Indiana Hoosiers Hire Defensive Coordinator Brian Korr
By Evan Reller
Nov 10, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons co-defensive coordinator Brian Knorr (left) and head coach Jim Grobe (right) watch the coin toss before their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Hoosiers have filled their defensive coordinator position with Wake Forests’ Brian Knorr. He spent the last three years co-coordinating the Demon Deacon’s defense.
Knorr is a former head coach of Ohio (2001-04) and has 23 years of experience. He also had two stints on the coaching staff at Air Force Academy, where he was also a quarterback. Knorr has been with Wake Forest since 2008. He will take over where Doug Mallory left off after being released from the team nine days ago.
In his final year as coordinator, Wake Forest finished with the 32nd ranked defense in total yards and 38th in points allowed per game. Only two teams scored more than 30 points against Wake Forest last season: then-No. 3 Clemson scored 57 and eventual BCS Champion Florida State scored 59.
The Demon Deacons allowed just 24 points per game last year, the Hoosiers gave up nearly 39 per game last season. Knorr spent time as a linebackers coach and it paid off as his team was 34th against the run, giving up an average of 143 yards per game. IU allowed an average 238 yards on the ground in 2013.
Wake Forest was impressive on third down and in the red zone as well. Teams converted just 36-percent of their third down attempts. On 47 red zone trips, opponents scored 25 touchdowns and kicked 12 field goals a success of nearly 79-percent.
Overall, Knorr knowledge and experience will undoubtedly help an IU defense that ranked historically low in the Big Ten.
What remains to be seen is whether or not the Hoosiers will convert to the 3-4 scheme that Knorr used at Wake Forest. IU has been recruiting for a standard 4-3 defense ever since Kevin Wilson has been head coach. It is not an easy switch to make as the 3-4 isn’t nearly as common and finding players to fit that scheme is difficult.
We probably won’t hear about big changes to the defense until the Spring game. Until then, we will keep you updated on the Hoosiers off season.
For the official statement from IU, as well as Wilson’s comments on the new hire, click here.
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