West Virginia Hires Bruce Tall as Defensive Line Coach
Football Scoop broke the news yesterday about West Virginia hiring former UNC Charlotte defensive coordinator Bruce Tall. Today, head coach Dana Holgorsen made the news official.
At West Virginia, per sources, UNC Charlotte DC Bruce Tall will join the WVU staff http://t.co/W9IFK4KzKK
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) January 6, 2015
“We are excited to welcome Bruce back to West Virginia University,” said Holgorsen in a press release. “He brings more than 30 years of defensive experience to the staff, including many years of overseeing the defensive line, which will greatly benefit our program.”
Tall is no stranger to West Virginia as he served as a safeties coach from 2003 to 2007. He was part of four Big East championships, the Gator Bowl in 2003, 2004 and 2006, the Fiesta Bowl in 2007 and the 2005 Sugar Bowl.
“When you leave a place like West Virginia, you understand, and even more importantly, appreciate how great of a place it is, how great the people are and how outstanding its fan base is,” Tall said in a press release.
“It is one of the most exciting atmospheres in college football, and I am excited for the opportunity to return to WVU.” – Tall
Tall has been coaching at UNC Charlotte for the past four years. As a defensive coordinator, Tall has worked closely with developing defensive lines.
He’s established a decorated coaching career, as he’s coached at Western Michigan, Harvard, Northeastern, and Ohio Wesleyan (his alma mater).
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Tall received the 2001 Assistant Coach of the Year Award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the All-Amercan Football Foundation.
West Virginia recently signed defensive coordinator Tony Gibson to a new three-year deal, making him one of the highest paid assistant coaches in the country. Gibson and company will now add Tall to the mix.
“I have watched and followed Coach Holgorsen and the program from where I have been and now I look forward to being on Coach Gibson’s defensive staff and contributing to the Mountaineers’ future success,” said Tall in a release.