Arizona State Football: Sun Devils Should Sign Justin Wilcox as Next Head Coach

Justin Wilcox of the Tennessee Volunteers, and previously the Boise State Broncos, is a perfect fit for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Wilcox, the Volunteers' defensive coordinator, is only 36 years old and he brings in a much-needed overhaul for the Sun Devils' defense.

Currently, the Volunteers are ranked 28th in the country in overall defense. They allowed 22.6 PPG while playing in the tough SEC. They also forced 18 interceptions on the year. While the Sun Devils did produce better results, they had a much easier schedule compared to the Volunteers.

Wilcox's defense had to play four straight games against the Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Those four games were tougher than any game that the Sun Devils faced in 2011.

With a move to the Pac-12, Wilcox would be given a chance to develop a defense that has already made great strides, but really needs one last push to become a force to be reckoned with.

The Sun Devils have all the potential on defense. They were on roll to begin the year, but unfortunately a lack of discipline from the coaching staff resulted in a drop off in performance. Adding a young coach like Wilcox, the Sun Devils would be making a change in the right direction.

Age is an important factor in this decision.

Currently, the Sun Devils are used to having a coach like Dennis Erickson—who is nearing 65 years old. The Sun Devils need an image change, and the first step in that direction is to go young.

There is no reason to sign these coaches that are on the back end of their career. They need someone who is young and is looking to make a name for himself.

For Wilcox, the Sun Devils present that opportunity.

Wilcox also has Pac-12 connections. He was the cornerback for the Oregon Ducks from 1995-99, and more recently he was the linebackers coach for the Cal Golden Bears from 2003-05. His most success came from his time with the Broncos where he was the defensive coordinator for four years.

With the Broncos, Wilcox ran a defense that won two BCS Bowl games. As the defensive coordinator of the Broncos, the team only allowed an average of 14.9 PPG between the 2008-09 seasons.

If Wilcox is interested in becoming a head coach of an up-and-coming program, the Sun Devils should be interested in what the young coach could offer them. Apparently he is on their short wish list.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for Arizona State Football and the Chicago Cubs.