As expected, USF has reached into the Big 12 to pull out their new defensive coordinator from Kansas State. And, as a result, the Wildcats now must commence a coordinator search of their own.
In an announcement made late Wednesday night, USF confirmed it has hired Chris Cosh to take charge of the Bulls’ defense. Cosh will replace Mark Snyder, who left earlier this month for the same job at Texas A&M.
“I’m excited that Chris has agreed to be the defensive coordinator here,” head coach Skip Holtz said in a statement. “I’ve got great respect for him as a teacher and communicator. He’s had a lot of success building some of the top programs in the country and I’m looking forward to working with him again here at USF.”
Cosh had been with the Wildcats for the past three seasons, and has also spent time as a coordinator at Maryland (2006-08), South Carolina (2003), Michigan State (1998) and Illinois (1992-96). During Cosh’s time with the Gamecocks — he also served as linebackers coach beginning in 1999 — Holtz was also on the USC coaching staff.
In the year prior to Cosh’s arrival in Manhattan, the Wildcats finished 110th (35.8 ppg) in the country in scoring defense. Under Cosh, KSU has finished 68th in 2011 (29.2), 78th in 2010 (29.1) and 46th in 2009 (23.3).
(Photo credit: K-State Athletics)