Syracuse football hires proven NFL coach to fill void on coaching staff

Syracuse football has hired a big-time NFL name to fill the remaining void on its coaching staff. Here are all the details and why this was a great move.

It’s been a roller coaster offseason for the Syracuse football team over the last few months that has been highlighted by roster and coaching turnover left and right.

Despite the fact Dino Babers “finalized” his staff a month ago, changes have continued to come down the pike. The latest was Steve Stanard who recently left the Orange to join Kansas State for the same position (linebacker coach).

Stanard had previously served as the interim-defensive coordinator at the backend of the 2019 season for the Orange. Prior to that, he served as the defensive ends coach since 2017. This latest announcement came just a few days before spring practice opened.

Now just a few days after spring practice kicked off the Syracuse football team announced in a press release that they had found a replacement.

The Orange has hired Chris Achuff as the team’s new linebackers coach. Prior to joining Syracuse, Achuff served as the defensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He has been with the Cardinals since 2018 and that includes coaching Syracuse alum and NFL superstar Chandler Jones.

Over the last two seasons, Jones has produced 32 sacks, 102 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 48 quarterback hits, and 11 forced fumbles.

This is a very sexy hire for the Orange. To get an NFL guy to pass up the pros to join Syracuse is a massive win.

Most recruits come to Syracuse with aspirations of eventually landing in the NFL. To be coached by a guy who has been there and done that is priceless.

Dino Babers statement through the press release on the hire:

"“Chris has been around some of the top coaches and athletes in the sport. He was in the NFL for two seasons in addition to his college experience. He’s a fantastic addition to our staff and we are excited to have him on board.”"

Chris Achuff statement through the press release on being hired:

"“I can’t thank Coach Babers enough for this opportunity. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I knew all about Syracuse and its storied football tradition. I’m truly excited to work with these players and help Coach Babers add to that legacy.”"

On top of his NFL pedigree, Achuff “spent the first 19 years of his career at the collegiate level, including stints as the defensive line coach at Baylor (2008-16), Tennessee-Martin (2006-07), Charleston Southern (2005) and Chattanooga (2004),” per the Syracuse press release.