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One Defensive Lineman Who Is Going to Fit the New Defensive Scheme Well

NC State Football Bolsters Coaching Staff with Key Hires: DJ Eliot and Cian Sloane Join the Wolfpack

In a strategic move to enhance their defensive and special teams prowess, NC State football head coach Dave Doeren has added two experienced analysts to his staff: DJ Eliot as a senior defensive analyst and Cian Sloane as a special teams analyst. This development comes at a pivotal time for the Wolfpack, who are looking to build on their recent successes in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and push for greater consistency in a league dominated by powerhouses like Clemson and Florida State. Doeren, entering his 12th season at the helm, has steadily transformed NC State into a program known for its resilience, disciplined play, and ability to develop talent, but these hires signal an intent to refine specific areas that could elevate the team to new heights.

DJ Eliot brings a wealth of experience to the defensive side of the ball, drawing from a coaching career that spans multiple high-profile programs across college football. Eliot's journey in coaching began in the early 2000s, where he cut his teeth as a graduate assistant and position coach at institutions like Wyoming and Tulsa. His big break came when he joined the staff at Kentucky under Mark Stoops, eventually rising to the role of defensive coordinator. During his tenure with the Wildcats from 2013 to 2016, Eliot helped orchestrate a defensive turnaround that saw Kentucky improve its rankings in key metrics, including points allowed and turnovers forced. His schemes emphasized aggressive play in the secondary and a stout front seven, which aligned well with the SEC's physical brand of football.

After Kentucky, Eliot's path took him to Colorado, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2019 under head coach Mike MacIntyre and later Mel Tucker. At Colorado, he faced the challenges of the Pac-12's high-octane offenses, adapting his strategies to counter spread attacks and mobile quarterbacks. One notable achievement was in 2018, when the Buffaloes' defense held opponents to under 400 yards per game on average, a marked improvement that contributed to a bowl appearance. Eliot's time there was not without its hurdles, as the team navigated coaching changes and roster transitions, but his ability to implement hybrid defenses—blending man coverage with zone blitzes—earned him respect in coaching circles.

Following a stint at Kansas as defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022 under Les Miles and Lance Leipold, Eliot continued to hone his expertise in building resilient units in rebuilding programs. At Kansas, he worked with limited resources but managed to instill fundamentals that laid the groundwork for future success, even as the Jayhawks struggled in the Big 12. His approach often focuses on player development, emphasizing technique, film study, and adaptability—qualities that should mesh seamlessly with Doeren's philosophy at NC State. Doeren has long prioritized a tough, blue-collar defense, and Eliot's addition as a senior analyst will provide valuable insights during game planning and practice sessions. In this role, Eliot won't be on the field coaching during games due to NCAA rules on analyst positions, but his behind-the-scenes contributions could be instrumental in dissecting opponents and refining schemes.

Complementing Eliot's defensive acumen is Cian Sloane, whose hiring introduces an intriguing international flavor to the Wolfpack's special teams unit. Sloane, hailing from Ireland, brings a unique background that blends American football with influences from other sports, making him a fresh voice in a program seeking innovation. His coaching path is less conventional than Eliot's, starting with his own playing experience in Gaelic football and rugby before transitioning to American football. Sloane's entry into coaching came through developmental leagues and international programs, where he specialized in kicking and punting mechanics, drawing parallels between the precision required in rugby placekicks and college football field goals.

Sloane's most recent role was with the University of Colorado, where he served in a similar analyst capacity, focusing on special teams under various coordinators. His expertise lies in analytics-driven approaches to punt returns, kick coverage, and trick plays, often incorporating data on wind patterns, field position, and player tendencies. At Colorado, Sloane contributed to improvements in net punting yards and return averages, helping the Buffaloes avoid costly mistakes in games decided by field position. What sets Sloane apart is his global perspective; having coached in Europe and Australia, he has experience adapting techniques from sports like Australian rules football, where aerial skills and quick decision-making are paramount. This could prove invaluable for NC State, a team that has occasionally struggled with special teams consistency, including blocked kicks and muffed returns in recent seasons.

Doeren's decision to bring in Eliot and Sloane reflects a broader strategy to surround himself with diverse expertise as NC State navigates the evolving landscape of college football. The ACC, with its mix of traditional powers and emerging threats like Miami and North Carolina, demands versatility. The Wolfpack have shown promise under Doeren, finishing with winning records in most recent years and earning bowl invitations, but they've yet to capture an ACC title. Last season, NC State's defense was a strength, holding opponents to respectable yardage totals, but there were lapses in big games that exposed vulnerabilities in pass rush and secondary coverage. Special teams, meanwhile, provided some highlight-reel moments but also contributed to narrow losses through penalties and execution errors.

By integrating Eliot's defensive mind and Sloane's specialized knowledge, Doeren aims to address these gaps. Eliot could collaborate with current defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, offering fresh ideas on blitz packages and coverage disguises, potentially making the Wolfpack's defense more unpredictable. Sloane's role might involve working with kickers and return specialists, introducing drills that enhance agility and decision-making under pressure. These hires also underscore Doeren's commitment to staff development; both analysts bring resumes that suggest they could ascend to on-field roles in the future, providing depth and succession planning.

Looking ahead, the impact of these additions will be tested in the upcoming season, where NC State faces a challenging schedule including matchups against Clemson, Notre Dame, and in-state rival North Carolina. The Wolfpack's roster features returning talent like quarterback MJ Morris and a solid defensive line, but coaching enhancements could be the X-factor in pushing for a top-tier ACC finish. Doeren has expressed optimism about the staff's cohesion, noting in team statements that "bringing in proven minds like DJ and Cian allows us to innovate while staying true to our identity." Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if these moves translate to on-field results, potentially turning NC State from a consistent contender into a conference powerhouse.

Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, these hires highlight broader trends in college football coaching. Programs are increasingly turning to analysts with diverse backgrounds to gain edges in an era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, transfer portals, and expanded playoffs. Eliot's Power Five experience and Sloane's international insights represent a blend of tradition and innovation that could set a model for other teams. For NC State, a program built on grit and community support in Raleigh, this is about more than just wins—it's about sustaining momentum in a sport where adaptability is key.

As the Wolfpack prepare for fall camp, the excitement around these staff additions is palpable. Eliot and Sloane join a coaching group that includes veterans like offensive coordinator Robert Anae, creating a collaborative environment poised for success. If history is any indication, Doeren's knack for assembling effective staffs has paid dividends before, and this latest chapter could be the catalyst for NC State's next leap forward in the ACC hierarchy. With training sessions underway and the season opener on the horizon, the Wolfpack faithful have reason to believe that their team is not just competing, but evolving to meet the demands of modern college football. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/ncstate/dj-eliot-cian-sloane-wolfpack-football-acc-dave-doeren ]