ESPN Big Ten Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Before shifting the spotlight to Michigan and Michigan State early next week, I wanted to take a look at one of the Big Ten's key coaching additions.

Minnesota defensive coordinator Ted Roof is a brave man, to say the least. After accepting what many consider the most difficult head-coaching position in a BCS conference (Duke), Roof now oversees a Minnesota defense that finished last nationally in yards allowed (518.7) and 109th in points allowed (36.7 ppg) last season. Roof was fired in November following four and a half seasons at Duke and came to Minnesota hoping to engineer a turnaround, much like he did with Georgia Tech's defense from 1999-2001. Roof took some time Thursday to discuss his newest major coaching challenge.

When you reviewed tape of this defense last season, what types of themes did you pick up that led to the poor results?

Ted Roof: Well, we don't look back. You study history, but at the same time, that's in the past. We're just focused on moving forward and doing the things we have to do to play better. Basically, for us, it's the fundamental things of how you take on blocks, being where you're supposed to be, it's pursuit angles to the football. We tackled as much as the NCAA would allow us to this spring. It was very, very physical. It doesn't matter what your scheme is. You can be in 3-4, 4-3, and eight-man front, whatever. But it all comes down to football fundamentals and playing hard.

Is it the same emphasis as you start camp or do you guys look to refine more and get into the plays and the scheme?

TR: At this point in time, you've got to pay your dues and you've got to put your physical work in, but there's a fine line between pushing it to where you need to be and at the same time, being smart with how you practice. It's not March anymore and guys now don't have six months or seven months to heal if something were to happen. But at the same time, you've got to practice football and continue to build depth so that if (injuries do) happen, it's not like you fall off the face of the earth when you go from the first team to the second team.

You come off your last job, which people think is a very tough one, and you're coming in here, same situation. When do you start coaching USC's linebackers or Ohio State's running backs, something like that?

TR: (laughs) I tell you what, there are great jobs and there are no easy jobs. Every situation, there's a different set of challenges and opportunities. I certainly enjoy challenges, there's no question about that.

What was it about this challenge that drew you to Minnesota?

TR: It's a great area to raise a family. There's great opportunity professionally to try and help improve something and make something better. I also have a very high level of respect for the guys that I work with.

Coach (Tim Brewster) mentioned at media days about wanting to turn this thing around fast. He brought in a lot of junior-college guys on defense. Did you guys discuss that before you took the job?

TR: Well, I was hired after signing day, so the recruiting class was in place. There are no quick fixes. That doesn't happen. There are no instant lotteries. Powerball is not football. It's a process that you build through recruiting and player development. We did bring in some junior-college players in some spots. They're a little bit more mature and they've already gone through part of the transition, leaving high school football for college football, but at the same time, there's transition for everybody. It's a deal where you're in a new place with new teammates, learning the expectation level and how we do things.

Have there been some guys that have stood out to you?

TR: I'd just like to wait and see and hold judgment on that because even though there's an influx of talent and ability, the core of our defense is still going to be from the returning players, not the influx. There's some guys who have a lot of ability. It's just a matter of how quick that they pick things up and compete and we'll see where things go. We've brought in a lot of kids that have a lot of ability. Now is the time to get that ability trained and channeled in the right direction.