Syracuse Football Shakes Up 2026 Staff with Key Hires and Internal Promotions
Syracuse football is retooling its coaching staff heading into the 2026 season, bringing in fresh faces and elevating familiar ones as the program continues to shape its identity under head coach Fran Brown. From the defensive backfield to the trenches, the Orange are making strategic moves aimed at addressing last season’s shortcomings and building on areas of potential.
Marcus Walker Joins as Nickels Coach
One of the most notable additions is Marcus Walker, a former standout cornerback at Oklahoma who’s stepping in to coach the nickelbacks. Walker replaces Blaine Miller and brings with him a deep résumé that spans both playing and coaching.
As a player, Walker was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and had brief stints in the NFL with the Vikings and Panthers, plus time in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. But it’s his coaching path that really jumps off the page.
He's made stops at Oklahoma, Henderson State, McNeese, Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech, and most recently Towson - where his cornerbacks consistently earned All-CAA honors over a three-year stretch.
That kind of consistency is exactly what Syracuse is hoping to inject into a nickel position that struggled mightily last season. The trio of Davien Kerr, Devin Grant, and Berry Buxton III all rotated through the role, but none found sustained success, particularly in coverage over the middle.
Grant showed flashes as a blitzer, even while battling injury, but the position as a whole was a vulnerability - one that often left the linebackers exposed as well. Walker’s track record of player development could go a long way in stabilizing this key hybrid spot in the Orange’s defense.
Dennis Thomas Takes Over Running Backs
On the offensive side, Dennis Thomas has been promoted from a quality control role to help coach the running backs. While offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon will still be heavily involved, Thomas steps into the lead day-to-day role, replacing Devin Redd, who is no longer with the program.
Thomas is no stranger to the offensive side of the ball. He previously assisted with tight ends under Michael Johnson Sr. and began transitioning to the running backs late last season as Redd’s responsibilities diminished. His familiarity with the staff and players should make for a smooth transition, and with Nixon’s continued involvement, the running back room will remain a collaborative effort.
New Analysts Bring Experience and Familiarity
Syracuse is also bolstering its analyst group, adding several names with strong football pedigrees and ties to current staff.
Ryan Krum, a former offensive lineman at San Diego State, joins as an offensive analyst and will work closely with the offensive line under new position coach Juan Castillo. Castillo, a veteran coach with NFL experience - most recently with the Baltimore Ravens - has already been linked to a potential move to the New York Giants under John Harbaugh. For now, though, he’s still in Syracuse and working with the team.
Charlie Brewer, the former Baylor quarterback and Big 12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year, reunites with Nixon as an offensive analyst focused on the quarterbacks. Brewer’s familiarity with Nixon’s system could be a valuable asset in helping the Orange develop consistency and decision-making under center.
Staff Development and Defensive Additions
The Orange are also investing in player development and defensive support. Stack Williams steps in as the new director of player development, replacing Deon Maddox in that role. Maddox, a former Syracuse wide receiver, remains on staff and was heavily involved in coaching the receiver group last season alongside Myles White.
On defense, Daniel Bolden - a 2024 third-team All-MAC linebacker at Toledo - follows defensive coordinator Vince Kehres to Syracuse as a defensive analyst working with the linebackers. He replaces Tyshon Fogg, who left to become the linebackers coach at New Hampshire. Bolden brings recent playing experience and familiarity with Kehres’ system, which could help bridge the gap between scheme and execution for the Orange’s linebacker corps.
Behind-the-Scenes Additions
Syracuse has also made a few behind-the-scenes additions to support the program’s infrastructure:
- Alessandro Cantillo, a former defensive lineman at NAIA Keiser, joins as assistant strength and conditioning coach.
- Bruce Eugene, a two-time SWAC Offensive Player of the Year from his days at Grambling, comes aboard as a scouting assistant.
- Chris Mull, who previously served as a student assistant at Clemson, is now a defensive analyst working with the defensive line.
Final Thoughts
This revamped staff reflects a clear vision: blend experienced voices with rising talent, and surround players with coaches who have both played and taught the game at a high level. Syracuse is leaning into continuity where it makes sense, while also bringing in fresh blood to address areas that need a reset - particularly at nickelback and linebacker.
With these moves, the Orange are positioning themselves to be more competitive and cohesive in 2026. It’s still early in the offseason, but the pieces are starting to come together for a staff that looks ready to turn the page and push this program forward.