‘As far as who we have right now, I’m very confident’: Indiana football defensive tackles coach Pat Kuntz is excited for the opportunity in front of him

He’s back. After five years away from the Indiana football program, Indiana football’s new defensive tackles coach Pat Kuntz is back in Bloomington and as excited as every about the opportunity.

“I’m really excited about building that entire unit because we’re only as good as each other.” Kuntz shared his excitement about his return to Bloomington during his appearance on the most recent episode of Under the Hood with Indiana Football.

Kuntz previously was a graduate assistant with Indiana football (2016-17) and was one of many coaches to follow new head coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana. Kuntz was with JMU as the defensive line coach from 2022-2023.

“Working for coach Cignetti and coach (Bryant) Haines has made me such a better coach,” Kuntz said.

Kuntz was extremely successful with James Madison, especially against the run.

Last year, James Madison allowed 83.8 rushing yards per game on only 2.6 yards per carry in 13 games. The play of Kuntz’s defensive line played a big part in the success of the run defense and it is something the coaching staff will be looking to replicate with Indiana football.

“I want guys that are selfless, not selfish,” Kuntz said about his ideal defensive tackle room. “That’s hard to say because I’m also a guy that wants D-line who wants stats.”

While he emphasizes the importance of being team first, Kuntz recognizes the importance of stats especially for a defensive tackle. The ability to get pressure from the inside can wreck an offensive game plan and is a huge boost for the rest of the defense.

Indiana football returned several defensive tackles from last year’s team including Marcus Burris Jr. and Phillip Blidi.

“As far as who we have right now, I’m very confident,” Kuntz said. “When you think about a guy like Marcus Burris, physically impressive, mentally impressive, and just has all the tools and the traits and the intangibles to be successful.”

After transferring from Texas A&M, Burris Jr. played in 12 games and recorded 20 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack.

In addition to Burris Jr., Philip Blidi also returned to Indiana football for his fifth season of college football.

“He is a physical force. He’s a physical presence and what’s crazy is that he’s only, in my opinion, tapping the surface,” Kuntz said about Blidi. “He’s got a lot still on his plate to accomplish.”

In his first season with Indiana after spending three years with Texas Tech, Blidi played in 12 games and made 30 total tackles, including 4.0 tackles for loss. While Blidi has impressed with his play on the field, Kuntz seemed equally impressed with Blidi off the field.

“The way he handles himself and naturally is a leader by his actions,” Kuntz said. “Then you start to add in the fact that he’s a physical specimen.”

Blidi’s leadership and maturity will be very important for Kuntz and the defensive tackle room as they learn the new system.

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While Kuntz praised the physicality and size of Blidi and others, he emphasized that playing defensive tackle is a balance. He said that defensive tackles have to have a little “buffalo” and “ballet dancer” in them. That balance is what makes a special defensive tackle and he will be working to build that balance with his guys.

While size is important, Kuntz emphasized it is not everything.

“Ultimately we need people who have the capability and if they’re a little bit smaller they have to have extraordinary traits,” Kuntz said. “Like that’s where you talk about an Aaron Donald.”

While very few have the traits of Aaron Donald, he provides a perfect example of size not being everything. Despite being 6-foot-1 and 284 pounds, Donald has dominated in the NFL his entire career. Kuntz is looking to develop the traits of his guys as he looks to build and improve the defensive tackle room.

Despite them learning a new defensive system, Kuntz is confident that the new system will unlock the interior of the defensive line.

“(The system) allows our guys up front to never block themselves, make fast, violent, vertical decisions,” Kuntz said. “… (The) ultimate job description of inside shoulder tackle the ball carrier.”

The system has had great success against the run, which is an area Indiana football has struggled with over the past few years. Last season Indiana football allowed 156.3 rushing yards per game on 4.2 yards per carry. The struggles against the run were one of the biggest weaknesses for the Hoosiers a season ago.

While he recognizes there is plenty of work to do, Kuntz seems excited for the opportunity to continue to work with coach Cignetti and help build something special in Bloomington.

“My why as a football coach is to leave this game better than the way I found it,” Kuntz said. “And to coach guys better than I was ever coached.”

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