Strong hires Jean-Mary as South Florida's defensive coordinator

Charlie Strong has turned to a familiar face for his defensive coordinator at South Florida, as the new Bulls coach hired Brian Jean-Mary on Sunday.

Jean-Mary, who will also serve as assistant head coach, has served under Strong for seven seasons, including the last three at Texas as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator.

"Brian has been a big part of assembling and coaching some of the best defenses in college football over the last 14 years and is ready for the next step to defensive coordinator," Strong said in a statement. "He has recruited, coached, and mentored numerous all-conference and future NFL players and I'm excited for him to work with our student-athletes at South Florida."

Strong and Jean-Mary face a huge task in turning around the Bulls' defense, as that unit ranked 92nd in the country last season, but it's one Jean-Mary is certainly excited for.

"I'm very excited to come to South Florida and have the opportunity to serve as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator under Coach Strong," Jean-Mary said. "I have had the honor to work with Coach Strong over the last seven seasons and appreciate his confidence in me to lead his defense."