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New WSU defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys outlines defensive philosophy, explains how he’ll adapt to his new team

Tracy Claeys has big shoes to fill in replacing the much-beloved Alex Grinch. Here's how he plans to do it.

Tracy Claeys spent his year of unemployment back in his hometown of Clay Center, Kans., accompanying his mother to yard sales, fishing in the river and spending quality time with his family. But now, as Washington State’s newly hired defensive coordinator, he’s ready to get back to work.

“It was obviously a much slower pace of life, but a great time to catch up with my family,” Claeys said of his one-year sabbatical after he was fired by Minnesota in January 2017.