New York Jets assistant coach Brian VanGorder is headed back to the college game, this time to become the new defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported.
His first task will likely be to shore up the Fighting Irish's run defense. While Notre Dame finished its season ranked a respectable 31st in the FBS in total defense, it allowed 168 yards per game on the ground, ranking just 69th, and more than four yards per carry. The Jets' run defense ranks third in the NFL this season at just 88 yards per game with VanGorder coaching the linebackers.
Notre Dame defeated Rutgers, 29-16, in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl Saturday to finish the season at 9-4.
The move to South Bend will be VanGorder's eighth defensive coordinator position. He most recently served in that capacity at Auburn (2012) and with the Atlanta Falcons (2008-2011). VanGorder replaces Bob Diaco, who spent three seasons in the role before taking the head coaching job at UConn earlier this month. VanGorder coached linebackers on Rex Ryan's Jets staff for only one season.
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