Collins departs FIU for co-coordinator position at Mississippi State; search for replacement begins

By: Igor Mello / Asst. Sports Director

The man who turned the Golden Panthers defense from practically the worst in the Football Bowl Subdivision to the best in the Sun Belt in the span of one year has left the University.

Geoff Collins is one-and-done.

The defensive coordinator has signed an agreement to become the co-defensive coordinator at Mississippi State University alongside with Chris Wilson, who was promoted after the departure of Manny Diaz. Collins will also take over as the linebackers coach for the Bulldogs.

“Geoff has shown the type of immediate impact he can bring to a defense by what he did at Florida International last season,” said Bulldog head coach Dan Mullen, according a press release by MSU. “He’s a smart young coach that has great experience, and he’ll bring the same kind of aggressive attitude and philosophy that we expect from our defense at Mississippi State.”

The Panthers will miss Collins’ defense. Last season Collins led a defense that become the best in the Sun Belt in total defense, scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and turnover margin. This all came after the Panthers ranked 119th nationally in total defense the year prior to his arrival.

Head coach Mario Cristobal was unavailable for comment, but did speak with the Miami Herald.

“FIU football appreciates Geoff’s contributions to the football program and we wish him the best in his new appointment,” Cristobal said in an interview with the Miami Herald.

Search for a defensive coordinator

According to the report, Cristobal may be looking at candidates within the program, but also expects to interview many external candidates as well. The Sun Belt Coach of the Year expects to find a replacement quickly.

According to the Miami Herald, as of Jan. 16, Cristobal will have interviewed eight candidates for the position.

The school has not yet released the list of candidates.

There may only be two possible candidates if Cristobal, in fact, does select a coordinator within the program.

Jeff Popovich, assistant coach-secondary

Jeff Popovich has led the Panthers for four seasons as the secondary coach. Despite not having any experience as a defensive coordinator, Popovich worked at the University of Miami, prior to his current job at FIU, where he served as a defensive graduate assistant.

Last season, Popovich’s secondary was ranked first defensive pass efficiency in the Sun Belt. Opponents struggled to throw the ball against his secondary. Opposing quarterbacks had a 54.5 completion percentage while throwing 15 interceptions, also tops in the Sun Belt.

Cedric Calhoun, assistant coach-defensive line

Cedric Calhoun is currently the defensive line coach at FIU, which is Calhoun’s first division-I gig. Prior to that, Calhoun served four seasons at Dartmouth College as the linebackers coach.

In his first season at FIU, Calhoun’s defensive line recorded 33 sacks, which ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference. His line also ranked fourth in the conference for rushing defense, allowing only an average of 168.7 yards rushing.

Last summer Calhoun also served as an intern for the Philadelphia Eagles.