Here’s the latest we’re hearing as Sonny Dykes builds his football coaching staff at TCU
New TCU football coach Sonny Dykes is in the process of putting together his staff.
As one source put it, “Lots of balls in the air right now.”
The biggest question — and arguably the most important hire Dykes will make — remains defensive coordinator. Sources indicate that nothing appears to be imminent on the DC front.
However, one name that’s emerging is Tulsa defensive coordinator Joseph Gillespie. TCU seems to be intrigued by Gillespie running a 3-3-5 defense similar to what Iowa State has had success with in recent years.
Gillespie also has ties to the state, as he was Stephenville High’s head coach from 2008-14.
At Tulsa, Gillespie helped develop Zaven Collins into an All-American linebacker who became a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Dykes is expected to have several DC candidates on his list along with Gillespie. And the coaching carousel hasn’t slowed down in recent days, so other coaches could become viable candidates.
At the end of the day, given the significance of the hire, it doesn’t seem like a defensive coordinator will be in place until next week.
Other staff items of late:
▪ The DC is the biggest hire remaining for Dykes. Once that is made, though, don’t be surprised if TCU makes a run at Arkansas cornerbacks coach Sam Carter. The new DC will likely have a say in how the rest of the staff is constructed, but a high-ranking TCU source said the school is intrigued by possibly bringing Carter back as an assistant.
Carter, who played at TCU from 2011-14, just completed his first season as Arkansas’ cornerbacks coach.
▪ Doug Meacham is a “possibility” to stay on Dykes’ staff in some capacity, a source said. Garrett Riley is joining Meacham’s staff as offensive coordinator, but Meacham could be a candidate as an inside receivers coach or even as an offensive analyst. Even though TCU didn’t have it’s greatest season, Meacham’s offense ranked 37th in the nation in total offense last season. Meacham is also well-respected throughout the Texas high school coaching community.
One prominent high school coach told the Star-Telegram that Meacham is among the best recruiters on the staff. Meacham is the man who helped TCU land talents such as Jalen Reagor.
▪ The incoming coaches on Dykes’ staff that are known at this point include Riley (offensive coordinator), Ra’Shaad Samples (running backs), Malcolm Kelly (wide receivers), A.J. Ricker (offensive line), Chidera Uzo-Diribe (defensive line), Paul Gonzales (defensive backs) and Mark Tommerdahl (special teams).
Kaz Kazadi (strength and conditioning) and Bryan Carrington (recruiting coordinator) are also among notable names joining the staff.
However, titles are subject to change in the coming days. As one source said, “Nothing is set in stone.”
