New defensive coordinator earns players’ respect
Chris Cosh coaches during a football practice on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. Meagan Sullivan | Staff Photographer
Reece Waddell | Senior Staff Writer
North Texas defensive coordinator Chris Cosh is a simple man.
He speaks softly, gives concise answers and prefers to focus on the fundamentals of the game. At least that’s what he says. His players tell a different story.
“He’s very vocal on the field,” sophomore linebacker Calvin Minor said. “When you mess up, he isn’t afraid to let you know about it. But at the end of the day, I personally appreciate that because I want to know what I’m doing wrong.”
Minor isn’t the only player keen on Cosh’s coaching style. Junior defensive back Chad Davis said Cosh’s scheme lets the players enjoy themselves on the field while making plays.
“He’s just really great, man,” Davis said. “He lets us play to where we can have fun but still get the job done. He’s the first coach I’ve had that’s really been like that.”
During the middle of a fall camp practice, a small scrum broke out at the bottom of a tackle pile. It took several minutes and many blown whistles, but the team was brought under control.
Chris Cosh poses for a portrait on Monday, August 24, 2015. Meagan Sullivan | Staff Photographer
Senior defensive end Chad Polk said Cosh pulled players out individually and talked to them, a characteristic he said he appreciates.
“He can be loud and mean just like any other coach,” Polk said. “But I really like how he’s able to coach in the moment and adjust to what is happening. Practice can get really chaotic at times, and he’s usually the level-headed coach that can cool guys down.”
Something else the team said it needs to improve on? Forcing turnovers. The team broke even in turnover differential and only forced 22 on the year, seven fewer than in 2013 when it won the Heart of Dallas Bowl.
Cosh said takeaways are what the defense has focused on throughout camp.
“Every other day we have a turnover circuit and a tackling circuit,” Cosh said. “[Pass breakups] are nice, but we need guys to go and make a play, get the interception and get the ball. It’s a work in progress, but we’re getting better.”
Regardless of last season’s issues, Cosh said he makes sure the team stays focused on this year and refuses to look in the proverbial rear view mirror.
“Guys have adjusted well, and it’s a different group than it was last year,” Cosh said. “We’re going to be a good defense because we have to be.”
Featured Image: Chris Cosh coaches during a North Texas football practice on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. Meagan Sullivan | Staff Photographer
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