A lot happened on Wednesday. Now that we've had time to let things digest I thought I'd go back and add some context to the football side of the busy day.
Like you all, I had been wondering about the rumored staff changes and when we might see an announcement. The buzz I had been hearing centered around defensive changes and a new DC or co-DC to assist Addison Williams. I didn't know it was going to be Ted Roof until a few minutes before the announcement.
My immediate reaction is that it was a positive move to add some much-needed experience to that side of the ball.
Addison Williams is highly regarded as an up-and-coming coach and I don't think this move changes that trajectory. While this is probably viewed as a demotion, I think there is a real benefit for him being able to work with a veteran like Roof.
Addison's early experience came at the Division II (Tusculum) and FCS (Furman) levels. He was then an analyst for one year at Auburn (2019) and coached safeties at Coastal Carolina (2020) prior to coming to UCF. And when he got to UCF, he was working under a brand-new DC (T-Will). Like some of y'all have speculated, I too have wondered if maybe he was promoted a year or two too early.
I don't think the defensive struggles of 2023 should necessarily be pinned exclusively on Addison being a first-year coordinator because we all know there was a talent deficiency in some spots. I just think Gus recognizes 2024 has the potential to be a special year and he has to do whatever it takes to make sure the defense is up to the challenge. If that means putting a pause on Addison being the primary DC, so be it.
As the release stated, Addison will remain co-DC and I have no doubt he will be a full-fledged DC again in the future.
As for Roof, Gus values relationships and familiarity. He worked with Roof at Auburn from 2009-11. Roof obviously the DC and Gus the OC under Gene Chizik - they won a National Championship in 2010.
I recognize how the Ted Roof name resonates with the fanbase that remembers his 33-day UCF tenure in 2011/12. It was symptomatic of Roof's nomadic coaching history. Outside of a few years back at Georgia Tech in the mid-2010s, he usually switches jobs after a year or two.
While UCF's financial situation will improve as a P4 member of the Big 12, there are still limitations so it shouldn't be overlooked that UCF is getting Roof at a bargain rate. He still has one year left on an Oklahoma contract that was set to pay him $1.2M in 2024.
Roof becomes UCF's sixth defensive coach on staff which means somebody on that side not named Addison Williams has to go. From what I understand, that decision has not been made. Roof's position coaching experience has primarily been linebackers, though he did coach safeties at NC State in 2018.
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While not officially announced, Gus did part ways with WR coach Grant Heard. For now, analyst/GM Will Healy has been recruiting for UCF in that vacant spot. Could Healy be the permanent WR coach? It is an option, but I hear UCF could be closing in on another candidate. Sean Beckton, Kodi Burns and Jeris McIntyre had been speculated as possible candidates, but Kevin Bolden could be the guy though Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin are trying to keep him. Bolden briefly worked at UCF (spring 2022).
olemisssports.com
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Vanderbilt LB Ethan Barr is expected to be the final spring transfer enrollee. He visited UCF in early December and ultimately chose Washington over the Knights. However with Kalen DeBoer going to Alabama, Barr re-entered the portal and immediately got in contact with UCF. Though classes began nearly two weeks ago, Barr had already begun the application process in December which enabled him to be a late enrollee. He is here and good to go. Not sure why it hasn't been announced, though it should happen soon.
Huge addition - he really was UCF's first choice at LB in the transfer portal. He was a two-time team captain at Vanderbilt and boasts more than 200 career tackles in four years of action.
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UCF's transfer class is among the best in the nation. I truly think UCF got one of the best portal QBs in KJ Jefferson. The defensive upgrades are clear with experienced players like S/LB Ladarius Tennison, S/LB Deshawn Pace, S Bryon Threats, LB Ethan Barr, LB Jesiah Pierre and DE Daylan Dotson. Plus you add promising younger talent like CB Antione Jackson, LB Xe'ree Alexander and LB/DE Zavier Carter.
And when you consider the returning players like RJ Harvey, Kobe Hudson and Ricky Barber, I think it's fair to claim UCF can be a Big 12 contender in 2024.
QB - I think KJ will be an upgrade.
RB - RJ is a stud and UCF has upgraded the room with Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati), kept Johnny Richardson and is adding two stud HS recruits.
WR - Losing Javon hurts, but Kobe/Xavier are solid and I think UCF is hopeful Chauncey Magwood can emerge. There is plenty of young talent waiting in the wings between the HS recruits and Goldie Lawrence.
OL - Hopefully Jabari Brooks or Caden Kitler can give UCF consistency at center. Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall and Adrian Medley are all returning. Wes Dorsey is an experienced tackle.
TE - Randy Pittman should improve a lot going into year two, Evan Morris (Michigan State) will the blocker they need and everybody is high on Kylan Fox.
DL - UCF returns every DL except for Josh Celiscar. Lee Hunter/Ricky Barber/Matthew Alexander/John Walker are solid inside. Malachi Lawrence and Daylan Dotson are expected to be the top DEs with the hope younger players there will start to emerge.
LB - UCF has multiple options between the transfers and hybrid-type players like Ladarius Tennison and Deshawn Pace (who could play there if needed).
DB - Corey Thornton is the only major loss. Lots of returners, Multiple high-level portal additions. Talented incoming recruits. The depth chart will sort itself out.
Remaining needs - As of right now, UCF may consider further portal additions in the spring. It kind of depends whether there is some attrition - probably guys who feel there may be playing time elsewhere. I think they'd consider another DE, possibly another OT and maybe a WR depending on things go in spring practice.
Like you all, I had been wondering about the rumored staff changes and when we might see an announcement. The buzz I had been hearing centered around defensive changes and a new DC or co-DC to assist Addison Williams. I didn't know it was going to be Ted Roof until a few minutes before the announcement.
My immediate reaction is that it was a positive move to add some much-needed experience to that side of the ball.
Addison Williams is highly regarded as an up-and-coming coach and I don't think this move changes that trajectory. While this is probably viewed as a demotion, I think there is a real benefit for him being able to work with a veteran like Roof.
Addison's early experience came at the Division II (Tusculum) and FCS (Furman) levels. He was then an analyst for one year at Auburn (2019) and coached safeties at Coastal Carolina (2020) prior to coming to UCF. And when he got to UCF, he was working under a brand-new DC (T-Will). Like some of y'all have speculated, I too have wondered if maybe he was promoted a year or two too early.
I don't think the defensive struggles of 2023 should necessarily be pinned exclusively on Addison being a first-year coordinator because we all know there was a talent deficiency in some spots. I just think Gus recognizes 2024 has the potential to be a special year and he has to do whatever it takes to make sure the defense is up to the challenge. If that means putting a pause on Addison being the primary DC, so be it.
As the release stated, Addison will remain co-DC and I have no doubt he will be a full-fledged DC again in the future.
As for Roof, Gus values relationships and familiarity. He worked with Roof at Auburn from 2009-11. Roof obviously the DC and Gus the OC under Gene Chizik - they won a National Championship in 2010.
I recognize how the Ted Roof name resonates with the fanbase that remembers his 33-day UCF tenure in 2011/12. It was symptomatic of Roof's nomadic coaching history. Outside of a few years back at Georgia Tech in the mid-2010s, he usually switches jobs after a year or two.
While UCF's financial situation will improve as a P4 member of the Big 12, there are still limitations so it shouldn't be overlooked that UCF is getting Roof at a bargain rate. He still has one year left on an Oklahoma contract that was set to pay him $1.2M in 2024.
Roof becomes UCF's sixth defensive coach on staff which means somebody on that side not named Addison Williams has to go. From what I understand, that decision has not been made. Roof's position coaching experience has primarily been linebackers, though he did coach safeties at NC State in 2018.
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While not officially announced, Gus did part ways with WR coach Grant Heard. For now, analyst/GM Will Healy has been recruiting for UCF in that vacant spot. Could Healy be the permanent WR coach? It is an option, but I hear UCF could be closing in on another candidate. Sean Beckton, Kodi Burns and Jeris McIntyre had been speculated as possible candidates, but Kevin Bolden could be the guy though Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin are trying to keep him. Bolden briefly worked at UCF (spring 2022).
Kelvin Bolden - Coordinator of Recruiting Strategy - Staff Directory - Ole Miss Athletics - Hotty Toddy
Kelvin Bolden
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Vanderbilt LB Ethan Barr is expected to be the final spring transfer enrollee. He visited UCF in early December and ultimately chose Washington over the Knights. However with Kalen DeBoer going to Alabama, Barr re-entered the portal and immediately got in contact with UCF. Though classes began nearly two weeks ago, Barr had already begun the application process in December which enabled him to be a late enrollee. He is here and good to go. Not sure why it hasn't been announced, though it should happen soon.
Huge addition - he really was UCF's first choice at LB in the transfer portal. He was a two-time team captain at Vanderbilt and boasts more than 200 career tackles in four years of action.
***
UCF's transfer class is among the best in the nation. I truly think UCF got one of the best portal QBs in KJ Jefferson. The defensive upgrades are clear with experienced players like S/LB Ladarius Tennison, S/LB Deshawn Pace, S Bryon Threats, LB Ethan Barr, LB Jesiah Pierre and DE Daylan Dotson. Plus you add promising younger talent like CB Antione Jackson, LB Xe'ree Alexander and LB/DE Zavier Carter.
And when you consider the returning players like RJ Harvey, Kobe Hudson and Ricky Barber, I think it's fair to claim UCF can be a Big 12 contender in 2024.
QB - I think KJ will be an upgrade.
RB - RJ is a stud and UCF has upgraded the room with Myles Montgomery (Cincinnati), kept Johnny Richardson and is adding two stud HS recruits.
WR - Losing Javon hurts, but Kobe/Xavier are solid and I think UCF is hopeful Chauncey Magwood can emerge. There is plenty of young talent waiting in the wings between the HS recruits and Goldie Lawrence.
OL - Hopefully Jabari Brooks or Caden Kitler can give UCF consistency at center. Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall and Adrian Medley are all returning. Wes Dorsey is an experienced tackle.
TE - Randy Pittman should improve a lot going into year two, Evan Morris (Michigan State) will the blocker they need and everybody is high on Kylan Fox.
DL - UCF returns every DL except for Josh Celiscar. Lee Hunter/Ricky Barber/Matthew Alexander/John Walker are solid inside. Malachi Lawrence and Daylan Dotson are expected to be the top DEs with the hope younger players there will start to emerge.
LB - UCF has multiple options between the transfers and hybrid-type players like Ladarius Tennison and Deshawn Pace (who could play there if needed).
DB - Corey Thornton is the only major loss. Lots of returners, Multiple high-level portal additions. Talented incoming recruits. The depth chart will sort itself out.
Remaining needs - As of right now, UCF may consider further portal additions in the spring. It kind of depends whether there is some attrition - probably guys who feel there may be playing time elsewhere. I think they'd consider another DE, possibly another OT and maybe a WR depending on things go in spring practice.
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