Saints assistant Todd Grantham to become defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State

### Saints Assistant Todd Grantham to Become Defensive Coordinator at Oklahoma State

Todd Grantham, a well-known figure in college football coaching circles, is set to leave his position as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Saints to become the new defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State University. This shift marks a significant moment in Grantham’s career, as he returns to the college football scene after a stint in the NFL. His appointment brings with it high expectations for Oklahoma State’s defense, as the program looks to build upon its strong history of defensive play under head coach Mike Gundy.

#### **Grantham’s Coaching Journey**

Todd Grantham has been a prominent figure in football coaching for over two decades, with experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. His career has spanned multiple high-profile programs, and his reputation as a defensive mind has been cemented by his ability to craft aggressive, hard-hitting defenses. Grantham’s coaching style emphasizes a blend of tactical versatility and physicality, making his systems difficult for opponents to attack.

Grantham began his coaching career in the early 1990s at the college level, working as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern California. His first big break came as a defensive line coach at the University of Michigan under Lloyd Carr. From there, he began to climb the ranks, earning coaching roles at several prestigious institutions, including Michigan State, Georgia, and Louisville. At each stop, Grantham’s defenses gained notoriety for being aggressive, well-organized, and relentless.

In 2010, Grantham’s success caught the eye of the NFL, and he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Though he spent just one year in Cleveland, he continued to build his reputation and eventually returned to college football, where he continued to make an impact at programs like Georgia and Mississippi State. His coaching journey has been marked by a mix of triumph and disappointment, with both standout defenses and seasons that fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, Grantham has always remained a respected figure in the defensive coaching world.

Most recently, Grantham spent time with the New Orleans Saints as an assistant, contributing his defensive expertise to a team that has become known for its aggressive style of play. His experience in the NFL has only enhanced his reputation as a defensive mastermind. However, his return to the college ranks with Oklahoma State signals a new chapter in his career, one in which he hopes to bring his extensive knowledge and experience to bear on the Cowboys’ defense.

#### **Why Oklahoma State?**

Oklahoma State University, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, has long been known for its potent offensive play, often being led by high-scoring quarterbacks and playmaking receivers. However, the program has struggled in recent years to find consistent success on the defensive side of the ball. Historically, Oklahoma State has had moments of defensive excellence, but the team’s defense has often been the weak link in an otherwise potent squad. Under head coach Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State has managed to become a fixture in the Big 12, but the Cowboys’ inability to consistently field a top-tier defense has often held them back in their pursuit of conference titles and national prominence.

This is where Grantham’s hiring becomes pivotal. Known for his ability to develop defensive schemes that stymie high-powered offenses, Grantham is tasked with transforming Oklahoma State’s defense into a unit that can match the explosiveness of the team’s offense. Gundy, who has coached the Cowboys since 2005, has emphasized the importance of improving the defense to complement his offensive system, and Grantham is seen as the perfect candidate to implement that change.

At Oklahoma State, Grantham will be expected to bring a more physical and aggressive style to the defense, which is something that has often been lacking in recent years. The Big 12 is known for its high-scoring offenses, and Oklahoma State’s defense has struggled to keep up. Grantham’s ability to adapt his defensive schemes to the needs of his team and the challenges posed by the Big 12 will be crucial for the Cowboys moving forward.

#### **Grantham’s Defensive Philosophy**

Throughout his career, Todd Grantham has built a reputation for favoring aggressive and dynamic defensive schemes. His philosophy revolves around creating pressure on the quarterback, disrupting offensive flow, and forcing turnovers. His defensive units are typically known for their physicality and ability to adapt to different offensive systems.

One of Grantham’s key principles is versatility. He believes in tailoring his schemes to exploit the weaknesses of opposing offenses, whether that involves a base 3-4 or 4-3 alignment, or employing more exotic blitz packages to keep quarterbacks off balance. Grantham is not afraid to adjust his approach depending on the situation, and he places a strong emphasis on his players being able to execute multiple roles within the defensive system.

His defenses are also characterized by a focus on creating havoc, which involves aggressive blitzing, complex coverage schemes, and the constant pressure on the quarterback. Grantham’s philosophy requires his defensive players to be disciplined and smart, but it also encourages them to take risks and make plays. His ability to develop defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs who can create pressure, cover ground, and disrupt offenses will be crucial for Oklahoma State, which often faces high-powered offenses in the Big 12.

Grantham’s experience in both college and professional football has given him a unique perspective on defensive strategy. His work in the NFL with teams like the Cleveland Browns and his time in the SEC with Georgia has allowed him to see a wide variety of offensive schemes, which he can now apply to Oklahoma State’s defense. His NFL experience will likely be a major asset in helping the Cowboys adjust to the rapid pace and high-scoring nature of the Big 12.

#### **The Future of Oklahoma State’s Defense**

Grantham’s hiring as defensive coordinator comes at a time when Oklahoma State is looking to take the next step as a program. The Cowboys have experienced success under Gundy, with several 10-win seasons and a Big 12 championship appearance, but the defense has often been the Achilles’ heel. With Grantham now at the helm of the defense, the program is hoping to build a more balanced team that can contend not only in the Big 12 but also on the national stage.

The expectations for Grantham are high. His ability to make the most of the talent already on the roster will be critical to his success. Oklahoma State has recruited several standout defensive players over the years, and Grantham’s expertise will be key in developing them into consistent contributors. In particular, he will be expected to help the Cowboys’ defensive line, which has been a source of inconsistency, become more disruptive in the trenches. Grantham’s track record of developing defensive linemen at Georgia and Mississippi State will be crucial in this regard.

Additionally, Grantham will need to address the secondary, where the Cowboys have often been exposed by big plays and deep passing attacks. His ability to refine Oklahoma State’s coverage schemes and create more turnovers will be key to the Cowboys’ success on defense.

#### **Conclusion**

Todd Grantham’s move from the New Orleans Saints to Oklahoma State represents a significant step in his career and a hopeful turning point for the Cowboys. His experience, defensive philosophy, and ability to adjust to different offensive systems make him an ideal fit for Oklahoma State, as the program looks to improve its defense and compete at the highest level of college football. With Grantham now at the helm of the defense, the Cowboys are poised for a new era of defensive excellence, which could be the missing piece in their quest for Big 12 championships and a national title. Grantham’s appointment is one that has the potential to reshape the trajectory of Oklahoma State football, bringing a more balanced and competitive team to the field in 2024 and beyond.