Vanderbilt officially announced Cameron Norcross as its offensive line coach, and C.J. Ah You as its defensive line coach this week, filling vacancies left from the firing of Keven Lightner and the departure of Frank Maile to Utah State, respectively.
The Norcross hire had been reported by various sources before Christmas, but wasn't made official until Wednesday. Ah You's hire was reported on Wednesday by FootballScoop.com, but not announced by the university until Thursday.
Norcross comes to Vanderbilt from Fresno State, where he'd coached from 2012 through this past season. Previously, Norcross spent 11 years coaching at Nevada, his alma mater.
Fresno State struggled offensively last year, but put up 40 or more points 18 times in the three seasons prior to that. The same offense gained 500 yards at least 18 times, also.
"I've watched Cameron closely and I have tremendous respect for his coaching abilities. He is a great teacher and motivator, and will truly develop toughness in the Vanderbilt line," former Fresno State coach Pat Hill told VUCommodores.com.
Norcross lettered from 1997-99, and was an All-Big West selection in 1998.
This represents a promotion for Ah You, who had been on the staff at Oklahoma, where he played. Ah You was a starter in 2005-06 and a first team All-Big 12 pick in 2006.
Ah You spent 2014 as a special teams quality control coach, he assisted OU defensive line coach Diron Reynolds in 2015.
“First and foremost, Vanderbilt is getting a great person in C.J. All of his former teammates and all of our current staff love and respect him. C.J. was a great player for us and a valuable member of our staff who has tremendous knowledge of the game and relates so well with players. He’s got a bright future in the coaching world,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops told VUCommodores.com.
FootballScoop.com also reports that VU has hired Wisconsin special teams coach Jeff Genyk to do the same at Vanderbilt, and also speculates that he may coach running backs. Vanderbilt has not announced that hire.