Mississippi State defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon has agreed to become Louisville's defensive coordinator, sources tell FootballScoop. The arrangement has been in the works for some time, sources told FootballScoop, but Louisville wanted to wait until current defensive coordinator Todd Grantham found new employment.
It was reported today by Sports Illustrated Grantham will be the new defensive coordinator at Mississippi State, which we can confirm.
FootballScoop also reported former South Carolina and Fresno State defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has been hired as the defensive backs coach at Louisville.
Sirmon completed one season at Mississippi State, and before that served as assistant head coach, linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for two seasons at USC. He previously coached linebackers at Washington and Tennessee.
We expect Louisville to announce Sirmon's hiring once the contract has been finalized.
Louisville finished eighth nationally in yards per play allowed and 31st in scoring defense en route to a 9-4 campaign in 2016. Sirmon's Mississippi State defense finished 103rd nationally in yards per play allowed in 2016 after ranking 44th in '15.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.