Syracuse Football: Top 5 long-term replacements at DC for Brian Ward

Cornerbacks coach Kim McCloud

I know, I know, hiring from within isn’t the sexiest hire in the world, but this one makes a ton of sense.

McCloud has been with Dino Babers since he was hired back in 2016. Kim has coached on both sides of the ball in his four seasons with the Orange.

His first two years with the Orange he coached up the wide receivers and did a very good job in that role. Kim helped produce two All-Americans and three All-ACC performers.

Then he moved over to the defensive side of the ball to help out the corners and that’s where he’s been since. Here’s an interesting nugget from Cuse.com to show what he was able to do:

"“In 2018 he helped the Orange corners generate 18 interceptions – tied for the fifth-highest total in the FBS. The takeaways contributed to a 111-46 advantage in points off turnovers.”"

Long story short, wherever he has been results have followed at Syracuse. So why should he be the long-term defensive coordinator for Dino Babers? Because he already has experience doing it.

Dino + Kim have worked together for a decade and prior to his recent success with the Orange he was Dino’s DC at Eastern Illinois and at Bowling Green when Babers was a head coach. They first met and started working together when they were both assistants at Baylor in 2008.

Football is a relationship business, you work with people you like and guys you’re comfortable with. Obviously these two have a long history together and this future long-term pairing almost makes too much sense not to happen. If Dino decides to stay close to home, don’t be surprised if he leans on McCloud.