Cincy on the Prowl
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Cincinnati Bearcats Coaching Staff Taking Shape

By Chris Bains

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Oct 5, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville talks with associate head coach Robert Prunty and teammates against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former UConn defensive coordinator Hank Hughes and Louisiana Tech linebackers coach John Koonz were reportedly added to the Cincinnati coaching staff a week ago. Now UC is officially confirming their hiring in a press release.

So the rejiggering of the staff is coming to a close. Hank Hughes will take over the linebacker duties and also serve as co-defensive coordinator, both positions were formerly held by Art Kaufman. Defensive ends and associate head coach Robert Prunty is getting a huge promotion. He will now coach the entire defensive line and is also a co-defensive coordinator with Hughes. Both responsibilities will certainly earn him a nice bump in his paycheck and keep Cincinnati’s best recruiter around for at least another season. That’s great news for the Bearcats.

The secondary is also seeing changes. Steve Clinkscale formerly coached all of the defensive backs. No longer. He will now focus on the cornerbacks with John Koonz having responsibility for the safeties, as originally projected. The only other change that hasn’t been confirmed by the university is that of Marc Nudelberg. A graduate assistant last season, he was reportedly taking over Ty Helton’s special teams coordinator and tight ends responsibilities when he left for Western Kentucky. But nothing has been released from UC regarding Nudelberg just yet.

I know that was a bit wordy so I’ve illustrated the changes in a format that’s a little easier to follow:

  • Hank Hughes: Co-Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers
  • Robert Prunty: Associate Head Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line
  • Steve Clinkscale: Cornerbacks
  • John Koonz: Safeties
  • Marc Nudelberg: Special Teams Coordinator, Tight Ends (presumably)