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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
UCF has fired defensive coordinator Ted Roof amid a five-game losing streak in which the Knights have allowed 37 points or more three times, sources told ESPN.
Roof, a veteran playcaller who spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator, was in his first season at UCF under coach Gus Malzahn. Co-defensive coordinator Addison Williams, who also serves as the team’s associate head coach, will take over defensive playcalling duties, according to a source. Williams served as UCF’s primary defensive coordinator in 2023, when the unit led the Big 12 against the pass and allowed its fewest passing touchdowns (12) since 2001.
The Knights have allowed 75 points and 1,010 yards total in losses to Big 12 leaders Iowa State and BYU the past two weeks. After a promising start in defending the run, UCF allowed 508 rushing yards in those two losses.
On3 first reported the defensive coordinator change.
Roof and Malzahn served as coordinators for Auburn’s national championship team under Gene Chizik in 2010. Roof was in his second stint at UCF after serving as defensive coordinator in 2011, and also has held coordinator roles for Penn State, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and other programs. He was Duke’s head coach from 2004 to 2007.
UCF returns to the field this week when it hosts Arizona.