Yesterday, we posted a story sharing reports that Nebraska's DB coach Terry Joseph would assume the same role at Texas A&M. Things now appear to be finalized and an official release from A&M is expected. The Lincoln Star Journal reports:
Terry Joseph will take the job as Texas A&M's secondary coach, the Journal Star confirmed on Monday, meaning Nebraska will be looking for its fourth defensive backs coach in the past five years.
Confirming reports from Twitter:
Terry Joseph accepts spot at A&M http://t.co/JIPiZw1AAL
— ESPN Texas A&M (@ESPNTAMU) January 6, 2014
Really like the Terry Joseph hire by A&M. Strong recruiter in N.O. and TX and his DBs seemed to play aggressive ball at Nebraska.
— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) January 6, 2014
Joseph will fill the vacancy left by Marcel Yates after Yates accepted a position at his alma mater, Boise State, on Bryan Harsin's staff. He has led exceptional secondaries during his two years in Lincoln with this year's unit only surrendering 168 yards per game - 4th best in FBS. The 2012 Husker secondary led the nation in opponent pass completion percentage at 47.1%.
Prior to his stint in Lincoln, Joseph coached under Derek Dooley at Louisiana Tech and Tennessee. The 39-year-old is a Louisiana native and former high school football coach with strong ties to the state's football programs. Joseph will have his work cut out for him in Aggieland as he takes over a pass defense that ranked 86th nationally in 2013. Fortunately, plenty of young talent is either on hand or on the way.