Warren to replace Wallerstedt as AFA defensive coordinator

Reggie Rembert learned under position coach Charlton Warren for four years, and became an All-American cornerback under Warren’s watch.

When Air Force quickly promoted Warren to replace defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt, who left to be Texas A&M’s linebackers coach, Rembert was in full support of the move.

“He has what it takes to be a great defensive coordinator,” said Rembert, who graduated last year. “I’m ecstatic for him. I think he deserves it.”

Rembert said he thinks Warren’s time on the staff when former defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter was implementing his system is a benefit, and believes Warren will be able to reconnect to the roots of DeRuyter’s system. DeRuyter, who is now Fresno State’s coach, ran the Falcons defense before Wallerstedt, who was coordinator for two years.

Warren, who was the Falcons’ recruiting coordinator before Wednesday’s promotion and was very busy during national signing day, hadn’t had much time to think about any specific plans on defense.

“No, not really,” Warren said with a laugh. “We’re still going to be who we are on defense. We’ll try to tweak some things as we review film and see how we can be better. We’re going to play to a standard of football on defense, no matter the opponent or the situation in the game, we’ll play to a standard, and if we do that we’ll be a pretty good team.”

Warren said it was a “great honor” to be tabbed for the job after seven seasons on staff. He previously had the title of co-defensive coordinator, although Wallerstedt called the defense. He will continue to coach the secondary. Brad White was promoted to coach inside linebackers, which Wallerstedt handled, and to take Warren’s job as recruiting coordinator.

Warren is well liked by the players, and his promotion should be well received.

“He’s one of those coaches that will tell you how it is and not sugarcoat it,” Rembert said. “He has the respect of the players, and he’s been recruiting coordinator, so he’s had a relationship with a lot of the guys already.”