Tulsa DC Joseph Gillespie Joining TCU Staff

Posted on December 7, 2021

According to Kelly Hines of the Tulsa World, Tulsa defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joseph Gillespie is joining TCU’s staff under Sonny Dykes.

Confirmed: Tulsa DC Joseph Gillespie is headed to TCU — not surprising but a huge loss for the Hurricane. First reported by @mzenitz

Gillespie is reportedly taking CBs coach Carlton Buckels with him. That would make three vacancies including OL coach Zach Hanson leaving for USC.
— Kelly Hines (@KellyHinesTW) December 7, 2021

Tulsa has been fantastic defensively under Gillespie in his three seasons with the Golden Hurricane. Following the 2020 season, Gillespie was named the FootballScoop Linebackers Coach of the Year and was a finalist for Defensive Coordinator of the Year as well.

Gillespie is also primarily responsible for the development of LB Zaven Collins, a Consensus All-American, and winner of the 2020 Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Lombardi Award. Collins was selected 16th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft; becoming the third player in TU history to be selected in the first round.

Gillespie will have the same role at TCU as a defensive coordinator and will inherit a talented roster that should return the majority of its starters defensively. TCU looks to be a challenger for the new Big 12 with the coaching staff it is building, and Gillespie is a huge addition to that staff.

The Frogs did not make a bowl this season, but have gotten a head start in recruiting with Dykes and his staff’s familiarity with the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Big things are coming in Fort Worth and the future looks a little bit brighter with this hire.