Report: Syracuse football hiring Toledo’s Vince Kehres as new defensive coordinator
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The offseason so far for the Syracuse Orange has seen notable staffing changes for Fran Brown, and the program now has two major pieces now joining Fran Brown on the sidelines, including a new leader for the defense.
Syracuse is reportedly hiring Toledo defensive coordinator Vince Kehres to serve in the same role for the Orange, according to ESPN”s Pete Thamel. Kehres will take over for Elijah Robinson, who appears set to take on a new role at LSU.
Kehres spent six seasons (2020-2025) with Toledo as its DX and linebackers coach. Prior to his time with the Rockets, Kehres served for over 20 years at Division III’ Mount Union Purple Raiders in multiple roles, including as the team’s head coach for seven years. He guided the Purple Raiders to two NCAA Division III Championships and three additional championship game nods.
In 2025, Toledo’s defense allowed just 12.2 points per game, good for first in the MAC. In six years, Toledo’s defense finished top-three in its conference five times and first twice. With Kehres as the DC, the Rockets went 47-25 overall and made it to four bowl games. Kehres and Toledo went 8-4 in 2025.
Kehres will look to revamp an Orange defense that gave up 34.9 points per game this season, which was worst in the ACC. According to reports, Kehres had offers from Nebraska and UConn to be DC and was a potential HC option at Toledo.
Syracuse is finalizing a deal to bring in Juan Castillo, who worked as an analyst for Michigan this past year, according to Thamel. Castillo is set to be the Orange’s new offensive line coach. He is a veteran on the sidelines with decades of football experience, including at the NFL level.
He began at Division II’s Texas A&M–Kingsville as a defensive line and linebackers coach. Castillo then spent almost 20 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as as offensive assistant, tight ends coach, offensive line coach and defensive coordinator. He also had smaller stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.
Prior to being with Michigan, Castillo last worked as the offensive line coach for UCLA in 2024. He will look to elevate Syracuse’s performance in the trenches on offense, which gave up the third-most sacks (37) in the ACC this year.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos