Syracuse Set to Hire John Scott Jr. as Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Run Game Coordinator
The move anchors Fran Brown's defensive rebuild after a 3-9 season ahead of the Jan. 2 transfer-portal opening.
Overview
- Multiple outlets report Scott will also coach the defensive line after two seasons assisting at Clemson, following a 2023 stint as the Detroit Lions’ defensive line coach.
- He previously led Penn State’s defensive line and run game in 2022, when the Nittany Lions’ run defense ranked 17th nationally at 111.2 rushing yards allowed per game.
- Scott’s role effectively replaces Elijah Robinson, who has been announced as defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M.
- Syracuse is also adding Georgia State assistant Jeremy Hawkins to coach edge rushers, restoring a split duties model for the defensive front.
- Openings remain for a special teams coordinator and a defensive backs coach as the Orange work to finalize staff before the transfer portal window opens on January 2.