Then well get an idea of what the defense is truly capable of after losing contributors like DT Marlon Tuipulotu, CB Olaijah Griffin and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Talanoa Hufanga. His defensive coordinator would be Todd Orlando., hiring him from Florida International. LOS ANGELES USC has its new defensive coordinator, Todd Orlando. The Cyclones used the Dime look as their base defense for the entire season, leading to victories over high-powered offenses like Oklahoma (#1 in BCfToys Offensive Efficiency) and Memphis (#16). The time is now! Arizona, the Trojans opponent this weekend, had its first game canceled, so its difficult to predict what the offense will look like, but USC can probably expect a heavy dose of running back Gary Brightwell, who is stepping in to replace the departed J.J. Taylor. Hes at his best when hes trying to get into the backfield, and thats what he was mainly asked to do on Saturday. Of course, the weight loss and new position might cause some in the fan base to wonder if Jackson is being utilized incorrectly if his production dips, but for now, his responsibilities dont seem much different than last year. Facing an offense that averaged 45 points per game, fourth nationally, Orlando reversed one of the core principles of his defensive philosophy. Try a week on us. 1 overall pick), Rudolph (3rd-round pick),Will Grier(preseason All-American) andDrew Lock(projected first-round pick). His defense consequently has two main types of base pass rush, one in which the B-backer works off the edge like in a normal 3-4 defense and another in which the B-backer drops into coverage while the rover blitzes suddenly through the interior. Not all of its issues were alignment-related though. Thats certainly a way to end the regular season and enter March Madness. It didnt matter much. - Grier hurt himself early in the contest against Texas, but Locks 52.9 completion rate in the Texas Bowl was one of his worst of the year. If youre thinking in football, youre playing slow.. In 2019, that all fell apart. The 2015 and '16 Texas defenses had been defined by what could be called "youthful" linebacker play from former five-star recruit Malik Jefferson and former four-star Anthony Wheeler. Since Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman dismissed defensive coordinator Todd Orlando two and a half months ago and even before, to some extent it's become clear just how much. Nearly every defensive coordinator will say theyre multiple in the various looks theyll give an offense. Redshirt freshman Max Williams was the extra defensive back on the field in these packages. USC, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Missouri each rushed 34-plus times against Texas but averaged only 4.2 yards per carry. Get your first month for $1. The Trojans didnt do it for every third-and-7 and longer, but in most of those obvious pass situations, Orlando employed a 1-4-6 look. Orlando, 48, spent the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Texas, where he was one of the highest paid assistants in college football. Thinking about becoming a VIP subscriber to Owls247? That wasnt happening before Hermans arrival in Austin. At Utah State, where he worked in 2013 and 2014, Orlandos defenses also finished in the nations top 20 in fewest points allowed. Yet, because of the way the Longhorns fly to the ball, it doesnt much matter that the numbers are pushed back. But for now Orlando is sticking around in Austin to work with Herman. Saban has finally embraced the change as well, throwing the ball more than he ever has before with Tua Tagovailoa. A four-run fourth inning broke the game open for the Longhorns, but they gave it all back and dropped the series opener. Its really, really crazy to see., Asked to summarize Orlandos system, Texas senior cornerbackKris Boydsaid succinctly: Just run to the ball and hit.. Orlando's 3-4/quarters defense had to be tweaked and altered to fit the 2017 Texas football roster and the demands of playing against Big 12 offenses, but in the process Orlando simply proved what makes him one of the top defensive coaches in the country: In particular, his effective teaching, aggressive philosophy and high capacity for adaptation. Before joining Tom Hermans staff at Texas, Orlando was viewed as a rising defensive mind in college football. But instead of sending four rushers, USC sent six (Figueroa, the four linebackers and Hufanga) on the final three plays, which forced Daniels, who rushed for 111 yards, to beat the Trojans with his arm. That much was clear on Saturday, and its why losing a player like Tufele, who possesses all three traits, hurt so much. The biggest breakthrough of the spread offense was in creating a clearer pre-snap picture for the offense and the QB in particular so that he had a narrower menu of options and threats to scan through after the snap. Considering how long players have had to learn the scheme, Orlando made clear he wont be as forgiving when it comes to forgetting assignments. Orlando said the Big 12 is unparalleled nationally when it comes to offensive playcalling. Herman starts most practices with a variation of the circle drill (essentially a one-on-one meeting in a small space that Herman calls out one by one) to ramp up the energy. His role evolves into something else over these next few weeks. Continue reading Simulated Pressures From a Positionless Defense (2019 Sugar Bowl). Coach Todd Orlando of the USC Trojans during USC football practice at the University of Southern California on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. You know, he was a linebacker previously, and hes really strong, so being able to move in this system is really a high priority, defensive line coach Vic Sooto said. Thanks to some help from the Cyclones and Mountaineers, the Longhorns trashed the Jayhawks to land the No. The Longhorns base out of a 3-4 that utilizes the Tite Front (404) and a stand-up hybrid DE to the weak side, or away from the passing strength (this is Mint in Saban-speak). Senior middle linebackerGary Johnsoncame from a junior college in 2016 where the scheme was significantly less complex. Boca Raton, Fla. - Just over 24 hours after FootballScoop.com first reported that FAU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops was heading to Kentucky to coach with his brother Mark Stoops, the Owls have quickly found his replacement in former Southern California defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Todd Orlando, per Bruce Feldman. The only two Pac-12 schools behind them are Cal and winless Arizona. Herman's offense is a spread system focused on running the ball downhill, primarily with inside zone runs, and he found 3-4 defenses that played quarters coverage like Orlando's to be the toughest schemes to deal with while at Ohio State. Will Alabama transfer Ishmael Sopsher be healthy enough to do so? Herald-Times. Todd Orlando, who has 16 years of experience as a collegiate defensive coordinator, was named USC's defensive coordinator in January of 2020. Chase Williams has turned into a leader at the position while delivering physical blows when he attacks the ball. Then Utah State's defensive coordinator, Orlando flew to Columbus, Ohio to interview with Herman for Houston's defensive coordinator job. One thing to not overlook is the away side 4i who has leverage on the away side tackle. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. You hear about soggy eggs and burnt toast. Hands-on coaching was limited to distanced learning. The trickle-up effect is in full swing. - Darnold completed 57.1 percent of his passes against Texas (third worst of the year) and threw a season-high two picks. Orlando took a job as the linebackers coach and assistant head coach at Texas Tech soon after. If the offense doesn't even know where the overload is coming from or who's dropping into coverage unless they can figure it out after the snap, they're more likely to have their own weak spots exposed than they are to hammer a favorable matchup with a pinpoint pass or run. Stilleto Boy wins the Santa Anita Handicap for trainer Ed Moger Jr. Sierra Canyon girls basketball team is two wins away from perfect season, Practical Move gives trainer Tim Yakteen a win in the San Felipe Stakes, Sam Farmers crystal ball: NFL mock draft 2023 version 1.0, UCLAs freshmen living up to the hype, carry Bruins into Pac-12 title game. Its very unique, added Texas senior safetyP.J. Theres a reason why he was let go. USC has officially found the new face of its defense. Their rotation would be a bit deeper, too. Most defensive coaches can recognize the usefulness of the front, but one thing is clear, Spread offenses will try and figure it out. Orlandos players have a different term for that distinction. Hermans old college buddy,Dave Aranda, recommended Orlando highly Orlando took over as DC at Utah State when Aranda, now at LSU, went to Wisconsin. FAU brings back a solid core talented defenders in their front seven and have also added numerous former blue-chip transfers to solidify their front seven. Like Iowa State, Texas has a three-safety Dime package that they utilize against pass-heavy offenses (think Kingburys Tech) or in obvious pass downs where Orlando wants to drop eight and flood the zones. Rigid positional structures are giving way to a more fluid style of play. It is not going to be participation awards. But the concern with this unit is depth. Weve changed that.. Two Former NBA Players Receive Prison Sentences For Fraud Scheme. Drake Jackson will man the hybrid outside backer position again this season. The Chargers based out of it for a whole game! We kind of talked about this going into it. Since Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman dismissed defensive coordinator Todd Orlando two and a half months ago and even before, to some extent its become clear just how much defensive line recruits and players disliked the front used by Orlando in his 3-3-5 defense. The coaches threw the entire . After Utah State, Orlando made his way to Houston for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, where the Cougars were top 30 in scoring defense and sacks both seasons he was there. Stanley, he has natural mobility. Its a pretty substantial change in terms of what theyre doing on defense. That establishment between Orlando and his team started in earnest following the Longhorns worst defensive effort of the season, a 51-41 loss to Maryland in Week 1. Those disguised blitzes cause an opposing quarterback to think, which is critical against tempo. You look toward the tail end of the game, our intent was to bring enough guys we could go at least six (defenders) for six (blockers) on them and force them to throw the football.. A Pasadena native, he currently lives in the South Bay. Two things generally forced USC to shift out of its base defense. Thats important to know, because Orlando turned down an opportunity to be Pittsburghs DC in his hometown that offseason. It took a toll on our bodies, Locke said. What I think were all starting to learn defensively theres some four-down stuff thats really good but the number of people you can get off the ball based on how the offense is attacking can be advantageous to you.. However, Willie Taggart and his staff still need to find ready-to-play talent in the secondary as FAU loses four of their top five snap getters from 2021. Orlandos scheme isnt complicated at least by memorization standards. The football bona fides were clear. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. For instance, before the snap he might show a field overload to induce an audible from the offense only to drop those players back and bring the overload from the boundary: These styles of blitzes can really mess up an offense's protections, option reads, passing progressions or blocking schemes, but they have their own vulnerabilities, in particular the man coverage the defense tends to play behind them. There has been a critical error on this website. Orlando said hes already adjusted his scheme, which relies on mixed fronts and aggressive blitzing, to fit USCs personnel. In the illustration above, the play side offensive tackle will either have to handle the 4i by himself or rely on the guard for a double team. At the three traditional LB spots, converted safety Raymond Scott has grabbed control of the outside backer spot while Kanai and Ralen Goforth return inside. Or what type of player they would be getting because of the scheme we ran. Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick of the Steelers, failed to clear the 300-yard mark only twice in 2017. Though Todd Orlandos (DC, USC) time at Texas came to a screeching halt after the 2019 regular season, one thing is clear, the man can create pressure. When you get players who can make throws and can run, you have to be mindful, Orlando told reporters on Wednesday morning. Though Todd Orlando's (DC, USC) time at Texas came to a screeching halt after the 2019 regular season, one thing is clear, the man can create pressure. With one of the pass-rushing outside linebackers replaced by a nickel DB, the defense is left with only a single edge rusher on the field (the B-backer in Orlando's defense). One of the areas in which Orlando has excelled as a teacher is in the art of disguising pressures and dictating to opponents with stop calls. Theres no favoritism. Thats where our emphasis is going to be this week.. Figueroa served as the single down lineman and was joined on the line of scrimmage by Jackson, Echols and one USCs more traditional linebackers, either Ralen Goforth or Palaie Gaoteote. Boca Raton will not be the first time Orlando coaches in South Florida. His defensive system poses an extreme challenge to offenses., You cant practice soft and play hard.New DC Todd Orlando is looking to up the physicality on the USC practice field. Against the more run-heavy approaches from USC, Oklahoma and Kansas State, Orlando utilized his traditional blend of nickel defense, moving quarters coverages and zone blitzes. Herman brought Orlando along with him to Texas, where a brilliant Year 1 netted the Longhorns defensive coordinator a raise to $1.7 million per year through the 2021 season. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Jorj04g0b6, Orlando will take over a talented Trojans defense that progressively declined over Pendergasts four seasons. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. One key element I talked about in my latest book, Hybrids: The Making of a Modern Defense, is the use of a more positionless defensive gameplan going forward into the future. looks seen in many Power Spread offenses. From there, the hits dont stop. It's only once that information is digested when a defender will hear how his role factors into the overall play call. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 9 Texas 75-59 win No. Be sure to follow us on Twitter at: The time is now! Gambling problem? 1 teach us about the units new direction? It made it a lot easier for me to make that decision (to stay).. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. Contact drills were reduced to virtual cues. Its really hard to screw up a run play. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78. In fact, Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler combined for 10.5 sacks, nearly a third of the teams total. Defenses that base out of the Tite Front dont mind the bounce because their speedy (and usually free)LBs can now chase down the RB while its overhangs box everything back inside (think of them like the Double Eagles wide-9s). He said of Orlandos teaching, He has one of those play calls where its constant blitzes. Its going to be real interesting to see how that unfolds in the Pac-12 with USC and everybody., Its a legitimate question in terms of how Orlando is going to play it early in the season, right? Preparing for his first season as defensive coordinator at No. However, Orlando was stubborn in keeping his defensive ends playing heads up on opposing offensive tackles instead of giving them early-down opportunities from the five technique like James Lynch enjoyed at Baylor. While the scheme is expected to adjust, the possibility of changes to USCs defensive staff is still up in the air. The offseason plan was to mold Jefferson into the next star rover for Orlando, but circumstances over the course of the season resulted in Jefferson moving to the "mac" position to make room for fellow speedster and junior college transfer Gary Johnson. In this particular instance shown above, the Jack backer walls the play by climbing to the RB. His $1.7 million annual salary is the highest in Texas history for an assistant, and only two assistants nationally earned more in 2017, according to USA Today. Every time USC football scrimmaged, there was one side of the ball that dominated much of the live periods: the defense. We need everyone to execute at the utmost level to make things work. We all saw how that worked. When youre giving up that many rushing yards, thats not a good thing with us, Orlando said. Orlando has previously doubled as linebackers coach, a position that USC split last season between Johnny Nansen, who coached inside linebackers, and Joe DeForest, who coached outside linebackers. It also means Orlandos weekly priority of taking away what he calls "game wreckers" is even more imperative. This season has not gone according to plan for anybody, especially the defense, and major changes will be headed USCs way. He also coaches the linebackers. Preparing for his first season as defensive coordinator at No. Even further, turn on a Cowboys or Seahawks game and you are likely to see multiple ways to run the Zone or Arc Read. At the same time, it causes a lot of controversy for the guys on offense.. Through it all, Orlandos stayed on Hermans staff. Since L.T. Arizona State realized that early, and its two main running backs, DeaMonte Trayanum and Rachaad White, rushed 24 times for 160 yards against USC. It has been quick to the ball, aggressive in its pass rush situations, effective at creating interceptions and disruptive in clogging the line of scrimmage on run plays. Visit our online store to order your copy. While some players struggled to learn virtually, he said the extra time spent installing and discussing the defense led to an especially sharp first week. In an interview posted on the schools Twitter account, Orlando promised that his USC defenses would be aggressive and attack people., I really believe that in todays game, creating negative yardage plays, attacking the quarterback, turnovers, all those things go into creating explosive plays on defense, Orlando said. Orlando first will bring up a picture to show the correct placement for a player. Orlando utilizes a number of disguised blitzes and coverages out of his 3-4 front, which can cause havoc for an offense trying to sort through things quickly. LOS ANGELES Under normal circumstances, first-year USC defensive coordinator Todd Orlando would have just finished the in-person evaluation portion of the recruiting calendar. Sign up for the Trojans Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. If you take what he says at face value there, maybe they shouldnt be too worried about the additional wrinkles making things confusing or leading to miscommunications. In McVays offense, the use of quick motions, multiple formations, and what seems to be an Air Raid-ish passing game has given NFL defenses fits all year. With Drake Jackson now listed as a linebacker and primarily playing in a standup role, USCs base is essentially a 3-3-5. Herman brought Orlando along with him to Texas, where a brilliant Year 1 netted the Longhorns defensive coordinator a raise to $1.7 million per year through the 2021 season. Todd Orlando (born March 24, 1971) is an American football coach. USC essentially ran a 4-2 front last season under former defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Once the guard pulls (the 4is key), he can chase and climb to the mesh. Email. The defense has numbers and is plus-one on the pulling guard. "I feel like I need to take some time for my wife, kids and grandkids while also looking to see if I can help college football on a larger scale," Patterson told Horns247. He's previously covered his alma mater SMU and the WNBA for the Dallas Morning News and high school sports for the Long Beach Press-Telegram. (Top photo: Jose Marin / MarinMedia Pool for USC Athletics). Some of the stuff he was about to say, I was already thinking. Schemes aside, Orlandos defense is built on one thing above all his players flying to the ball. Orlando did present Arizona State with several different looks on Saturday. They were delayed for two months from when they would normally have a camp. You have pass rushers out there, TaQuon Graham, Marqez Bimage, Joe Ossai guys that can get after the quarterback. The former is built on repetitive contact. In that game, the Longhorns consistently confused a seasoned and well-coached offensive line, garnering two sacks and seven tackles for loss (TFLs). For example, to counteract the speed of the Ravens Lamar Jackson, the San Diego Chargers went uber-small and put up to SEVEN DBs on the field at a time. That safety, last year played by the hard-hittingJason Hall, helped support the run defending on his read. We just had to learn to embrace it, and now we look forward to it.. USC had problems getting aligned on Saturday, and one of its alignment busts led to an Arizona State touchdown in the second quarter. football@usc.edu. Los Angeles Times USC beat writer Ryan Kartje offered this extended answer: Its important to remind everyone listening that I havent actually seen Todd Orlandos defense other than one practice during the spring Weve seen it all over the country that these offenses are running roughshod over defenses. Examine Texas schedule last season, and youll see a murders row of quarterbacks:Sam Darnold(No. A simplified picture combined with an athletic QB who could improvise if things got hairy made the spread offense absolutely deadly. Todd Orlando sees USC defense as work in progress USC defense showed positive signs in opening win over ASU Coach Todd Orlando of the USC Trojans during USC football practice at the. 16.2ASU19.6Washington21.8Oregon23.0Utah23.2OSU23.8Colorado24.8WSU26.5UCLA27.0Stanford27.3USC27.6Cal31.6Arizona, SportsPac12 (@SportsPac12) October 10, 2021. When interim defensive coordinator Craig Naivar finally allowed Ossai to play that role, Ossai produced three of his five sacks in the Alamo Bowl. The more you put in, the more you get out.. The two DEs (4is) in the B gaps close off the lifeline for every Spread team, the conflict gaps. I think its a smart move. But while Herman's motives started from a simple "What gave me fits as an offensive coach?" Owl fans had seen this defensive scheme recently when defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer coached FAU in 2019 as part of the 11-3 Conference USA and Boca Bowl championship season. How do you get your players to play hard?