Troy University made the return of Wayne Bolt official on Wednesday. The athletics department sent out a press release naming Bolt as Troy’s new defensive coordinator replacing Jeremy Rowell.

Rowell has been given the opportunity to remain with the university as Director of Football Operations. While he has accepted the position, the possibility remains that Rowell will be on the sideline with another school next season.

Bolt was Troy’s offensive line coach from 1991-1996. He was moved to the opposite side of the football in 1997 when he became defensive coordinator. In 2002, Bolt took the same position at UAB. Bolt also served as defensive coordinator at Iowa State from 2006-2008 before following Gene Chizik to Auburn in 2009.

Bolt was an All-American offensive lineman at East Carolina. He then joined the staff under head coach Pat Dye and followed Dye to Wyoming then to Auburn.

Under Bolt in 2002, Troy’s defense ranked fourth nationally in total defense, allowing just 276.8 yards per game. The same year, Troy ranked 13th in the country in rushing defense (105.3 ypg), 30th in scoring defense (21.0 ppg), and 33rd in pass defense (112.42).

Rowell has served on the Troy coaching staff for 15 seasons. He was also a quarterback for the Trojans from 1991-95.

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