Update: Jeff Koonz Being Brought In To Coach Safeties

Nov 9, 2013; Ruston, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs linebacker Tony Johnson (42), left, and head coach Skip Holtz congratulate defensive back Adairius Barnes (21) after a second quarter interception against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Joe Aillet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Quite a bit of chatter across the Internet has suggested that Cincinnati will hired Louisiana Tech linebackers coach Jeff Koonz. The only change is that FootballScoop is announcing that the newest member of UC’s football staff will be hired to coach safeties.

This isn’t exactly outside of Koonz’s area of expertise. After all, he did coach secondaries at Iowa State in 2007 and 2008 when one of the best defensive minds in the college football, Gene Chizik, was the Cyclones’ head coach. Take that information how you will. He also seemed to do a nice job with Louisiana Tech’s linebackers.

But, like I mentioned in the linked post above, how long Koonz lasts at Cincinnati will probably depend on his ability to recruit. There’s a good chance he could have responsibilities along the Gulf Coast, specifically Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana where he is most familiar. Since the Bearcats haven’t cultivated that region as well as the surrounding Georgia and Florida areas, this could present a strong opportunity for UC to spread their reach to a new area. Hopefully Koonz makes a lasting, positive impact at Cincinnati.