Huskers looking at Defensive Backs Coach Brian Stewart

With the sudden departure of former defensive back coach Charlton Warren, it did not take long for Mike Riley to find his replacement; and it appears he found a good one. Terrapin Station reported Thursday that Defensive Coordinator Brian Stewart and Maryland came to a mutual decision to part company. It appears (per Steve Stipple tweet) Brian Stewart is going to be a Husker.

Brian Stewart had been the defensive coordinator for Maryland since the 2012 season. Before that he was the DC for the Houston Cougars (2010 -2011). Stewart has 5 years experience as a defensive backs coach in college football working at San Jose State, Missouri, and Syracuse. Stewart also has 7 years experience in the NFL serving with Houston, San Diego, Philadelphia and was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys for the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Brian Stewart (photo Maryland athletics)

A highlight of Stewart’s time as defensive coordinator with the Terrapins came in 2012 when Maryland was ranked 21st in the nation in total defense. That same season the Huskers were ranked 35th in the nation in total defense. After leaving San Diego, Stewart followed Wade Phillips to Dallas and in 2007.  The cowboys total defense ranked 9th in the NFL. Stewart has coaching ties with Husker special teams coach Bruce Reed as Reed was the special teams coach for Dallas when Stewart was the DC. Both were fired after the 2008 season as the Cowboys ended up 9-7 that year.

N (Photo Credit Kelli Anne)

As far as recruiting goes, Stewart is not listed on Maryland’s rivals site as the recruiting coach for any players in the classes since he had been the DC which is troubling. Some schools do not let their defensive and offensive coordinators go out and recruit so this may had been the case at Maryland. It is unclear what kind of a recruiter he will be for Nebraska, but he will certainly be in the mix now. Lets just hope he can close a room!

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Upon Stewart’s announcement he was leaving the Terrapins, Stewart was quoted:

"“I truly enjoyed working with the coaches, student-athletes and administration at the University of Maryland,” Stewart said in a statement. “It was an exciting time to be a part of this program, and I will always have great memories and relationships from my time in College Park. After talking with my family and then meeting with Randy, we both agreed that this was best direction moving forward. I would like to thank Randy for the opportunity to coordinate the defense for the past three seasons. I also want to express my appreciation to the defensive staff and players for their hard work and commitment to the football program.”"

There is no arguing his experience though at both the NFL and NCAA division one coaching levels. Having this experience may be what the current players and the new players may need to ease them into this coaching change at the Husker defensive backs position.  Go Big Red!