Posted by: Josh Kendall on January 18, 2013

Dave Huxtable is taking over as the defensive coordinator at N.C. State at what is a tough time for defensive coordinators across the country.

"These offensive coordinators have made it hard on us," Huxtable said. "The athleticism of the players nowadays and spreading you out, making you defend the whole field, they really give us defensively a tough time."

Huxtable has been in coaching 31 years and has ties to the ACC and the state of North Carolina, which is one of the reasons he was an attractive hire for new Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren. Huxtable said he expects to have a smooth working relationship with Doeren.

"Dave and I have spent a lot of time talking," Huxtable said. "We have very similar thoughts and ideas. I think it's going to be a great working relationship."

Last season, Huxtable ran a Pitt defense that finished No. 16 in the nation, but it was his time with Central Florida coach George O'Leary that had the most impact on him, he said.

"Tremendous football coach in all areas of the game," Huxtable said.

The Wolfpack will stick to the 4-3 defense Huxtable has run most of his career.

"I've been in that system forever, everything starts up front defensively," he said. "Getting four big warriors up there to control that line of scrimmage, that's where it's all going to start for us."

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Josh Kendall is a staff writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered the SEC for more than 15 years for papers such as the Athens Banner-Herald, Macon Telegraph, and The State. He’s the father of two boys who he’s hoping don’t inherit his wide receiver frame and offensive guard feet. Follow @EyeOnCoaches on twitter and send your feedback to josh@coachingsearch.com