Syracuse football is turning the page after a tough 2025 season, and new head coach Fran Brown isn’t wasting any time reshaping the program from the inside out. With a significant coaching staff overhaul underway, it’s clear Brown is building his vision for the Orange-and he’s doing it with purpose.
The staff shake-up mirrors what’s happening on the roster, with several players entering the transfer portal once it opens from January 2 to January 16. But while the player movement grabs headlines, it’s the coaching carousel that could have the biggest long-term impact. Brown is bringing in experienced, development-focused coaches who can help lay a stronger foundation on both sides of the ball.
Let’s break down the key additions so far-and what they signal about the direction Syracuse is headed.
John Scott Jr. Brings Big-Time Experience to the Defensive Line
One of the most notable hires is John Scott Jr., who is expected to take on multiple roles: assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach. That’s a lot of responsibility, but Scott has the résumé to back it up.
He’s coached defensive lines at some of the biggest programs in the country-Penn State, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Texas Tech-and has NFL experience with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets. Most recently, he was a defensive assistant at Clemson, so he’s no stranger to the ACC landscape.
Scott’s reputation is built on more than just Xs and Os. He’s known for his ability to develop talent in the trenches, and that’s exactly what Syracuse needs. The Orange struggled up front in 2025, and Scott’s arrival should help elevate both the physicality and technique of the defensive front.
Jeremy Hawkins to Coach the Edge
Joining Scott on the defensive side is Jeremy Hawkins, who will coach the edge rushers. Hawkins spent the last two seasons at Georgia State, where he was the defensive line coach in 2024 and served as assistant head coach in 2025. His move to Syracuse gives the Orange another coach with leadership experience and a strong track record in player development.
Hawkins is also getting recognition in coaching circles for his recruiting chops. According to PFSN College’s Cam Mellor, Hawkins is a name to watch in the coaching carousel-not just for what he’s done on the field, but for how he connects with players and recruits.
That matters. Syracuse needs coaches who can not only coach up talent but bring it in. Hawkins checks both boxes.
Vince Kehres Takes Over as Defensive Coordinator
Another key hire is Vince Kehres, who steps in as the new defensive coordinator. Kehres arrives from Toledo, where he helped build one of the top defenses in the country in 2025. His defenses have been known for their discipline, physicality, and ability to generate takeaways-three things Syracuse desperately needs more of.
Kehres brings a head coach’s mentality to the defensive side of the ball. Before Toledo, he was a wildly successful head coach at Mount Union, where he won multiple national championships. His transition to the FBS level has been smooth, and now he’s tasked with turning around a Syracuse defense that struggled to find consistency last season.
Juan Castillo to Lead the Offensive Line
On the offensive side, Brown brought in veteran coach Juan Castillo to take over the offensive line. Castillo has more than 40 years of coaching experience at both the college and NFL levels, including recent work as an offensive analyst at Michigan.
His résumé includes stints as an NFL offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, and he’s known for his attention to detail and ability to mold cohesive, physical units up front. Syracuse’s offensive line was a weak point in 2025, and Castillo’s hire is a clear signal that Brown wants to get tougher in the trenches.
Internal Moves and Departures
Brown isn’t just bringing in new faces-he’s also reworking the roles of coaches already on staff. Offensive associate head coach Nunzio Campanile has shifted from quarterbacks to tight ends, while co-offensive coordinator Michael Johnson moves from tight ends to quarterbacks. These internal adjustments suggest Brown is looking for better fits across the board, not just new names.
Earlier in the offseason, Brown made some tough calls, parting ways with special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield, offensive line coach Dale Williams, defensive backs coach Joe Schaefer, and co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Robert Wright. Those moves cleared the way for a fresh start-and a staff that aligns with Brown’s vision.
Still More to Come
While the coaching staff is starting to take shape, there are still key spots to fill. Syracuse still needs a new special teams coordinator, a defensive backs coach, and a linebackers coach at minimum. With the transfer portal opening soon, those hires could come quickly-or Brown could wait to make sure he gets the right fits.
The Big Picture
There’s no sugarcoating it: 2025 was a rough year for Syracuse football. But Fran Brown is attacking the rebuild head-on, and his early moves on the coaching front show a clear emphasis on development, experience, and recruiting ability.
These hires aren’t just about plugging holes-they’re about setting a new tone. Brown is surrounding himself with coaches who’ve been in big-time environments, who know how to build culture, and who can help elevate the program from the ground up.
There’s still work to be done, but if this offseason is any indication, Syracuse is building something with staying power.