Syracuse football reportedly hires Toledo’s Vince Kehres as DC
After defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson left for LSU, Syracuse followed by hiring former Toledo DC Vince Tehres to fill the Orange's position. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
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Syracuse will reportedly hire Toledo defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Vince Kehres as its new defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Saturday.
Kehres replaces Elijah Robinson, who served two years in the role. After allowing nearly 30 points per game during the 2025 season, Robinson was demoted to co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Tuesday. Robinson then departed to be LSU’s defensive coordinator under newly-hired head coach Lane Kiffin Saturday.
Kehres has been in his current role with the Rockets since 2020. This season, he oversaw Toledo’s defense that ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense, allowing just 247.8 yards per game, and placed No. 4 in scoring defense, conceding a mere 12.2 points per game.
During his tenure in the Glass City, Kehres has developed National Football League players Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Alexander.
Kehres’ departure from the Rockets followed UConn hiring former Toledo head coach Jason Candle Saturday.
Prior to joining Toledo, Kehres won two Division II National Championships at Mount Union (Ohio) in 2015 and 2019 and compiled a 95-6 record during his tenure with the Purple Raiders from 2013-2019.
Syracuse’s defense is in dire need of a boost. The Orange allowed an Atlantic Coast Conference high 34.9 points per game in 2025 and 252.6 yards per game — sixth-worst in the conference. SU’s defensive struggles were punctuated by a 70-7 loss to then-No. 9 Notre Dame on Nov. 22, the fourth-worst loss in program history.
However, SU has a youthful defensive core of Demetres Samuel Jr., Chris Peal and Antoine Deslauriers, Kehres will now work with.
The Orange also addressed their opening at offensive line coach Saturday, hiring veteran Juan Castillo. SU still has a vacancy to fill at special teams coordinator after firing Ricky Brumfield Tuesday.
