‘This is truly a blessing’: Baylor’s Phil Snow rejoins Rhule as Panthers new defensive coordinator

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Phil Snow is rejoining head coach Matt Rhule in Carolina as the new Panthers defensive coordinator.

“You know, I never wanted to be a head football coach,” Snow told Panthers’ Max Henson. “I knew I wanted to be a coordinator. I wanted to teach. I love to put a playbook together and have that come alive on the football field. This is truly a blessing. This is a challenge that I’ve wanted.”

The 64-year-old coach previously served as defensive coordinator under Rhule at Baylor University from 2017 to 2019 and Temple University from 2013 to 2016.

Throughout his career, Snow has spent 37 years coaching collegiate football and has served as defensive coordinator at seven previous schools including UCLA, Washington, Arizona State and Boise State. He also coached four seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions from 2005 to 2008, where he coached linebackers.

Under Snow, Baylor ranked 41st in the nation for total defense, finished second in takeaways, third in interceptions, eighth in sacks per game and fifth in turnover margin during the 2019 season.

According to the Panthers, Snow and Rhule first coached together in 2001 at UCLA, where Snow was the defensive coordinator and Rhule served as the defensive line coach. The Bruins led the conference in total defense that season.

Snow is originally from Winters, Calif. and went to Cal-State Hayward University. He began his collegiate coaching career in 1979 at Laney College.

The addition of Snow means the Panthers now have three coaches from the college ranks at their top three spots — Rhule as head coach, Snow as defensive coordinator and Joe Brady, who came from LSU, serving as offensive coordinator.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Panthers introduce Joe Brady as new offensive coordinator Panthers introduce Joe Brady as new offensive coordinator

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• VIDEO: Father charged after tackling student during wrestling tournament
• South Carolina makes millions selling people’s driver’s license information
• Woman, baby found safe after taken from NC home at gunpoint
• FORECAST: Bitter chill, sunny skies and no rain in sight to start workweek
• Man accused of selling meth to undercover Huntersville officers three times

© 2020 Cox Media Group