Duke hires new defensive line coach

Duke has as a new defensive line coach: Rick Petri, who coached with David Cutcliffe for six seasons at Ole Miss.

The position was open because Marion Hobby, the co-defensive coordinator for the last three years, left to coach the defensive line at Clemson.

In addition, the school announced in a news release that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will assume the lead role with Dukes practice scheduling, weekly preparation and game-day play calling.

“We are very fortunate to strengthen our defensive staff with the addition of Rick Petri,” Cutcliffe said in a prepared statement.  “Rick is widely known in the coaching profession as one of the top teachers of defensive line play, and his track record of preparing young men for the National Football League speaks for itself.  Also, his ideas and methods of helping players mature into young adults fit very well with our philosophies.

 “Jim Knowles will coordinate our defense. Rick will coach the defensive line, Jim Collins the linebackers and Derek Jones the secondary.  I believe with this group of coaches we have assembled the finest defensive staff in America.”

Petri is a 34-year veteran of the college ranks. Last year, he was on the Miami staff, and his other coaching stops have included Kentucky, South Carolina, and Arkansas State.