College Football: Top 15 Defensive coordinators in 2015

Oct 25, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables reacts during the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Venables took “Clemsoning” and turned it into defensive winning. Dabo Swinney knew he needed to get his defense fixed if he was going to compete in the ACC, and Venables came in and literally turned it around overnight.

Since joining the Tigers in 2012, they’ve finished 64th, 24th and 1st nationally in total defense. That was after an embarrassing 2011 season when the Tigers finished 71st in total defense and 81st in scoring defense, capped off by a 70-33 drubbing by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl. (no WVU isn’t scoring anymore).

Venables has also started churning out NFL talent on defense, which in turn, is good for recruiting. Definitely a squad to watch in 2015.

Next: Mike Stoops