Here’s the score: He’s gone
Poor defensive play costs coordinator Pecoraro his job
Florida Atlantic’s defense struggled in 2018 under coordinator Tony Pecoraro, who parted ways with the program Tuesday after The Owls, who weren’t bowl-eligible, ranked 94th in scoring defense and 88th in total defense among 130 FBS schools.
Florida Atlantic and defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro have parted ways, according to a source.
Pecoraro, who also served as the team’s linebackers coach, is out after leading the Owls de(41.2), fense for just one season. joined FAU in March.
The news was first reported by Football Scoop on Monday night. An FAU spokesperson was reached but would not confirm.
FAU’s defense struggled throughout the 2018 season. Out of 130 Football Bowl Subdivision teams, the Owls ranked 94th in scoring defense (31.8 points allowed per game), 88th in total defense (424.4 yards allowed) and 90th in opponents’ thirddown conversion percentage He and didn’t do much in terms of getting sacks and forcing turnovers.
After taking over the program, FAU coach Lane Kiffin had his brother, Chris, run the defense last season. Chris Kiffin left to accept a pass-rush specialist position with the San Francisco 49ers. Before FAU, Pecoraro was defensive coordinator at Southern Miss (2016-17), Alcorn State (2012-15) and North Alabama (2010-11). He also was an assistant at Florida State before that (2006-09).
Pecoraro is the second member Kiffin’s staff to part ways with the program this offseason.
Former wide receivers coach Gary Harrell was out following the team’s 27-24 loss to Charlotte in the final week of the regular season, which gave the Owls a seventh defeat and kept them from bowl eligibility. D.J. McCarthy was hired to replace Harrell.