There have been reports from multiple sources, and it has been confirmed that USF defensive coordinator Mark Snyder has been hired by Kevin Sumlin to take over as the new Aggie defensive coordinator.
Snyder took over as the Bulls defensive coordinator in 2010 and Even though the Bulls went 13-12 the past two seasons, Snyder‘s defense had a top 40 ranking each year. In 2011 the Bulls had a 5-7 record, but under Snyder the defense had a 36th ranked scoring defense, were 38th ranked in total defense, 16th against the rush, and 84th in pass defense. During his first season in 2010 USF was 17th in total defense, 22nd in scoring defense, 23rd against the rush, and was 24th in passing defense.
Prior to joining the USF staff, Snyder was the head coach at his alma mater, Marshall for the five seasons. Before joining Marshall, Snyder was under Jim Tressel at Ohio State University for four years as an assistant coach, including his last season as the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator.
The knock on the Bulls defense was that they were unable to hold onto leads late in the game, especially in the fourth quarter, giving up scoring drives in the final minutes four times. In 2011 the Bulls defense gave up more yards (351.3 yards/game), and allowed more points scored (22.7 points/game) during conference play than they did in 2010.
The search for the Bulls next defensive coordinator begins immediately.
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