Cincinnati’s defense is getting a new voice, and Scott Satterfield didn’t hide how much he likes the fit.
At the Monster Energy Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, Satterfield used his opening statement in the coaches’ solo press conference window to spotlight first-year defensive coordinator Nate Woody, a familiar face from their Appalachian State days.
"Coach Woody and I were together at Appalachian State for five seasons, he did an outstanding job there and had a great run at Army the last 6 years. Excited about what he'll be able to bring to our defense," said Coach Satterfield.
That connection goes back to 2013-2017, when Satterfield and Woody were on the same staff at Appalachian State. Their best stretch came from 2015-17, when the Mountaineers went 30-9, won three bowl games and beat teams from the Mid-American Conference each time. After the 2017 season, Woody moved on to become defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, while Satterfield stayed in Boone through 2018 before leaving for Louisville after Appalachian State finished 11-2 and won a fourth straight bowl game.
Woody’s path since then has included a stop as a defensive analyst at Michigan in 2019 and a run as defensive coordinator at Army from 2020-2025. When Cincinnati hired him in January, Satterfield was just as effusive.
" He is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country. I've seen firsthand the impact he has on the players and defenses. He's an outstanding teacher, an exceptional leader and someone who knows how to build championship-caliber defenses."
The clearest early adjustment Woody has made is a big one for one of Cincinnati’s top defenders. Antwan Peek Jr., who had been at strong safety, has been moved to linebacker so the Bearcats can get him closer to the ball.
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