Glenn Spencer Hired as Defensive Coordinator at Charlotte

Former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has found a home, a little bit closer to home. Charlotte announced on Tuesday that it had hired Spencer to take over for departed DC Matt Wallerstedt, who was released by the 49ers following a 1-11 finish in 2017.

Charlotte ranked in the bottom third among Conference USA teams in scoring defense, third-down defense, red-zone defense and turnovers forced last season.

Spencer shared his thanks for the opportunity via Twitter.

What a tremendous privilege to be here at @Charlotte49erFB. Thank you @coach_lambert49 and the 49er family.

— Glenn Spencer (@Glenn_Spencer) February 14, 2018

Charlotte is less than 300 miles from Spencer’s native Douglasville, Georgia — and ironically less than 150 miles from Durham, North Carolina where Mike Gundy plucked Spencer’s replacement from Duke.

In a release from the university, 49ers head coach Brad Lambert endorsed the newest addition to his staff.

“We’re excited to bring Glenn into our program,” said Lambert. “I’ve been impressed with the job he’s done over the years. He’s coached defense at a high level and has had alot of success. He brings many years of experience along with an exciting, aggressive mentality to our program. From a recruiting standpoint, he’s from Georgia and he played and coached in Georgia and North Carolina so that’s a good fit as well. We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to bring him on staff. He’s a good man and a good football coach.”

After 10 years in Stillwater, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who would disagree with that last statement. His media loved him, his players adored him and would seemingly run through a wall for him. Too bad they couldn’t open-field tackle for him.

Spencer also joins former Oklahoma State offensive line coach Greg Adkins who serves as Charlotte’s offensive coordinator.