Syracuse Football Lands National Champion DC Vince Kehres in Major Hire

Syracuse University has secured its next defensive leader. The Orange are hiring Vince Kehres as their new defensive coordinator. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Saturday. The move brings a proven winner to Upstate New York.

Kehres arrives from Toledo, where he built a formidable defense. His hiring marks a significant coup for head coach Fran Brown. It addresses a critical need after a disappointing 3-9 season.

Championship Pedigree and Defensive Acumen

Vince Kehres is not just another coordinator. He is a two-time national champion head coach. He won those titles at the Division III level with Mount Union.

Kehres compiled a staggering 95-6 record leading the Purple Raiders. He took over the program from his father, Hall of Famer Larry Kehres. This background instills a deep culture of winning and defensive excellence.

At Toledo, his units were consistently strong. He developed NFL talent, including Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. According to ESPN, his track record of success made him a top target.

His arrival is timely for Syracuse. The Orange defense struggled mightily last season. Kehres will be tasked with a rapid and comprehensive rebuild.

A Pivotal Move for the Orange Rebuild

This hire signals a clear intent from Fran Brown. After a step back from a 10-win 2024 campaign, decisive action was needed. Bringing in a coordinator of Kehres’ caliber is a powerful statement.

The long-term impact could be substantial. Kehres has shown an ability to develop players and craft disruptive schemes. His experience building a championship culture is perhaps his most valuable asset.

For fans, it provides a jolt of optimism. The schedule also presents a fascinating twist. Syracuse is slated to host Kehres’ former Toledo team early in the 2026 season.

Syracuse football is betting big on Vince Kehres to restore its defensive identity. His championship history offers a blueprint for success. The Orange hope this hire is the cornerstone of their return to competitiveness.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Vince Kehres?

Vince Kehres is the former defensive coordinator at the University of Toledo. Before that, he was the wildly successful head coach at Mount Union, where he won two Division III national championships and posted a 95-6 record.

Why is this hire important for Syracuse?

The Orange defense had a difficult 2025 season. Hiring a coordinator with a proven track record of building elite units and developing NFL talent is a critical step for head coach Fran Brown’s program rebuild.

When did Syracuse last have a 10-win season?

According to reports, Syracuse won 10 games in the 2024 season under Fran Brown. The team followed that with a 3-9 record in 2025, highlighting the need for stability and improvement.

Will Kehres face his old team?

Yes. The current 2026 schedule shows Syracuse hosting the University of Toledo, Kehres’ former employer, in the season’s third week. That game will now carry added narrative weight.

What happened to Toledo’s head coach?

Jason Candle, the head coach at Toledo for the past decade, left the program to become the head coach at the University of Connecticut. This occurred on the same day as the Kehres to Syracuse report.