Tulsa World: Defense duties shared

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Defense duties shared
OSU head coach Mike Gundy won't hire a new coordinator until after the Holiday Bowl.

By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 12/18/2008 2:36 AM
Last Modified: 12/18/2008 3:03 AM

STILLWATER — In advance of the Cowboys' Dec. 30 Holiday Bowl meeting with Oregon, Oklahoma State assistants Joe DeForest and Glenn Spencer are working as co-defensive coordinators.

The staff adjustment became necessary when Cowboy defensive coordinator Tim Beckman resigned to become the new head coach at Toledo.

"We're not going to change a whole lot," said Spencer, a first-year OSU assistant who had spent three seasons at Duke. "We'll do what we've done best (and) match up against what Oregon does."

The Cowboys, ranked 86th nationally in total defense, are matched with an Oregon team that is eighth in total offense and fourth in rushing.

During the Holiday Bowl, Spencer will work from the press box while DeForest, who also is the special-teams coordinator, remains at field level.

Gundy said he would like to hire a new coordinator — or promote a current Cowboy assistant to the position — "within a week to 10 days after the bowl."

"There are a lot of things to look at," Gundy said. "It could be a guy inside the program or a guy outside, just depending on who's available. I'll be real honest with you — a lot of what I do here (related to hiring) depends on recruiting.

"There are going to be a number of guys who want to work here."

An applicant's personality also will be a prominent factor in Gundy's decision.

"I don't want to be around a guy that nobody wants to be around," Gundy said. "It's no fun."

In addition to coordinating the defense, Beckman had coached the Cowboy linebackers. Spencer worked with the lineman, DeForest with the safeties and Jason Jones with the cornerbacks.

During preparation for the Holiday Bowl, Spencer will coach the linebackers while remaining involved with the linemen.

During a 19-year coaching career, "I've actually coached the linebackers more than any other position," Spencer said. "It's good to try to motivate a new set of kids and still have my thumb on the (defensive line), too. It's been a challenge, but it's fun."

Now assisting with line coaching is Greg Richmond, a former Cowboy end who now is a member of the OSU strength-and-conditioning staff.

"(Richmond) was an effective pass-rusher and a very productive player, so why not? He's been a great resource," Spencer said. "He already had the players' respect because of what he's done with them in the weight room."

Bill Haisten 581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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MexiMike, tulsa (12/18/2008 4:40:26 PM)

"We'll do what we've done best (on defense)..."

As an OSU fan, I'd like to know exactly what that is. Especially coming from the defensive line coach.

Maybe coming from Duke, he figures this line is the best he's ever seen.

Sorry, as you can tell I was never happy with him being hired.

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