NC State football has its replacement for Dwayne Ledford at offensive line coach. Head coach Dave Doeren announced Thurdsay that former Florida Atlantic assistant coach John Garrison would join his staff.
As FAU’s O-Line coach last season, Garrison oversaw a group that allowed just 1.17 sacks per game (14th FBS) and paved the way for a ground attack that picked up 241.8 rushing yards per game (also 14th FBS).
“I’m excited that John Garrison is going to join our football family,” Doeren said in an official release from NC State athletics. “I’ve known him for a long time and respect him as a coach and as a person. He was a great player at Nebraska and has established himself as a great coach and recruiter and I know he will be a strong addition to our staff.”
Garrison fills the vacancy created when Ledford left for an offensive coordinator role at Louisville.
Before he was the Owls’ offensive line coach, Garrison spent three seasons in that role at UNLV; the Rebels finished 15th in the nation in rushing yards and set a school record for fewest sacks allowed in 2017.
Prior to joining UNLV, Garrison spent seven seasons at his alma mater, Nebraska, serving as the offensive line coach from 2013-14, tight ends and assistant offensive line coach from 2011-12 and as an intern from 2008-11.
“My family and I are thrilled to join the Wolfpack family at NC State as a part of coach Doeren’s staff,” Garrison said. “It’s a privilege to represent this great university and to work for a great coach. Big things are happening at NC State and I cannot wait to get started.”
It’s been an offseason of coaching turnover for the 9-3 Wolfpack. The news of Garrison’s hiring comes after an earlier report from the News & Observer Friday that Ted Roof, who served as NC State’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach this season, would leave to take a role as the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State under former Wolfpack offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz.
NC State will face Texas A&M in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida Monday.
