Pecoraro out to improve Cowboy defense

Tony Pecoraro didn’t forget how to coach football in one season, but the big question is whether he can apply what he learned from a disastrous last year.

Pecoraro begins his third season as the defensive coordinator of McNeese State after what he called “the toughest year” of his career.

The Cowboys finished just 1-10 with issues all over the place. Yet much of the spotlight fell on Pecoraro’s defense, which was overmatched most of the fall.

“It was really hard to go through,” said Pecoraro. “It was disappointing and yes, it was embarrassing. It was a long year.

“I don’t ever want to go through that again.”

The Cowboys allowed the most points in the Southland Conference (32.8 a game) and were next to last on the FCS level in run defense. Teams ran over and around McNeese’s front at an average of 249.2 yards a game, grinding out the clock in the process. Only Stenson was worse of the 122 defenses on that level.

“We could not stop the run at all,” said Pecoraro. “We didn’t have the size and we tried everything.”

While “Coach Pec” as he is called, and his staff, continued to get the vote of confidence from head coach Gary Goff, he was feeling the heat from a fanbase that expected better.

“Yes, I felt the pressure, we all did,” said Pecoraro. “I wasn’t sure what would happen. I’m just glad I’m back and have another chance.”

With the addition of a co-defensive coordinator (Josh Brown) and a host of new players, including an entire group of defensive linemen, Pecoraro is ready to show what those tough lessons from a year ago can lead to.

“I’m excited about the changes we have brought in,” he said. “I definitely think it’s a more talented roster but until we get pads on you never really know. But I’m definitely excited to work with this group.”

As for the addition of Brown and the co-defensive coordinator position, Pecoraro said he has no issues.

“Fixing this is what matters for all the coaches,” he said. “None of us want to go through another year like the last one.”

That should not be the problem with all the additions. There is an entirely new group on the defensive line, which is bigger and stronger. A major portion comes from the Football Bowl Subdivision level. 

There is more experience at linebacker to go with junior All-American Micah Davey, who returns after his record-setting season. The secondary is also rebuilt with both FBS talent and junior college transfers.

That has led to competition all over the field.

“ The best friend or coach is competition so anytime that you feel somebody that is as good or better than you behind you you’re gonna feel that heat,” Pecoraro said. “That’s gonna make you a better football player.

“I think that this team is a lot hungrier, I think the work ethic is a lot stronger and I think they feel like we do as coaches, they don’t want that again.”

As for what will be different, Pecoraro expects this year’s group will be more of an attacking defense.

“We want to play downhill,” he said. “Yes, it’s going to be a completely different defense this year.”

If not, Pecoraro knows just how long the fall could be.