Only a year ago, Scott Srnka was devising defensive strategies to counter DePauw's offense.
Today, Srnka stands on the opposite side of the field as DePauw's new defensive coordinator.
Taking the position from head coach Robby Long, Srnka brings 17 years of experience at Rhodes College to the Tigers. As a 1987 Rhodes graduate, Srnka returned to his alma mater to lead a defense regarded as one of the top squads in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
"It was time for a change I think," Srnka said. "This is a great place with great football and an academic tradition."
The fit was perfect for Srnka and DePauw as the two programs run similar systems: a 4-3 scheme, attack oriented, being aggressive up front, fast linebackers and being aggressive in the secondary.
"The chance to continue to learn and mesh the two systems is a great opportunity to me," Srnka said. "We've locked horns for a long time, and I've seen what a great program this has been and continues to be ever since we started playing DePauw."
The main difference that Srnka sees between the teams at Rhodes and DePauw is the amount of depth on the roster he has inherited with the Tigers. That amount of depth, according to Srnka, creates competition at practice and demands excellence as players push each other to be their best. As practices become more intense, players will benefit on game day.
"Defenses are reactive, where you line up, and what are your techniques," Srnka said. "It's my job to get them in the right spots and get them going without having to think."
Coach Long's decision to hire Srnka was based on his substantial amount of defensive coaching experience and his overall quality as an individual.
"[The Rhodes defense] has been one of the top two or three defenses in the conference every year," said head coach Robbie Long. "He's a great coach and a great person and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table."
As Srnka continues to learn the skills and talents of his players, players and coaches in turn will learn his style of coaching. Though he does not know who this coming season's standouts on the defense will be, he is confident that his players will show him the excellence he has seen when coaching from the other side of the field.
"I'm fired up," Srnka said. "I'm kind of rejuvenated. It's a great opportunity to work with good players that are smart and academically can get it done. It's a very exciting thing to me."