So far this season Buffalo has had three big positions open up. The first was when Coach William Inge was snatched up by the Buffalo Bills, the Second was when Ernest Jones hooked up with Notre Dame, and the third was when UConn hired Warde Manuel. While replacing Manual might take some time UB has now made their second coaching hire of the offseason.
The Position was left open when Defensive Backs coach and recruiting coordinator Ernest Jones departed a couple of weeks ago. Footballscoop.com is reported last night that JMU defensive backs coach Maurice "Mo" Linguist has accepted a job with Buffalo.
If true UB Athletics will be releasing a press note on it with its usual run this afternoon. Check them out to see if it's already out there.
Linguist played football at Baylor where he was named the Bears Defensive Most Valuable Player as a strong safety in 2006, he also garnered honorable mention as an All-Big 12 player. During his career he started 24 games racked up 176 tackles and three career interceptions.
He will get a chance to face off against his Alma Mater when UB takes on Baylor in 2013 and 2014.
His first coaching job after Baylor, where he spent one year as a GA, was with Valdosta. An assistant coach at the Georgia school in 2008 he was charged with developing coaching the program's defensive backs and directing its special teams. That season Valdosta State in 2008 finished 9-3 and ranked 12th nationally in Division II.
After that stop he was picked up by JMU. Once again he was given responsibility over the safeties and special teams. He is also JMU's Primary Recruiter in D.C. and it's surrounding areas in Maryland. Those areas have been fruitful for UB in recent history and the relationships he will bring to the staff may only tighten Coach Quinn's focus on the Mid Atlantic.
JMU's defensive backfield usually ranks in the top third of FCS schools, and towards the top of their conference. At Buffalo Linguist will take over a rather young backfield, one that struggled though a year that saw four new starters. He will do so under first year defensive coordinator Lou Tepper.
This is the Fifth coaching change of Jeff Quinn's two year tenure at Buffalo. Last season the Bulls lost or let go of their Running Backs, Quarter Backs / Offensive Coordinator, and Wide Receivers coach. This season the Bulls have lost their Linebackers Coach / and Defensive Coordinator, and Defensive Backs coach.
Unlike the last four hires Coach Linguist is not a seasoned veteran but a young up and coming coach, much like the staff that Quinn had initially brought in. Resume wise he is nearly a match for what we lost and his ties into the DC area could be very beneficial in trying to fill the recruiting void left by Jones.