Think Bobby Petrino isn’t dead serious about going after a national championship for the University of Louisville football program? Think again. How about an assistant with a salary of $1 million per year.
Todd Grantham, defensive coordinator at Georgia the past four seasons, is headed north, for a similar position, leaving the Southeastern Conference for the opportunity to coach a unit that was ranked No. 1 in total defense this past season.
Just a year ago, Chip Kelly was reportedly attempting to persuade Grantham to be his defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. His 23-year career includes NFL stints with Indianapolis, Houston, Cleveland and Dallas and collegiate time at Virginia Tech and Michigan State.
More tangible evidence of Tom Jurich raising the bar again, providing his head coach with the resources he needs to attract top talent. Reaffirming that he intends for Louisville football to compete immediately in the Atlantic Coast Conference, beginning next season.
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Meanwhile, Chris Klenakis, former offensive line coach at Iowa State, spent his first day in Louisville Sunday preparing for similar duties with the Cardinals, and tweeting:
Won the Day. Very productive first day. Excited about our players, loved watching them compete on film. Love Cardinal Stadium, #GoCards
— Chris Klenakis (@FBCoachK) January 11, 2014