NC State fires defensive coordinator DJ Eliot
WRAL • • sports
Key Points:
- NC State fired defensive coordinator DJ Eliot on Sunday, following the dismissal of head coach Dave Doeren the previous day, amid ongoing defensive struggles.
- The Wolfpack's defense ranked poorly nationally over the past two seasons, allowing 27.7 points per game in 2026 and 411.9 yards per game in 2025, with particular difficulties in pass defense.
- In a recent game, Stanford, averaging just 18.3 points per game, scored 31 points against NC State, highlighting the defense's inability to contain opposing offenses.
- Eliot, hired at the end of 2024, shifted the defense from a 3-3-5 scheme to a multiple front approach (3-4 and four-man fronts) to increase quarterback pressure but failed to improve results.
- Charlton Warren will take over defensive play-calling for the rest of the season, with Zac Roper coaching running backs and special teams, while Todd Goebbel serves as interim head coach.
