The Syracuse University football team has poached a new assistant coach from one of its big ACC rivals, as noted by Pete Thamel of ESPN.

The Orange are hiring John Scott Jr. to be the defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach. He had served the last two years as a defensive assistant at Clemson but also has experience with Penn State, South Carolina, Arkansas, Detroit Lions and the New York Jets.

As a player, Scott played at Western Carolina and in the Arena Football League.

SU lost assistant defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Elijah Robinson on Monday, as he officially left for Texas A&M. He had been the defensive coordinator for two years before being demoted at the conclusion of this 3-9 season.

About the Syracuse defense

Syracuse won 10 games in 2024 with Robinson as the defensive coordinator, so I maintain that most of 2025's issues stem from the injury to quarterback Steve Angeli, which put unfair pressure on the defense and special teams units.

That said, Syracuse allowed 34.9 ppg this season, which was 128th out of 134 in the nation. However, the Orange's offense and special teams had SU down 21-0 against Notre Dame before the defense even stepped on the field, so sometimes these stats are misleading.

SU was 123rd in red zone defense and 98th in rush yards per game allowed at 174.9.

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About the Orange in 2026

Despite the turmoil of 2025, things are looking up for Fran Brown's team. They've hired Vince Kehres as the new defensive coordinator after he previously held the position at Toledo. They've also brought in a new offensive line coach and inked Calvin Russell, one of the top wide receiver recruits in the country.

Also on campus

--The Syracuse University men's basketball team finished the non-conference slate at 9-4 after beating Stonehill 77-48 on Monday night. Naithan George led the way with 22 points, his second consecutive game hitting that mark.

JJ Starling (20), Nate Kingz (13) and Sadiq White Jr. (13) were also in double-figures.

The Orange will be back in action on Dec. 31 as they open up ACC play against Clemson, ironically.

--The Syracuse women are 11-1 right now and off to a fantastic start. They've won six straight games and will resume ACC play on Dec. 28 when they host Duke at the JMA Wireless Dome. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET. SU is 1-0 in the conference right now, having already beaten SMU.

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