Stubbs, Cassity gone as Cardinals begin offseason facelift

12/2/2007 6:49 PM

By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe released defensive coordinator Mike Cassity, and offensive coordinator Charlie Stubbs resigned on Sunday just days after the Cardinals stumbled to a 6-6 season.

Jeff Brohm, a former Louisville star whose brother Brian just finished his career with the Cardinals, was promoted to offensive coordinator. Jeff Brohm served as assistant head coach, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator this season.

``I think Jeff and I are on the same wavelength and I also want to keep some continuity,'' Kragthorpe said. ``I thought we did some very good things offensively (but) certainly we fell short in some situations.''

Cassity was released after spending four seasons with the Cardinals, three of them as defensive coordinator. Louisville struggled stopping opponents all year, finishing 84th nationally in total defense and 93rd in scoring defense, allowing 416.5 yards and 31.4 points per game.

Though Louisville finished eighth in the country in total offense, averaging 488 yards per game, the Cardinals couldn't seem to generate a consistent running game and had trouble protecting Brian Brohm.

``The biggest change is that Jeff will call the plays on game day,'' Kragthorpe said. ``I thought we did a good job as an offensive staff of developing game plans together, then Charlie took the lead on game day. Now Jeff takes the lead.''

Louisville began the season ranked in the top 10 after winning the Big East and the Orange Bowl last year under former coach Bobby Petrino, but plummeted after consecutive losses to Kentucky and Syracuse.

Louisville's problems weren't limited to the field. Willie Williams was kicked off the team in September after being arrested on drug charges and ended up pleading guilty to possession of marijuana, one of several players to run into trouble.

``We have had some challenges,'' Kragthorpe said. ``From an accountability standpoint, I think the guys are starting to understand that the way I operate is if you follow the rules and do the things you're supposed to do and you're a good person then you're going to get a chance to play.''

The Cardinals never factored in the Big East race, and needed an 18-point rally in the season finale against Rutgers on Thursday to avoid their first losing season since 1997.