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USF football names Todd Orlando defensive coordinator

The former FAU, USC and Texas coordinator also will coach inside linebackers for the Bulls.
In three seasons as Texas’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach (2017-19), Todd Orlando's units forced 65 turnovers among the most in the Big 12 Conference.
In three seasons as Texas’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach (2017-19), Todd Orlando's units forced 65 turnovers among the most in the Big 12 Conference. [ MICHAEL THOMAS | AP ]
Published Dec. 9, 2022|Updated Dec. 9, 2022

USF head coach Alex Golesh on Friday named longtime coordinator Todd Orlando as the Bulls’ defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach, the university announced in a news release.

It was the first hire by Golesh since the former Tennessee offensive coordinator officially was named to lead USF’s program on Sunday.

Orlando has 27 years of coaching experience, including 18 as a defensive coordinator. He most recently served in that capacity at Florida Atlantic (2022), USC (2020) and Texas (2017-19). He also has been a coordinator at Houston, Utah State, Florida International and Connecticut.

Orlando, 51, is known for aggressive, blitzing defenses that force turnovers and at times have ranked among the top 25 in the country in scoring defense and total defense.

“Defensively, we’re going to be the most aggressive group in the country,” Golesh said in the release. “Todd is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country. I’ve coached against and schemed against his defenses, and I am beyond excited that I don’t have to any more. He’ll be aggressive, he’ll be intense, and we’re going to have a blast on defense.”

Orlando’s defense this past season at FAU ranked 25th nationally in turnovers produced (21), 28th in interceptions (12) and third in defensive touchdowns (3).

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