Texas A&M announces hire of David Turner to oversee DTs, run defense

The 53-year-old Turner will replace Mark Hagen, who was not retained by Sumlin.

Turner previously served as Mississippi State’s defensive line coach, where he established a reputation for developing NFL-caliber players.

Mississippi State had five defensive linemen reach the NFL under Turner’s guidance.

Fletcher Cox was a first-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012. Other Turner protégés to reach the NFL include Preston Smith (second-round choice of the Washington Redskins in 2015), Pernell McPhee (fifth-round choice of the Baltimore Ravens in 2011), Josh Boyd (fifth-round choice of the Green Bay Packers in 2013) and Kyle Love (free agent signee of the New England Patriots in 2010).

Mississippi State defensive tackle Chris Jones is expected to be selected in the 2016 NFL Draft.
 
That history of developing players is no doubt a major reason why Sumlin's interest in Turner was piqued. He’ll be charged with developing the Aggies’ trio of talented interior defensive linemen in sophomores Daylon Mack and Kingsley Keke and junior Zaycoven Henderson.

Turner, who also coached at Kentucky, Alabama and Vanderbilt among others in a 30-year career, has shown an ability to supervise productive defensive fronts.

Mississippi State ranked among the nation’s top 42 in sacks in 2015 (42nd with 30) and in 2014 (20th with 37).

The Bulldogs were 70th in run defense (174.6 yards) last season, but were ranked 44th in 2014  (151.5) and 38th in 2013 (144.1).

Turner is the third new coach to join the A&M staff since the end of the 2015 season.

Offensive Coordinator Noel Mazzone was hired to replace Jake Spavital and Offensive Line Coach Jim Turner was hired to replace Dave Christensen.