Thu Jan 3 17:26:07 2008

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Louisville hires English as defensive coordinator

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Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - The University of Louisville has named Ron English defensive coordinator, announced head coach Steve Kragthorpe Thursday.

English spent the past five seasons at Michigan, the last two as defensive coordinator. He was relieved of his duties when new Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez took over following the Wolverines' 41-35 win over Florida in the Capital One Bowl.

This season, English coached a Wolverines defense that entered its bowl game against Florida with the nation's 22nd scoring defense and 24th total defense.

In 2006, Michigan finished 10th in total defense and 15th in scoring defense.

English is faced with a tough task of turning around a Louisville defensive unit that struggled mightily in 2007. The Cardinals ranked 92nd in scoring defense, allowing 30 or more points in seven of their 12 games.

The Cardinals finished with a disappointing 6-6 record this season under first-year head coach Kragthorpe. In 2006, Louisville went 12-1, won the Big East title and beat Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

English has 15 years of coaching experience, spending five seasons at Arizona State before heading to Michigan.

Kragthorpe also announced that former Duke head coach Ted Roof will coach the linebackers.