Cincinnati Bearcats: Expectations for Scott Satterfield’s offensive and defensive schemes

Scott Satterfield is expected to bring a fast-paced offense to the Bearcats alongside a defense led by Bryan Brown. Here are expectations for Cincinnati’s brand new offensive and defensive schemes.

Even though Satterfield’s offense is an up-tempo spread attack with a focus on speed, it typically has an ability to be versatile and use multiple tight end sets or spread out wide when it makes sense.

Louisville’s offense ranked in the top-20 in yards per play the first three seasons under Satterfield before falling to 46th this year as senior quarterback Malik Cunningham struggled to stay healthy for stretches.

Prior to moving to Cincinnati, Satterfield helped the Cardinals put together the 20th ranked recruiting class in the country this season including 5-star running back Rueben Owens per 247 Sports.

Cincinnati Bearcats: Expectations for Scott Satterfield’s offensive and defensive schemes

After being defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach at Appalachian State and Louisville for over a decade, Brown is expected to stay on Satterfield’s staff as they make the move to Cincinnati.

Despite having an inconsistent defense at times in recent years, Louisville was second in the country with 43 sacks this season, while totaling the third most turnovers in the nation with 28 takeaways.

Satterfield normally runs a 4-2-5 defensive scheme that will put more of an emphasis on the front after the Bearcats relied on three lineman for the most part during Luke Fickell and Mike Tressel’s tenure.

The Bearcats were reportedly interested in hiring Satterfield and others in 2016 before deciding on Fickell. That was likely a factor as John Cunningham searched for a coaching candidate this time around.

Following the announcement that Satterfield wanted the job, several players reacted on social media including all-conference kicker Mason Fletcher and sophomore defensive lineman Justin Wodtly.

There will be plenty of changes to the program as it welcomes a new coach. Check out a break down of the Bearcats decision to hire Satterfield and more expectations for the entire team moving forward!