College Football: Top 15 Defensive coordinators in 2015

Nov 2, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward watches a replay during the fourth quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks defeated the Bulldogs 34-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

While the Gamecocks were absolutely abysmal on defense last season, Lorenzo Ward is still one of the top defensive minds in the country, and Steve Spurrier knows it. Even the best coaches have their off years, and last year was just that for Ward’s defense.

Ward has produced a ton of NFL level defensive talent, and has in large part been responsible for the resurgence of the Gamecocks program. Spurriers fun-and-gun offense really has never gotten off the ground in Columbia, but the Gameocks’ defense has kept them in a lot of games.

Chances are South Carolina will be back to a Top 10 defense in 2015, and any grumblings about Ward being past his prime or unable to coach modern players will be long gone.

Next: Robb Smith