UNLV coach Tony Sanchez has announced the hiring of Tony Samuel as the Runnin’ Rebels new defensive line coach, according to a statement reported by NBC Sports.
“I’ve known Tony Samuel since 1997 and we have had a long-lasting relationship,” Sanchez said in the statement. “He’s a tremendous football coach with a proven track record of success and we are fortunate to have him at UNLV.”
Samuel served in a similar role at Georgia State in 2015 and played a key part in turning the Panthers around. Georgia State jumped from ranking 121st in the nation in yards per play allowed all the way up to 43rd and made its first bowl game, losing to San Jose State in the Cure Bowl.
Samuel’s coaching career began back in 1982 at Western Michigan, but he really became well-known from working as the linebackers/rush ends coach under Tom Osborne at Nebraska for 11 years. He has also worked at New Mexico State and at Southeast Missouri State. In terms of working for Sanchez, who went 3-9 (2-6 Mountain West) in his first year at UNLV, Samuel seems absolutely thrilled.
“I have stayed in touch with Tony since we first met when I was taking over at New Mexico State and there is a lot of familiarity with a lot of people on the staff,” Samuel said. “I am excited about the potential of what can happen at UNLV and looking forward to being a part of it.”
Given how UNLV ranked 109th in total defense last season, here’s hoping that hiring Samuel turns the program around for the better.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to YouTube
