Eastern Michigan may have its defensive coordinator, and it would be a familiar name for new head coach Chris Creighton. Sources tell FootballScoop Thursday that Brad McCaslin has an offer to follow Creighton from Drake to Eastern Michigan to coordinate the Eagles' defense.
The move would complete a quick ride up the career escalator for McCaslin. He coached 14 seasons at Division II Nebraska-Omaha, the last six as defensive coordinator and the last four as associate head coach, before spending two seasons at Drake. McCaslin helped the Bulldogs claim a share of the Pioneer Football League championship in 2012, leading the PFL in total defense in the process.
This season, Drake ranked 11th in FCS in total defense (319.6 yards per game), fifth in rushing defense (94.9 yards per game), 31st in pass efficiency defense (119.81 opposing quarterback rating), 10th in scoring defense (19.5 points per game), 14th in third down defense (33 percent) and third in first downs allowed (172). The Bulldogs finished 6-5 this season, scoring 17 points or less in all five losses.
In moving to Eastern Michigan, McCaslin would take on one of the biggest challenges any first-time FBS coordinator could face. The Eagles finished 123rd in scoring defense, 120th in total defense, 124th in yards per play allowed, 123rd in rushing defense and yards per carry allowed, 121st in pass efficiency defense, 124th in yards per attempt allowed, 117th in third down defense, 101st in first downs allowed and 99th in red zone defense en route to a 2-10 season.