Pittsburgh did not finish in the top 50 nationally in sacks, tackles for loss or rushing yards against during Partridge’s initial season with the Panthers. In his last season with Florida Atlantic in 2016, the Owls allowed 39.8 points per game. That was 123rd out of 128 FBS teams.
Hiring Kuligowski to coach the Defensive Line was a priority for Richt when he was hired in December 2015. Porter quoted the Hurricanes boss as saying.
"“If I had a [defensive] coordinator who didn’t want him,” Richt said, I figure I probably don’t have the right [defensive] coordinator.”"
Whoever succeeds Kuligowski will have to rebuild a somewhat depleted defensive line. Miami lost their top three defensive tackles from 2017. Starters Kendrick Norton and R.J. McIntosh decided to forego their Senior seasons to enter the NFL Draft. Primary backup Anthony Moten was a Senior.
Miami brings back rising Senior Gerald Willis who sat out last season. He was a dominant presence on the scout team in 2017. Pat Bethel and Jon Ford also return inside. Four-star incoming Freshman defensive tackle Nesta Silvera also figures to be in the rotation.
The Hurricanes also productive defensive ends Chad Thomas and Trent Harris. Thomas tied for the team lead with McIntosh with 12.5 tackles for loss. Harris led Miami with 8.5 sacks. Joe Jackson, Demetrius Jackson and Jonathan Garvin return at defensive end for Miami.