Here is what to expect from New Miami Hurricanes DL Coach Todd Stroud

Before they announced that defensive line coach Jess Simpson left to rejoin the Atlanta Falcons in the same position the Miami Hurricanes stated that Todd Stroud was joining the program as the new DL coach and assistant head coach.

Todd Stroud joins the Miami Hurricanes coaching staff after seven seasons as the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Terry Bowden with Akron. Stroud becomes the latest member of the Miami football staff who is a Florida State graduate.

Head Coach Manny Diaz and new Miami director of player personnel Andy Vaughn also have degrees from FSU. Former Miami wide receivers coach Ron Dugans who has since returned to his alma mater also is a Florida State graduate.

The 2018 season was Stroud’s only one as the defensive coordinator for the Zips. He had previously been the defensive line coach from 2012-15, added the title of assistant head coach in 2016 and was promoted from DL coach to defensive coordinator for 2018 while remaining assistant head coach.

Akron’s defense was mediocre with Stroud as the coordinator in 2018. They were in the middle of the pack in the MAC but excelled in a few areas. Hurricane Sports highlighted Akron’s defense in the announcement of Stroud’s hiring.

"“In 2018, the Zips’ defense ranked third in the Mid-American Conference in third-down defense, third in passing efficiency defense and forced 21 turnovers, including two pick-sixes in a 39-34 win at eventual Big Ten West champion Northwestern – Akron’s first win over a Big Ten opponent since 1894.The Zips improved from 91st in yards per play to 36th nationally, and from 66th in yards per pass attempt to 21st in the country.”"

The two stats to look at with Stroud taking over as the Hurricanes defensive line coach are tackles for loss and sacks. The Zips finished 51st in FBS with 81 TFLs. Akron seemed to struggle to get pressure on the quarterback. They had only 22 sacks in 2018, 97th in FBS.

Akron defensive end/linebacker Jamal Davis did have an exceptional 2018 season under Stroud’s tutelage. He finished third in the MAC with 16.5 TFLs and added 5.5 sacks.

Stroud has also been a strength and conditioning coach during his career. This will be his second job at a power five school as an assistant coach. He was worked from 2004-06 at NC State as the associate head coach and defensive line coach. Manny Diaz discussed his newest hire on Tuesday.

"“Todd’s varied background as a head coach, coordinator, position coach, strength coach and recruiter also gives him a unique, overarching perspective. We are fortunate to have someone with his knowledge, experience and character join our program."

Stroud has a lot of talent at defensive end to work with but is going to somewhat have to rebuild the interior. The Miami Hurricanes return two starters on the defensive line. Junior defensive end Jonathan Garvin and Senior defensive tackle Pat Bethel return for the 2019 season.

Miami led the nation in TFLs in 2018 and was 11th in sacks. Replacing defensive tackle Gerald Willis and defensive end Joe Jackson will be tough. Willis led the Hurricanes with 18 TFLs. Jackson led Miami with 8.5 sacks.