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Rutgers head coach Chris Ash has hired now former-Northern Illinois defensive coordinator Jay Neimann to his staff.
Northern Illinois DC Jay Niemann named new DC at Rutgers
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) December 30, 2015
Neimann molded the minds of some great defenders, and guided many great defensive units in his coaching career. In the last four years, seven players from Niemann's defense have signed with NFL teams. These players include well known names such as Jimmie Ward, Rashaan Melvin and Alan Baxter.
Not only has he overseen professional talent, he has also built strong defensive units in DeKalb. This past season the Huskies were eighth in the nation in turnovers, and recorded the fourth most interceptions on the FBS-level. Four Northern Illinois defenders received All-MAC honors, 3 of them being first-team selections.
During the 2014 season, Northern Illinois forced 24 turnovers and 6 Huskies received All-MAC honors. Paris Logan and Jason Meehan were first-team selections that year under the guidance of coach Neimann.
In 2012, his defense held 5 opponents to nine points or less, and recorded 40 sacks. That is the second highest sack total in Northern Illinois history. That 2012 season concluded with a Northern Illinois loss to Florida State in the Orange Bowl.
Overall, in Niemann's five years in DeKalb, Northern Illinois had a record of 54-16. During his time Northern Illinois reached the Orange Bowl, won 5 MAC West division championships, and 3 MAC conference championships.
"Jay will be a great addition to our coaching staff as defensive coordinator," said Ash via a Rutgers press release. "Jay and I have known each other for over 20 years and I have always admired his approach to coaching. Jay and I share a defensive philosophy. It will be a defense built on effort, fundamentals, execution and toughness."
His presence within the Northern Illinois program will certainly be missed. We wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors.