Scottie Hazelton

Scottie Hazelton (born December 19, 1973) is the current assistant linebackers coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars team.^[1] He was previously the linebackers coach at USC in 2012 and the defensive coordinator of the 2011 FCS National Champions, North Dakota State Bison.^[2] Hazelton was tutored as a defensive coach under the guidance of then North Dakota State head coach and current Chicago Bears assistant Bob Babich^[3] and Gus Bradley who is currently the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars^[4] and former Bison assistant coach.^[5]

Playing career

Hazelton prepped at Horizon High School in Brighton, Colorado from 1989-1991.^[6]

After high school, Hazelton played linebacker at Fort Lewis College (1992-1994), lettering for three years where he earned his degree in exercise science.^[7]

Coaching career

Hazelton has coached all defensive positions during his coaching career (defensive line, linebacker, defensive back and defensive coordinator) which started as a defensive backs coach and interim defensive coordinator for his alma mater Fort Lewis College.^[8] In 2000, Hazelton became a grad assistant at North Dakota State where he worked closely with Bradley and held that position until after the 2001 season.^[9]

After finishing his graduate program, Hazelton moved to St. Olaf College where he worked as the Oles defensive backs coach for two seasons.^[10]

In 2004, Hazelton was offered the defensive coordinator position at Missouri Southern State and held it for two years^[11] before becoming the linebackers coach at Michigan Tech in 2006.

North Dakota State

After five years of coaching else where, Hazelton returned to North Dakota State as a defensive line coach in 2007.^[12] In his first year back with the Bison he helped the defense rank 18th nationally in third down efficiency (33.3%) and 22nd nationally in rushing defense (126.5 ypg).^[13] This was all highlighted with wins over FBS opponents Central Michigan 44-14 and Minnesota 27-21.^[14]

A year later the defence led the FCS in pass defence (116.82 ypg), 5th in total defence (254 ypg) and 19th in scoring defence (19.18 ppg).^[15] In regards to his position his players ranked 3rd nationally in sacks (3.36 sacks per game) and 5th in tackles for a loss (8.55 TFL per game).^[16]

2009 was not a good year for the Bison's and Hazelton. The defence forced just three interceptions while ranking 90th in scoring defence^[17] and finished 3-8 (2-6).^[18][19]

In 2010, Hazelton was promoted to defensive coordinator. His defensive unit greatly improved from 2009 as the Bison's ranked 7th nationally in scoring defence (18.21 ppg) and turnover margin (+1.07 avg).^[20] As well the defence ranked 15th in pass efficiency and 19th in sacks.^[21]

The Bison's advanced to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs in 2010 for the first time in school history during Hazelton's inaugural season as defensive coordinator which included a win over Big 12 member Kansas 6-3.^[22] In their game against the Jayhawks Hazelton's defence forced 3 turnovers and held them to under 300 yards.^[23]

2011 was a banner year for Hazelton and the Bison's as they went on to win the FCS National Championship 17-6 over Sam Houston^[24] along with finishing the year with a 14-1 (7-1) record.^[25] During the playoffs the Bison's road their defence as they gave up just 27 points in four games.^[26] The Bison's ranked in the top 20 in six different categories^[27] including 1st nationally in points allowed (12.73 ppg) and tied for 7th in takeaways with 31 in 15 games.^[28] For the second time in four years Hazelton and the Bison's beat Big 10 member Minnesota 37-24.^[29]

USC Trojans

On February 12, 2012 Hazelton was hired as the linebackers coach of the USC Trojans under head coach Lane Kiffin.^[30] Hazelton replaced Joe Barry^[31] who became the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers on February 6, 2012.^[32]

Nevada Wolf Pack

After just one season and less than a year with USC, Hazelton was hired by new University of Nevada Wolf Pack Head Coach Brian Polian on January 18, 2013 to become the teams defensive co-ordinator.^[33]

Personal life

Scott is married to Brooke and they have two daughters, Ava and Sophie along with two sons Bode West and Crew Mosley.^[34][35]

References