Neither of us know that for sure, but I do know that CJH is involved with offensive playcalling and not defensive playcalling outside of perhaps nudging CTB when we have a multiple score lead late in the 4th (Arkansas). But here's the thing. I do not believe CJH is a micromanaging leader. I believe he does offer autonomy to his coaching staff to better prepare them for the next level.
I think our defense (outside of secondary) has tons of talent and are not playing to our potential. Why? Because of two main factors IMO.
1) Scheme. We have become predictable and are not evolving. We are running the same things we ran since 2023. Teams have caught on.
2) Personnel.
a) Here is the number of blue-chip DT's we've signed since 2021:
2026 = D Albert incoming
2025 = Campbell and Utley (True Fresh).
2024 = None.
2023 = Hobbs.
2022 = None (I consider West a DE).
2021 = None
This will not cut it in the SEC. I believe Chop and Garner have started to fix this. We cannot continue to recruit Edge, DE, and LBers, and convert them to DT's.
b) Here is the number of blue-chip Secondary players we've signed since 2021.
2026 = Z Anderson incoming
2025 = Poteat?
2024 = Boo (nickle), Beasley (safety)
2023 = Matthews? (Gipson a 3 star but need him to play)
2022 = None
2021 = None
This will not cut it in the SEC.
Looking further, we didn't recruit well at LB either until we got Inge. Inge is fixing this issue.
2026 = Rouse and White incoming
2025 = Gass, Perlotte, Harmon
2024 = Spillman
2023 - A. Carter (and he plays like it)
2022 = None
2021 = Willis?
Are we going to sign 2 portal DT's (I'm okay with that) and 5+ portal secondary players for next year? I feel great about all offensive positions for next year with both quality and depth. I feel good about the DE and LB positions. I feel good about special teams. I believe Chop and Inge have started to fix the issues in the front 7. But Martinez and Banks are not getting it done with talent nor scheme.