After hiring Vince Kehrles as their new defensive coordinator on Saturday, the Syracuse University football program is also reportedly nearing a deal with Juan Castillo, who will serve as the offensive line coach moving forward.

Pete Thamel of ESPN had the information on social media:

Source: Syracuse is finalizing a deal to make Juan Castillo the school’s new offensive line coach. He’s a veteran coach with significant college and NFL experience. He spent last year as a Michigan analyst and the prior year at UCLA.

The Castillo file

Castillo played his college football at Texas A&M-Kingsville and also coached there on two separate occasions. Since departing his alma mater before the 1995 season, he's been with the Philadelphia Eagles (offensive assistant, tight ends coach, offensive line coach, defensive coordinator), Baltimore Ravens (run game coordinator, offensive line coach), Buffalo Bills (same roles), Michigan (offensive analyst), Chicago Bears (offensive line coach), Washington Commanders (tight ends coach, run game coordinator), UCLA and Michigan again.

Castillo is 72 years old, so it's unclear how long he can or wants to do the job for, but his experience is certainly something that will benefit a program that just went 3-9 this season.

About the Orange offensively 

Syracuse lost eight straight games to end the season following a season-ending injury to quarterback Steve Angeli, so most of the offensive futility stems from that moment.

That said, Syracuse averaged just 123.2 rush yards per game and 20.2 ppg. That mark was worse than only 18 other teams in the nation.

How things can change in 2026

Well, Castillo's presence can help the run game improve and can help the offensive line improve. Angeli is slated to return, so that should pay major dividends as well, as the Orange were 3-1 with him at the helm.

Also, Syracuse just signed five-star receiver Calvin Russell this week, so he should help give the Orange a downfield passing threat.

A better offense will lead to improved defense and special teams units as well, given that there will be less pressure on those units.

Also on campus

The Syracuse University women's basketball team will open up ACC play on Sunday afternoon when they take on SMU in Dallas, Texas at 3 p.m. ET.

The men's basketball team is 5-3 on the campaign after defeating No. 13 Tennessee last week. They'll be back in action on Thursday at the JMA Wireless Dome when they take on St. Joseph's at 9 pm. ET. We'll have coverage live on-site.

More Syracuse stories

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