconceivable to fathom ever taking place, except for the constant reports from sources that Foster himself initiated the discussions. If this had not taken place, would anyone here have brought up Foster's name as a candidate? It's doubtful.

Was Nix considered an "elite of the elite" DC, during his time at USC? At the mid-point of this past season, when we were 6-1 and 3-1 in the SEC, and our defense were largely the reason for our success to that point, did we have a major issue with him? Were we expecting him to become an "elite of the elite" DC?

Why is it that all of a sudden we won't accept any other DC unless he's among the best in the nation? Sure, we might have the funds to meet the salary of any other school that would hire them, but we fall way behind those programs as far as elite football goes. I think we are wanting a DC just like we were wanting an SEC title and contention for the NC earlier this season: we are overreaching our means, at this stage of the game...

[willy]

I wouldn't hold his Citadel years against him. He is a Citadel grad and he inherited NOTHING when he got there. The SoCon is a very tough AA league, takes many years to get competitive there.


Plus the fact that The Citadel is a military college with an enrollment of 1700 students.

[garnet812]

you call 45-0 closer than it should have been?
Uh, dude did you even watch the game? MSU's QB threw 6 INTs. Field position and time of possession for the LSU's offense certainly helped.

[AtlGAMECOCK]

Johnson isn't my first pick but he isn't a bad one either.he is like the one cute girl that is friends with the hotter ones that u try to get with then u end up falling for her instead. I would rather have Foster or Tenuta but if they don't want u then what do u do cordiantornap them.

[Hotspur]

While reporting on the whole circus with Foster may have been within this board's rules, it seems unfortunately that it instantly spoiled some here into not being satisfied unless South Carolina only hires a DC from the available elite of the elite, regardless if those candidates would be a poor fit, or if it would be - at best - a lateral move, or worse. The Foster possibility was a little inconceivable to fathom ever taking place, except for the constant reports from sources that Foster himself initiated the discussions. If this had not taken place, would anyone here have brought up Foster's name as a candidate? It's doubtful.

Was Nix considered an "elite of the elite" DC, during his time at USC? At the mid-point of this past season, when we were 6-1 and 3-1 in the SEC, and our defense were largely the reason for our success to that point, did we have a major issue with him? Were we expecting him to become an "elite of the elite" DC?

Why is it that all of a sudden we won't accept any other DC unless he's among the best in the nation? Sure, we might have the funds to meet the salary of any other school that would hire them, but we fall way behind those programs as far as elite football goes. I think we are wanting a DC just like we were wanting an SEC title and contention for the NC earlier this season: we are overreaching our means, at this stage of the game...
I understand what your saying, but my question is this: Shouldn't we try to overreach our means? If we don't then how can we move forward and upward. If we say, "Well we cfan't get a coach of 'x' caliber where we are right now", then won't we always be in the same position? At what point should we try for someone "elite". Incidentally, I'm not bashing Johnson, just asking, for the sake of discussion. Also, has the initial question of the thread been addequately answered?

[superstar90]

GamecockCentral says the job was offered to Johnson. SOS says it hasn't. I mean come on people! First Foster, now Johnson. What happens if tomorrow we find out Johnson isn't coming, we start another rumor?

btw,
Johnson's Defense did beat SOS's team in the SECC game 34-7 or something.

[ConwayGamecock]

I understand what your saying, but my question is this: Shouldn't we try to overreach our means? If we don't then how can we move forward and upward. If we say, "Well we cfan't get a coach of 'x' caliber where we are right now", then won't we always be in the same position? At what point should we try for someone "elite". Incidentally, I'm not bashing Johnson, just asking, for the sake of discussion. Also, has the initial question of the thread been addequately answered?

I think based upon his coaching history and his defenses at MSU, Johnson favors an aggressive, physical defensive front, and pass rush. Strangely, MSU has not had good stats as far as QB sacks go, but have been SEC leaders in tackles for loss. The passing D has not been as good as run D, but IMO having coach Cooper in charge of that will make a Johnson-Cooper collaboration a great team: Johnson providing an improvement in the areas that Nix failed in, and Cooper providing the solid pass D. It could work....

[AtlGAMECOCK]

I agree to be great at what u do u need a great staff behind you, and u need to be able to rely on ur guy to do his job. I think it will be a great fit to be honest.I welcome Johnson with no doubt he knows about the rivalry and I am sure he would love to spank his old school.

[spartcock77]

Get Brian Van Gorder

[chadalac06]

I think based upon his coaching history and his defenses at MSU, Johnson favors an aggressive, physical defensive front, and pass rush. Strangely, MSU has not had good stats as far as QB sacks go, but have been SEC leaders in tackles for loss. The passing D has not been as good as run D, but IMO having coach Cooper in charge of that will make a Johnson-Cooper collaboration a great team: Johnson providing an improvement in the areas that Nix failed in, and Cooper providing the solid pass D. It could work....

johnson-cooper might be just wat we needed.....i hear that johnson defenses are normally pretty good agianst the run....with cooper coachin secondary then that sounds like a winning combination...

[87Cock09]

If you are looking for more pressure and a blitzing scheme, Johnson wont bring that. MSU is near last in NCAA in sacks this year. I dunno, maybe he just didnt have the personnel at DB to afford to blitz.

[chadalac06]

does ne1 know of a site to look at defensive stats from this past year?

[willy]

I think based upon his coaching history and his defenses at MSU, Johnson favors an aggressive, physical defensive front, and pass rush. Strangely, MSU has not had good stats as far as QB sacks go, but have been SEC leaders in tackles for loss. The passing D has not been as good as run D, but IMO having coach Cooper in charge of that will make a Johnson-Cooper collaboration a great team: Johnson providing an improvement in the areas that Nix failed in, and Cooper providing the solid pass D. It could work....



I think at Miss. St. Crooms still call's all the shots.

[usc90grad]

does ne1 know of a site to look at defensive stats from this past year?

http://www.ncaa.org/stats/football/footballMenu.html

[usc90grad]

He can't be as bad as Nix can he?

[Click]

I think at Miss. St. Crooms still call's all the shots.

Crooms' an offensive coach. Why would he call the shots on defense? Don't believe that one at all.

[Click]

He can't be as bad as Nix can he?

Yea, Nix was a terrible coach. That's why Nutt wanted him so bad and why Petrino pursued him also.

[usc90grad]

Yea, Nix was a terrible coach. That's why Nutt wanted him so bad and why Petrino pursued him also.

Our defense was 109th out of 119 teams last year....just sayin

[CockRoche]

I feel like the guy will be better than Nix, but I also believe he'll end up looking better than what he actually may be. I felt like the D was going to be great next year with J Brinkley and Peppers coming back to join the guys who have now gained a little experience, regardless of who is coaching them.

[Click]

Our defense was 109th out of 119 teams last year....just sayin

You're right, but remember this year's team was VERY young and inexperienced. The offense sputtered really bad early in the season which forced the defense to be on the field for way too many snaps. There were season-ending injuries to some crucial players that really hurt us. Some other players we were counting on just didn't play well this year. I could go on & on. Nix is a good coach. He knows his X's & O's. I have to admit I don't agree with his defensive philosophy. I fall more into the aggressive attacking style of defense much more than he prefers, but I honestly think that if he had stayed he was a year or 2 away from having a dominating type of defense simply b/c of the talent they had landed.

[d20636]

Our defense was 109th out of 119 teams last year....just sayin109th in rushing defense to be specific, and MSU was 65th. We were 56th in overall defense, and MSU was 28th....
Some stats from http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2007&div=4&site=org

Category|National Rank|Actual|National Leader|Actual |Conf Rank|Southeastern Conference Leader|Actual
MSU
Rushing Offense|79|135.33|Navy |351.50|10|Arkansas |296.75
Passing Offense |108|170.00|Texas Tech|475.58|11|Kentucky |282.08
Total Offense |112|305.33|Tulsa|542.54|12|Florida|462.00
Scoring Offense |93|22.42|Hawaii |46.17|10|Florida |43.08
Rushing Defense |65|159.00|Boston College |68.08|8|Florida |99.33
Pass Efficiency Defense |29|114.80|Ohio St. |93.97|6|LSU |96.16
Total Defense |T-28|341.17|Ohio St. |225.25|5|LSU |283.85
Scoring Defense |48|24.83|Ohio St. |10.67|8|Auburn |16.67
Net Punting |85|33.61|Toledo |39.50|8|Auburn |39.26
Punt Returns |39|10.27|Kansas St. |22.53|4|Florida |14.63
Kickoff Returns |113|18.33|Oklahoma |27.64|12|Tennessee |24.34
Turnover Margin |79|-.25|Fla. Atlantic |1.58|10|LSU |1.38
Pass Defense |10|182.17|Ohio St. |148.17|4|South Carolina |168.75
Passing Efficiency |117|101.37|Florida |174.98|12|Florida |174.98
Sacks |104|1.33|Georgia Tech |4.00|12|Georgia |2.83
Tackles For Loss |38|6.75|Oregon |9.33|2|Alabama |6.83
Sacks Allowed |41|1.67|Tennessee |.31|6|Tennessee |.31

USC
Rushing Offense |101|113.67|Navy |351.50|12|Arkansas |296.75
Passing Offense |39|258.17|Texas Tech |475.58|3|Kentucky |282.08
Total Offense |76|371.83|Tulsa |542.54|8|Florida |462.00
Scoring Offense |68|26.08|Hawaii |46.17|8|Florida |43.08
Rushing Defense |109|209.33|Boston College |68.08|12|Florida |99.33
Pass Efficiency Defense |14|108.20|Ohio St. |93.97|4|LSU |96.16
Total Defense |56|378.08|Ohio St. |225.25|9|LSU |283.85
Scoring Defense |37|23.50|Ohio St. |10.67|6|Auburn |16.67
Net Punting |72|34.39|Toledo |39.50|7|Auburn |39.26
Punt Returns |48|9.39|Kansas St. |22.53|5|Florida |14.63
Kickoff Returns |39|22.37|Oklahoma |27.64|3|Tennessee |24.34
Turnover Margin |99|-.58|Fla. Atlantic |1.58|11|LSU |1.38
Pass Defense |5|168.75|Ohio St. |148.17|1|South Carolina |168.75
Passing Efficiency |70|124.17|Florida |174.98|7|Florida |174.98
Sacks |86|1.67|Georgia Tech |4.00|10|Georgia |2.83
Tackles For Loss |65|6.17|Oregon |9.33|7|Alabama |6.83
Sacks Allowed |94|2.58|Tennessee |.31|11|Tennessee |.31

[bioniccock]

you call 45-0 closer than it should have been?


About as good/bad as Foster the great's defense verses LSU wouldn't you say. And, Foster had more talent!

[doccock]

btw,
Johnson's Defense did beat SOS's team in the SECC game 34-7 or something.

Again, that wasn't HIS defense. He was the OLB coach on that team, not the DC.
doc

[usc1]

Ellis's defense gave up 31 to us this year while we had a terrible offense. I dont see how this can be a good hire.

[SUPERSTRUT]

I don't know guys. I have mixed emotions about this guy.

While I feel like he has something to bring to the table, I still feel like we would be settling for less than we had originally planned on. (This is just my opinion and opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one)

[65-38-4?]

ellis johnson was a good coach at the citadel im a citadel fan and he coached a mean defense at the citadel

[garnet812]

Ellis's defense gave up 31 to us this year while we had a terrible offense. I dont see how this can be a good hire. Granted, Smelley isn't/wasn't the greatest QB, but an offense with him, Cory Boyd, Mike Davis, Kenny McKinley and Jared Cook IS not terrible. MSU's defense is the only reason they were in that game.

[Skybo]

Was't he a coach at Clem-tech ? I have heard he is good at recruiting.
Hope he is better than what we had !!:bow:

[Blake]

i dont like there sack numbers.

[garnet812]

i dont like there sack numbers.
Their sack numbers impress me more than ours considering their defensive line had considerably less talent.

[uscgamecocks09]

i really hope this guy isnt who we hire....

If we upped the salary and want some one proven why would we take a DC from Miss State- a team we beat on a yearly basis- thats like Houston Nutt taking Tyrone Nix after DMAC runs all over his....- oh wait never mind!

as i said in one of teh millions of thread on this site on the subject...

[clemsuxfat1]

is johnson our DC now?

[Cntrybrd4]

While I too was looking for the "homerun" I'm starting to come down off my high horse and realize nobody makes a name for themselves until given a chance in the right opportunity. Some coaches just don't make the best choices on the right opportunity (see Orgeron and Ole Miss) and some do (Urban Meyer, yes his talent level was already high, but he continues to bring it in). I'm going to wait on whoever we hire and see what happens while they're in the garnet and black. Until then we don't know. Who's to say Foster could have cut it in the SEC anyway.

[bigmuthafooka]

i dont like there sack numbers.

and ours do?

[usc90grad]

Ellis's defense gave up 31 to us this year while we had a terrible offense. I dont see how this can be a good hire.

Good point.

[WeHailTheeCarolina]

I'm glad to see no one has any "sources" on this one. I guess we'll just wait to hear it from Spurrier. I don't know who this guy really is, but if he is our DC, it's not the homerun hire I was looking for - more like a sac fly.

[JAYBEZ]

Don't quote the 31 points from the MSU game this year. If that is your best argument, you must have missed that game.

Their defense was all over us. We didn't pull away until the 4th quarter, and it was a garbage TD at the end that made our total look better then it really was.


Also, I understand the concerns about the sack numbers. I have them as well. But I also notice that his record shows much better performance against the run. And truthfully, I would much rather give the qb a little more time to throw then have every back we play put up huge numbers as he runs past our blitzing LBs.

With more and more teams trying to run this urban meyer spread run option crap, we need our players to stay home and force the pass. Let them throw into the teeth of that secondary! I have faith in the captain to protect his air space.

[SNEEZ]

While I too was looking for the "homerun" I'm starting to come down off my high horse and realize nobody makes a name for themselves until given a chance in the right opportunity. Some coaches just don't make the best choices on the right opportunity (see Orgeron and Ole Miss) and some do (Urban Meyer, yes his talent level was already high, but he continues to bring it in). I'm going to wait on whoever we hire and see what happens while they're in the garnet and black. Until then we don't know. Who's to say Foster could have cut it in the SEC anyway.

He helped win the Bama National title...and still a no name...If you have been in the SEC a while and ahven't made a big time name for yourself within 15 years...IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN

[spurmanski]

I dont know what it would take to satisfy us. Some of the best coaches have come from obscurity as far as the national stage goes.

There would have been a lot of complaints about some of the best out there so our best situation is just to let those who know what's going on do the hiring. He will do the best for the program cuz the better he does in hiring, the easier it is on the offense.
:wink: :kill:

[willy]

Don't quote the 31 points from the MSU game this year. If that is your best argument, you must have missed that game.

Their defense was all over us. We didn't pull away until the 4th quarter, and it was a garbage TD at the end that made our total look better then it really was.


Also, I understand the concerns about the sack numbers. I have them as well. But I also notice that his record shows much better performance against the run. And truthfully, I would much rather give the qb a little more time to throw then have every back we play put up huge numbers as he runs past our blitzing LBs.

With more and more teams trying to run this urban meyer spread run option crap, we need our players to stay home and force the pass. Let them throw into the teeth of that secondary! I have faith in the captain to protect his air space.



Agree totally. Ellis Johnson will be a good hire.

[dgusc06]

I say we still go after someone with a goatee cause i have a full one going after the foster talk. maybe we should just hold out for bill cowher??haha

[Click]

Ellis's defense gave up 31 to us this year while we had a terrible offense. I dont see how this can be a good hire.

You can't judge a coach based on one game. If that's the case then we should have fired Spurrier after the Alabama game his first year here.

[Coondog]

Johnson is obviously not Spurrier's first choice or he already would have the job. If he does end up as our DC he will have a lot more talent here to work with than he ever had at MSU. We all have our hopes up for a proven top of the line DC but that may not be an easy thing to get here right now even with the money but who knows. If Johnson does end up here I'm sure our run defense will be a hell of a lot better than it has been.

[JAYBEZ]

Johnson is obviously not Spurrier's first choice or he already would have the job. If he does end up as our DC he will have a lot more talent here to work with than he ever had at MSU. We all have our hopes up for a proven top of the line DC but that may not be an easy thing to get here right now even with the money but who knows. If Johnson does end up here I'm sure our run defense will be a hell of a lot better than it has been.

Not really... We are probably jumping the typical hoops of interviewing minority candidates so that BCA doesn't get on our case.

And besides, we already know he isn't the first choice. Bud foster was teh first offer, Ellis is #2.

[usc89]

I had many of the same concerns you did, but am beginning to come around. This guy is from SC and wants to come to Carolina. Additionally, his defensive numbers put him in the top 5 SEC defensive coordinators, if what I'm reading is correct.

Add that to the fact that in his last year at the Citadel, he took them to a 6-6 season and he must be pretty good. This is getting to the kind of guy I've always said we need---someone who is FROM SC who understands SC and knows what it takes to win here.

The more I think about it, the more I think Johnson might be a good hire.

[TerryP]

Bama perspective here.

I know Johnson well. I'll leave the personal feelings out of this and just stick to a few points you might want to consider.

In '99, the defense he fielded ended up ranked in the top 10 in the country. He's a run-stop oriented coach but was questioned on the defensive backs being average against pass oriented offenses. (ranked 47th in the NCAA against passing even though his DB's had 16 Int's in '99...4 each coming against UF and LSU...DL had 10 sacks against Souther Miss that year as a game high)

Against Spurrier, his defenses were 2-1 defeating UF twice in '99.

He started at Bama in '90 as OLB coach, then to Clemson in the same role. Promoted to DC at Clemson then back to Bama.

Bottom line, given the right players on the field, he can do a good job.

[Coondog]

Not really... We are probably jumping the typical hoops of interviewing minority candidates so that BCA doesn't get on our case.

And besides, we already know he isn't the first choice. Bud foster was teh first offer, Ellis is #2.


Yea Foster was definatly the first choice but I have heard a few other names mentioned and Spurrier has said he is still talking to some other people.

Also I don't think that the BCA will have anything to say since it's not a HC job and we didn't actually fire Nix.

[wincocks84]

I guess I would be OK with a Johnson hire...but, like many others, I still want that big name....maybe thats too selfish but i really dont care...from what i hear(gogamecocks) it seems alot of ppl have faith in this Vangorder guy at ATL...thoughts?

[JAYBEZ]

I guess I would be OK with a Johnson hire...but, like many others, I still want that big name....maybe thats too selfish but i really dont care...from what i hear(gogamecocks) it seems alot of ppl have faith in this Vangorder guy at ATL...thoughts?

He isn't even a co-ordinator. He is a position coach. How is that a step up?

[JAYBEZ]

But we seem to be trailing off, because this thread is supposed to be about Ellis' approach and scheme.

[rock23aj]

He isn't even a co-ordinator. He is a position coach. How is that a step up?


Maybe because he was the Defensive Coordinator at Georgia up until 2004 and georgia was 32-5 when he was there and he also won the same assistant coach of the year award that bud foster won this past year.

[horseshoefootball]

Bama perspective here.

I know Johnson well. I'll leave the personal feelings out of this and just stick to a few points you might want to consider.

In '99, the defense he fielded ended up ranked in the top 10 in the country. He's a run-stop oriented coach but was questioned on the defensive backs being average against pass oriented offenses. (ranked 47th in the NCAA against passing even though his DB's had 16 Int's in '99...4 each coming against UF and LSU...DL had 10 sacks against Souther Miss that year as a game high)

Against Spurrier, his defenses were 2-1 defeating UF twice in '99.

He started at Bama in '90 as OLB coach, then to Clemson in the same role. Promoted to DC at Clemson then back to Bama.

Bottom line, given the right players on the field, he can do a good job.

Thanks for the info,

as I've said before, I think Johnson could work well here. We have an excellent Secondary coach in Cooper, and if Cooper stays, I could get behind hiring Johnson.

I'm not sure that it's a done deal yet, but if it happens, I just hope we can keep Cooper. Cooper is not only a great secondary coach, but he is great for us in recruiting as well.

[ILiveInTheRoost]

He isn't even a co-ordinator. He is a position coach. How is that a step up?


He was an excellent defensive coordinator at Georgia before he went to the NFL.

[usc89]

I personally thought that Nix is a great coach as evidenced by the first half of our season. The problems we had down the stretch were due in large part to injuries than anything else, and I would have supported paying Nix enough to keep him here.

That being said, since Nix was allegedly not good enough to stay at Carolina, we really need to bring in someone who the kids we have will play for, and who has a solid defensive philosophy. From the stats I've seen, it looks as if Tenuta and Bennett have the best numbers, but Johnson isn't that far behind them.

We don't need some sort of "homerun" as we hit a grand slam when we got Coach Spurrier, but we do need a solid base hit to at least slow the other team down enough for us to outscore them.

Go Cocks! Now and forever!

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

I know our offense tourched his defense last season so why the hell would we want him???

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

Everyone might just be getting a taste of their own medicine. To everyone who wanted Nix's head - if we get this scrub from Miss State then it will def. be a step back!

[SNEEZ]

We don't need some sort of "homerun" as we hit a grand slam when we got Coach Spurrier, but we do need a solid base hit to at least slow the other team down enough for us to outscore them.

Go Cocks! Now and forever!

I th8ink Spurrier was more like a ground rule double, b/c he is definately NOT the same as he was. hsi name brings a certain mystique and players respond well to his system.

alot of school going the spread option run WRs are looking to catch balls and he slings them alot, in perception.

I wish we could get an aggressive young coordinator who REALLY turns the game around.

[Click]

He isn't even a co-ordinator. He is a position coach. How is that a step up?


He was defensive coordinator at Ga. at one time and before that he was the head coach at Georgia Southern. Wouldn't call either one of those programs small potatoes.

[Click]

I know our offense tourched his defense last season so why the hell would we want him???

Torched his defense??? Not hardly.

[Click]

Everyone might just be getting a taste of their own medicine. To everyone who wanted Nix's head - if we get this scrub from Miss State then it will def. be a step back!

Nix was a good coach, but Ellis actually has alot more experience than Nix, so no step back, assuming he comes here in the first place.

[garnetpreacher]

To refer to Coach Ellis Johnson as a "balk" says a lot about our fanbase...

funny thing is we had nothing to say but good about nix until the arkansas game this year. face it, we gave up big numbers to arkansas and florida and that was it. our defense played well except for those games. whoever inherits this defense can't help but have success next year with all the talent returning. we just had to ask too much of our young players this year because of the injuries. offenses are always going to put up numbers because of the great athletes today. we can't blame our defense for the year we had or coach nix. if our offense would have showed up we would have won at least 8 games and be singing nix's praises right now as we prepare for a good bowl. just my opinion.

[ConwayGamecock]

I know our offense tourched his defense last season so why the hell would we want him???

You know nothing of the kind. MSU was up 21-17 with less than 4 minutes in the 3rd quarter, and had all the momentum going their way, when Norwood blocked the punt, and set us up for a go-ahead TD pass to McKinley. After that, MSU was stunned by the change in momentum and the crowd support, and USC scored 14 points in the 4th. But just go check out the game thread here, and see what our thoughts were of the game up until the blocked punt.

In 2006, we had a 6-0 lead going into the 4th qtr., and finally won it 15-0. It was our worse offensive game of the season..even worse than the 0-18 loss to UGA, IMO. We at least were able to move the ball against UGA, but turnovers kept us from scoring in that game......

[EPHRAIM]

I th8ink Spurrier was more like a ground rule double, b/c he is definately NOT the same as he was. hsi name brings a certain mystique and players respond well to his system.

alot of school going the spread option run WRs are looking to catch balls and he slings them alot, in perception.

I wish we could get an aggressive young coordinator who REALLY turns the game around.

that's truly is rather ignorant, Spurrier is the same just the talent he has isn't, some people are dangerous with a keyboard.

[SNEEZ]

oh god man. talent wise we are as talented as he's had and he himself has admitted it.

less than a minute to go inside the 10yd line WE ahve the ball and UK can't stop up vs a #8 UK on national Tv and we let the clock run...NOT vintage Spurrier

consistant runs up the middle when we can't run up the middle on 3rd and LONG--NOT vintage Spurrier

He is not the same. Period.

[dreammachine]

Gamecock Nation, we all sure do have a lot of opinions concerning who our next DC should be. That's all part of the fun in waiting on next spring to get here and see our Gamecocks out on the practice field again.

I know that Coach Spurrier will get the VERY BEST DC available and I for one will trust in his judgement, BECAUSE IF WE CANNOT WIN WITH STEVE SPURRIER AS THE HEAD COACH OF SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL, THEN WE NEED TO SHUT THE DOOR TO WILLIAMS BRICE AND JUST PLAY SOCCER FROM HERE ON OUT!!!! Nuff Said!

:clap:

[TStone]

^ Sadly I have wondered myself what we will do if we can't win with Spurrier. IMO if you can't win with him I honestly don't know who you can win with.

[Click]

oh god man. talent wise we are as talented as he's had and he himself has admitted it.

less than a minute to go inside the 10yd line WE ahve the ball and UK can't stop up vs a #8 UK on national Tv and we let the clock run...NOT vintage Spurrier

consistant runs up the middle when we can't run up the middle on 3rd and LONG--NOT vintage Spurrier

He is not the same. Period.


I agree with you Sneez, but I think Spurrier learns from this season and comes back alot tougher next year.

[Blake]

im sorry he might be good, but he let a terrible oline with a freshmen qb with one target to throw to put up some serious points on him. Call it what you want but at that time of the year our offense was terrible. They always have a very very solid defense at MSU but never a great one.

Id rather have the GT guy myself, but im sure SS knows what he wants and i trust his decisions.

[Click]

im sorry he might be good, but he let a terrible oline with a freshmen qb with one target to throw to put up some serious points on him. Call it what you want but at that time of the year our offense was terrible. They always have a very very solid defense at MSU but never a great one.

Id rather have the GT guy myself, but im sure SS knows what he wants and i trust his decisions.

I was at the Miss St. game and I don't remember seeing Ellis on the field with his pads on.... so he didn't let anybody do anything. All he can do is coach the players to play, its up them to make the plays on the field. That said, I'd rather have the Ga Tech guy too b/c I like his style of defense better, but Ellis is a good coach.

[papasmurf]

Miss. State's Johnson to interview with Jackets
Current defensive coordinator seeks same position at Tech

By MIKE KNOBLER (mknobler@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/18/07
Mississippi State defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson will interview Wednesday for the defensive coordinator job at Georgia Tech, Johnson told The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss.
Johnson also is a candidate for the opening at South Carolina.
"I know [Georgia Tech coach] Paul Johnson, I coached against him over in the Southern Conference, and have known Paul for about 27 years," Ellis Johnson told The Clarion-Ledger. "We were both up in the Carolinas. I was at Appalachian State, and he was across the mountain at Lees-McRae. Just known him for a long time, think a lot of him."
Mississippi State (7-5) earned a Liberty Bowl berth against Central Florida thanks to a strong defense. The Bulldogs ranked fifth in the SEC in total defense and tied for 28th in the nation, allowing 341 yards per game.
Ellis Johnson's contract pays him $200,000 a year. Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta's contract pays him $400,000 for 2007 and $212,500 for the first six months of 2008
http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/gatech/stories/2007/12/18/techburst_1218.html

This is interesting...
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2779/96447699qi1.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[SNEEZ]

i'm torn.

i want a big name.

but he may be the best available

[eklypised]

Miss. State's Johnson to interview with Jackets
Current defensive coordinator seeks same position at Tech

By MIKE KNOBLER (mknobler@ajc.com)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/18/07
Mississippi State defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson will interview Wednesday for the defensive coordinator job at Georgia Tech, Johnson told The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss.
Johnson also is a candidate for the opening at South Carolina.
"I know [Georgia Tech coach] Paul Johnson, I coached against him over in the Southern Conference, and have known Paul for about 27 years," Ellis Johnson told The Clarion-Ledger. "We were both up in the Carolinas. I was at Appalachian State, and he was across the mountain at Lees-McRae. Just known him for a long time, think a lot of him."
Mississippi State (7-5) earned a Liberty Bowl berth against Central Florida thanks to a strong defense. The Bulldogs ranked fifth in the SEC in total defense and tied for 28th in the nation, allowing 341 yards per game.
Ellis Johnson's contract pays him $200,000 a year. Tech defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta's contract pays him $400,000 for 2007 and $212,500 for the first six months of 2008
http://www.ajc.com/gatech/content/sports/gatech/stories/2007/12/18/techburst_1218.html

This is interesting...

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2779/96447699qi1.gif (http://imageshack.us)



WTF?

[Flameout12]

Ross is the only Citadel coach who won regularly at that school.
Nope...Charlie Taffe had better teams and won the SC title in '92. They had Marshall, Furman and App. State in the conference at that time & Marshall went on to win the 1-AA NC that year.

[Cocky4Prez]

I'm with you on this one eklypised... Just seems like he wants to get out of Miss. St. I think we should aim to get Tenuta

[eklypised]

I thought Ellis was really wanting to come here...mabey he wants out of the SEC

[Click]

I'd rather have Tenuta myself. Nothing against E. Johnson, but I like Tenuta's style of defense much better. More aggressive.

[SOSadVisor]

I think Ellis would be a bad, bad move! He has not done anything!

[d20636]

I'd rather have Tenuta myself. Nothing against E. Johnson, but I like Tenuta's style of defense much better. More aggressive.He'd be the 'homerun' or '3 point shot' or 'gooooooooooal' to use all these other sports terms folks are using, IMHO. Vangorder would be a good pick, as Hoke would be too. Again, just my overrated $0.02...

[Click]

He'd be the 'homerun' or '3 point shot' or 'gooooooooooal' to use all these other sports terms folks are using, IMHO. Vangorder would be a good pick, as Hoke would be too. Again, just my overrated $0.02...


It doesn't hurt either that Tenuta's defenses always seem to give the Taters fits!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[usc1]

You can't judge a coach based on one game. If that's the case then we should have fired Spurrier after the Alabama game his first year here.

Spurrier's a whole different story and you know that. Ellis Johnson had one bad game there. Ok so now he's inconsistent.

By the way I thought it was more of bad offense than miss. st. good defense. We dominated them when we finally got our offense going.

[SUPERSTRUT]

1. Bud Foster (Didn't happen)

2. Tenuta (We need to go all out on this guy)

3. John Hoke (Has worked with the coach before and has a proven track record)

This is my specific order and I won't go any further until I have too.
(just my opinion)