Scott Spencer and Bob Wylie have joined the Syracuse football team’s coaching staff, head coach Greg Robinson announced Saturday morning.

Spencer, a graduate assistant for Texas last year, became the new Orange secondary coach while Wylie, formerly the offensive line coach with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, takes over the offensive line duties with the Orange.

Spencer, a former walk-on defensive back for Texas, assisted Robinson with the secondary responsibilities last year in Austin.

‘Scott was hired last July,’ Robinson said. ‘I knew by last summer that if I ever got the opportunity to be a head football coach, that he would be onboard.

‘I think the world of this guy. He’s got all the things that we talked about – energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and integrity.’

Before returning to Texas as a graduate assistant, Spencer was a coach and teacher at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio where he guided his team to a District 26-5A Championship in 2003.

He began his coaching career at Saluda School/Polk County High School in North Carolina in 1999. He also taught physical education and science at Saluda for two years.

Wylie has 14 years of NFL experience that includes time spent as a tight ends coach and as an offensive line coach. He has been coaching football for the past 32 years on all levels from Pop Warner to the pro ranks.

‘It was important I waited to hire Bob until after we hired (new offensive coordinator Brian Pariani),’ Robinson said. ‘I wanted Brian to be involved in this.’

‘(Wylie’s) the consummate teacher,’ Robinson said. ‘He’s constantly finding new ways to get his message across – he’s a great people person.’

Before spending last season with the Cardinals, Wylie worked with the Chicago Bears for four years as their offensive line coach. In 2001, the Bears allowed a league-low 17 sacks, helping running back Anthony Thomas earn Rookie of the Year honors.

One spot remains open on Robinson’s coaching staff – another defensive backs coach. Robinson said he had hoped to announce that hire and Spencer’s together, but that he couldn’t wait any longer because he wanted Spencer to begin recruiting.

Published on January 21, 2005 at 12:00 pm