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Northern Illinois defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys has been one of Jerry Kill's right hand men for over a decade. Since joining Kill at Saginaw Valley State in 1995, Claeys has worked to produce some of the top defensive units in the country. Over the last five years at Southern Illinois, Claeys' defenses allowed just 18.5 points per game. In the same span, the Saluki defense held opponents to 14 points or less 21 times, including five shutouts. Claeys' 2007 unit helped SIU reach the FCS National Semifinal, as they allowed only 17.4 points per game to rank as the 10th-best scoring defense in the country (FCS) and the second-best scoring defense at SIU since 1983. The 2007 group also intercepted 21 passes, fourth in the nation, and the second-highest total in program history. Perhaps the 2007 defensive group at SIU was overshadowed only by the 2004 squad. That group led the country in scoring defense, allowing just 13.2 points per game. Much of the success could be accounted to a strong front seven, which gave up only 101.7 yards per game on the ground. The unit was also proficient against the pass, snagging 17 interceptions and ranking sixth in opponent passer rating. The SIU defense also had standout years under Claeys in 2005, when the team ranked 13th nationally in rushing defense, and in 2003, when the unit was the 18th-best in the country in total defense. Claeys' resumé also includes coaching several standout defensive players. He tutored three future NFL players, including Saginaw Valley State products Paul Spicer (Detroit Lions, 1999; Jacksonville Jaguars, 2000-Pr.) and Lamar King (Seattle Seahawks, 1999-2003). Claeys also helped develop current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Bart Scott, who was named to the 2006 Pro Bowl after ranking second on his team with 135 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Claeys coached three All-Americans at Southern Illinois, including three-time All-American safety Alexis Moreland. Prior to his time at Southern Illinois, Claeys served as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Emporia State (1999-2000) with Kill and current offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover. From 1995-99, Claeys was the defensive line coach and assistant athletics director at Saginaw Valley State, where he was also responsible for the daily operation of the Detroit Lions' training camp held at the school. Claeys began his coaching career after earning his bachelor's degree in secondary education from Kansas State University in 1994. His first coaching position came as the co-defensive coordinator at Santa Fe Trail High School, where he coached in the 1994-95 season.
ABOUT CLAEYS
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