What now?
In a move that is surprising to some only in timing, Jay Sawvel has been relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator for Wake Forest. The news was first broken by Les Johns and Conor O’Neill.
Wake Forest has relieved defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel of his duties effective immediately, according to an athletic department release.
— Les Johns (@Les_Johns) September 23, 2018
Wake Forest won't have anybody elevated to role of defensive coordinator. Instead, per release: "Other defensive duties will be split among the defensive staff with specific roles yet to be determined."
— Conor O'Neill (@ConorONeillWSJ) September 23, 2018
Tom Gilmore, who was a defensive analyst for the team, will take over Sawvel’s duties with the OLB’s. Gilmore coached at Holy Cross in the Patriot League for 14 years and was twice named Patriot League coach of the year. His connection to Wake? Before Holy Cross he was under Kevin Higgins at Lehigh.
Wake has given up 97 points in their last two games. That is simply unacceptable and it seems Dave Clawson and the administration thought the same. It’ll be interesting to see how or when the search begins for a new coordinator, and even more interesting to see what the defense looks like against Rice.
Wake opened as a 24.5 point favorite and I don’t expect this move to change that or the outcome of the game. But to see if there’s any new wrinkles and really what this defense is made of will be interesting to see.
What do you guys think of the move and the timing? What do you think is next for this defense and the team? Why did I miss #Pac12AfterDark last night? Put your thoughts below in the chat.
And as always,
Go Deacs
