JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars have found their new defensive coordinator.
It's a familiar name who will work in a new role, with defensive line coach/run game coordinator Todd Wash being promoted to coordinator early Friday morning.
Wash, a defensive assistant for the Jaguars since Head Coach Gus Bradley's arrival in 2013, replaces Bob Babich as coordinator. Babich was relieved of his duties two days after the 2015 regular season.
Wash, 47, served as the Jaguars' defensive line coach in 2013 and 2014. The run-game coordinator duties were added to his title this past season.
The Jaguars finished 15th in the NFL against the run this past season, allowing 106.8 yards per game. They allowed 3.7 yards per carry, which was fifth in the NFL.
Wash, a 20-year coaching veteran including nine NFL seasons, previously worked with Bradley with the Seattle Seahawks (2011-12), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007) and at North Dakota State (2002-03).
Other staff changes Friday:
*Daniel Bullocks, a safety with the Detroit Lions from 2006-09 and a former assistant at Northern Iowa (defensive backs, 2012-14) and Eastern Michigan (cornerbacks, 2015), has been hired as assistant defensive back coach.
*Tony Sorrentino, offensive assistant/quality control coach the past three seasons, was promoted to assistant wide receivers coach.
*Aaron Whitecotton, assistant to the defensive staff the past three seasons, was promoted to assistant defensive line coach.
The Jaguars also reportedly interviewed Atlanta Falcons secondary coach Marquand Manuel, former Miami Dolphins interim defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Jim Schwartz and Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Jerome Henderson. Schwartz was named the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator Tuesday.
The Jaguars, who finished 31st in the NFL in points allowed this past season, Jaguars ranked 24th in total yardage allowed (375 yards per game) in 2015 after ranking 26th (370.8 ypg ) last season and 27th (379.4 yards per game) in 2013.
They not only allowed 28.0 points per game in 2015, they finished 31st in the NFL in third-down defense, allowing a 46.3 percent conversion rate. They also were 25th in the NFL in red-zone defense, allowing touchdowns on 35 of 57 opportunities inside the 20 for a conversion rate of 61.4 percent.
The Jaguars forced 18 takeaways, which tied for 25th in the NFL. They registered nine interceptions after six last season and 11 in 2013.
After finishing with 45 sacks in 2014, the Jaguars ranked 20th with 36 sacks in 2015.
