Veteran coach Todd Grantham has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator for Oklahoma State, marking his return to college football after a significant tenure in the NFL.
Grantham brings a wealth of experience to Oklahoma State, having previously served in various capacities both in college and the NFL. He most recently spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he transitioned from defensive line coach to a senior adviser role. His decision to join Oklahoma State follows a thorough career in defensive coaching, including notable roles under celebrated coaches like Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino.
While with the Saints, Grantham was recognized for his behind-the-scenes contributions, according to interim coach Darren Rizzi, who stated, “He’s done a heck of a job here behind the scenes with the defensive staff. But it’s certainly a great opportunity for him. He made the decision he wanted to get back in the college game.”
Grantham’s track record in college football is extensive. He served as the defensive coordinator at prominent programs such as Florida, Mississippi State, and Louisville. At Florida, his defenses were known for forcing turnovers, achieving a noteworthy total of 65 from 2018 to 2020. These achievements placed them among the top in the country, and they led the SEC in sacks during 2019 and 2020. Grantham’s singular season at Mississippi State earned him a nomination for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the top assistant coaches in college football.
His initial defensive coordinator role was at Georgia under Mark Richt, and he also served as the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator in the NFL from 2005 to 2007. His coaching career began at Virginia Tech, where he played under the legendary Frank Beamer.
At Oklahoma State, Grantham faces the challenge of revitalizing a defense that struggled significantly last season. The Cowboys concluded the year with a 3-9 record, suffering a nine-game losing streak and ranking near the bottom nationwide in both scoring and total defense. The team allowed an average of 35.6 points and 500.6 yards per game.
With head coach Mike Gundy recently securing a restructured contract for his 21st season, Grantham’s expertise is expected to play an integral role in strengthening the Cowboys’ defense and leading them to a more competitive stance in the upcoming season.
Todd Grantham’s extensive experience and proven track record in both college and professional football bring high expectations for his role at Oklahoma State. As he steps into this new position, the focus will be on leveraging his expertise to rebuild and enhance the Cowboys’ defensive performance, a task that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
Source: Espn
