Blazer Names to Know: Linebackers Coach Ron McCrone

Behind moving Coach Christophel back into his old slot as DC, the biggest move on the part of the Blazers to rectify the many problems on defense last season was the hiring of Ron McCrone to coach the linebackers. McCrone spent the past two seasons at rival Southern Miss (though are they really a rival if we've never beaten them?) where he coached both the defensive ends and the secondary. Last season the Golden Eagles defense ranked second in the conference in scoring defense and allowed an average of 3.89 ypc rushing while McCrone coached the defensive ends. In 2004, while McCrone coached the secondary, they finished second in conference in scoring defense and allowed 186 completions on 362 attempts for 2,411 yards through the air, giving up 19 TDs but getting 16 INTs. Given his success at Southern Miss and the return of a core group of experienced linebackers this defense should be much improved after it's miserable showing last year. He's also one creepy looking son of a bitch, and will more than likely be caught leering at the cheerleaders and/or Golden Girls throughout the season.