Welcome to the party, pal
This morning NC State announced that D.J. Eliot is its new defensive coordinator; Eliot replaces Tony Gibson, who is now the head coach at Marshall. Eliot is a long-time assistant coach, most recently working as the linebackers coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. He worked in a consultant role for Baylor this year, according to Pete Thamel.
The Oklahoma native and Wyoming graduate has been in coaching since 1999 and has nine years of experience as a defensive coordinator, at four different places: Kentucky, Colorado, Kansas, and Temple.
Eliot has been running a 3-4 scheme since his stint at Kentucky, and that may have helped him get this job, since State’s defensive roster has been built to run the 3-3-5. His familiarity with running three-man fronts should help his transition with the Wolfpack.
State announced some other staff changes as well: Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, who called the defense in the bowl game, got promoted to co-defensive coordinator and also will coach the nickels and safeties. Joe DeForest, who had been the nickels/safeties coach, announced his retirement.