When Dan Conley and Jimmy Brumbaugh were "repositioned" within the Syracuse Athletics department, that opened up two spots on the staff. The first was filled by Steve Morrison, a former NFL linebacker, to take over the same position.

That left one void and today it was announced that former New York Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson will be the new defensive backs coach for the Syracuse Orange. Doug Marrone officially introduced both new coaches today:

"We are excited to have Steve and Donnie join the staff," Marrone said. "I look forward to working with Donnie again after having been on the staff with him with the New York Jets and to having Steve be reunited with Scott Shafer and Tim Daoust from their time at Western Michigan. They bring a great deal of experience to our program."

Coach Shafer had mentored the defensive backs last season but will focus on his coordinator duties now. Tim Daoust will now mentor the entire defensive line.

It's all about connections for the Syracuse staff. Morrison worked with Shafer and Daoust at Western Michigan while Marrone worked with Henderson with the New York Jets.

This is Henderson's first college position after stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and even the California Redwoods of the UFL. He was a member of the Ravens' defensive staff when they won the Super Bowl and you better believe he'll be wearing that ring when he meets with recruits.

Henderson is also a Baltimore native, which is an area that I don't believe we have a solid recruiting presence at the moment. Coupled with Morrison, the new hires bring a ton of NFL experience, a lot of coaching experience and solid connections to hit the ground running with in 2012.