10 Things You Should Know About Vols Defensive Coordinator Sal Sunseri
With reports first surfacing on GoVols247.com that Sal Sunseri will fill the vacancy created by Justin Wilcox's departure to Washington, I thought it might be nice to take some time and get to know Derek Dooley's new defensive coordinator.
Here are 10 things you should know about Sal Sunseri:
1. Sunseri was a 1981 All American linebacker for the Pitt Panthers. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1982 NFL Draft.
2. Sal was Nick Saban's assistant head coach for the defense and linebackers coach, roles which he held since 2009 when he came to Alabama after being the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers.
3. His time in Carolina produced some of the best D-lines in the NFL. He coached at least 1 Pro Bowl defensive lineman in 5 of his 6 seasons there and the Panthers were among the top 10 in fewest yards allowed 4 times under Sunseri.
4. He was one of five finalist for the 2011 Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.
5. He has 4 children, 2 daughters and 2 sons. His boys have followed in their father's footsteps by playing football at a high level. His oldest son is a quarterback at Pittsburgh and his youngest son is a defensive back at Alabama.
6. For his efforts in helping compile Alabama's top rated recruiting class, Sunseri was named Recruiter of the Year in 2011.
7. Sunseri has coached in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 scheme at different times in his career learning from two of the experts in each respective defense. He coached under John Fox in Carolina who is considered one of the great 4-3 coaches of the modern NFL era. Of course he coached under Saban who utilizes the 3-4 better than anyone else in college football.
8. WNML's Jimmy Hyams reported via Twitter that Sunseri's deal is worth $700,000 to $800,000 annually for 2 to 3 years. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the deal is worth $2.4 million over the course of three years.
9. Sunseri earned a $390,000 salary last season after he received a $40,000 raise in March according to Al.com.
10. Derek Dooley and Sal Sunseri worked together for Nick Saban in 2000 at LSU.
