N.C. State has chosen a new defensive coordinator, head coach Dave Doeren announced Tuesday morning.
DJ Eliot, who previously served in the same position at Colorado, Kentucky, Kansas and Temple, will replace Tony Gibson, who recently became the head coach at Marshall. Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay was promoted to co-defensive coordinator and will coach nickels and safeties.
“I am excited to work at a program that has enjoyed consistent success and under a proven head coach like Dave Doeren,” Eliot said in a statement. “I remember what a tough place to play Carter-Finley Stadium was as an opponent and can’t wait to be a part of that atmosphere.”
Eliot’s resume also includes time in the ACC, when he worked for Jimbo Fisher at Florida State as the defensive ends coach from 2010-12. He most recently served as a linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
Gibson was known for his 3-3-5 lineup, and the Wolfpack finished in the top 25 for scoring defense in three straight seasons.
Eliot’s game plan relies heavily on quarterback pressure — a signature of the Wolfpack defense — but he has mostly used a 3-4 defensive scheme.
“D.J. is a great addition to our staff,” Doeren said. “He has worked with some of the greatest minds in college football, mostly recently with Dave Aranda at Baylor. He brings a wide variety of experience schematically and as a former NFL coach, he knows what it takes to develop players so they can make it to the next level.”
In Eliot’s lone year at Temple (2022), the Owls led the American Athletic Conference with 38 sacks and ranked No. 2 in passing yards allowed (198.6 yards per game). But, the overall defense still gave up more than 390 yards per game.
In two seasons at Kansas (2019-20) under Les Miles, the Jayhawks won three games and went winless in 2020, gave up more than 450 opponent yards per game, and recorded just 26 sacks in the two seasons.
Colorado went 10-14 in 2017-18, led by head coach Mike MacIntyre and interim head coach Kurt Roper. Roper was promoted by N.C. State coach Dave Doeren on Monday from the Wolfpack’s quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. In his first year as DC, Eliot’s defense allowed more than 450 yards per game. That improved a year later to 380 yards per game.
Despite coaching multiple All-SEC honorees at Kentucky from 2013-16, the Wildcats finished 19-30 during Eliot’s tenure. In their best season within that stretch, they allowed 436.8 yards of total offense per game. Kentucky did score six defensive touchdowns in 2014 and forced 23 turnovers, while the team ranked No. 28 in 2015 for passing yards allowed per game (198.1).
Eliot was most successful at Florida State (2010-12), helping lead the Seminoles to three bowl game victories, one of which was the 2013 Orange Bowl. Two of his defensive ends combined for a total 31 tackles for loss, including 24 sacks.
Eliot played linebacker at Wyoming and began his coaching career with the Cowboys in 1999.
Joe DeForest, who previously coached safeties, announced his retirement.
Additionally, Elisha Shaw was promoted to a full-time coaching position. He will assist defensive line coach Charley Wiles. Brian Mitchell remains over the cornerbacks.
“Coach Shaw has brought a wealth of passion and enthusiasm to our program and has done a great job with our d-line,” Doeren added. “He has a bright future as a coach.”
This story was originally published December 31, 2024, 10:28 AM.