Earlier this week, the NC State Wolfpack football program made numerous massive coaching decisions on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the team fired coordinator Robert Anae and promoted from within, hiring former quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper as his replacement.
Defensively, the program hired D.J. Eliot as the new coordinator after it was announced previously that current defensive play caller Tony Gibson would be moving to the Marshall Thundering Herd next year as their new head coach.
Where Has D.J. Eliot Coached in the Past Prior to the NC State Wolfpack?
Eliot has had a long career in college football and at the professional level, serving in various capacities with programs such as the Kentucky Wildcats, Colorado Buffaloes, and the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
Though he has had success throughout his career, Eliot’s next one with the Wolfpack won’t be a walk in the park after the team’s recent struggles this campaign.
Future Outlook of the Wolfpack After Disappointing Season
As is evident, there is optimism that Eliot can improve the defensive unit that has struggled this year. On the season, the Wolfpack finished with a 6-7 overall record in the ACC. In addition, they went 3-5 against opposing teams within the same conference.
The defensive unit gave up an average of 30.2 points per game this year, which ranked 103rd among eligible teams in the nation.
While the defense had a tough season, the offense was equally plagued, though they did perform stronger overall. On the year, the offensive unit averaged 232.6 passing yards, 145.2 rushing yards, and 28.5 points per game. The latter statistic was good enough for 65th in the country.
Though not a poor offensive unit by any means, it is clear that the higher-ups at the university believed change was needed to get the most out of the talented roster.
Looking forward, the program undoubtedly hopes that the new changes will make an instant impact at the start of next year’s campaign.
Prior to that, however, College Football Network’s Cam Mellor projects that offensive tackle Anthony Belton will be drafted No. 114 overall by the Miami Dolphins in his latest 2025 7-round NFL Mock Draft.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
