When defensive tackle coach Dan Brooks and defensive end coach Marion Hobby announced they would be retiring and going to the NFL, questions began to circulate about how one of the best defensive lines would recover going into the 2017 season.
Todd Bates answered that question when he was hired shortly thereafter. Bates, who played defensive end for Alabama and the Tennessee Titans, brings plenty of leadership and game experience to an already experienced defensive line.
Bates has all of the pieces laid out for him in order to have a successful first year, and he said that is a dream situation for any coach.