[Eucalyptus72]

I think it helps to separate the defense from the offense. Somebody, presumably Harbaugh, had the wherewithal to install a new defense going into 2010. That included bringing in Randy Hart (defensive line coach) who stayed through 2015. As good as Stanford's defense was in 2010, it was even better 2012-2014. The defensive magic started to fade already with the 2015 team and it's been almost a straight line downhill since then. Another thing is that Stanford's defense once had a reputation for not missing tackles, not least the 2012 team. Missed tackles was a theme the defensive coaches wanted to fix a few years ago but I'm not sure that ever happened.

[Eucalyptus72]

I think it helps to separate the defense from the offense. Somebody, presumably Harbaugh, had the wherewithal to install a new defense going into 2010. That included bringing in Randy Hart (defensive line coach) who stayed through 2015. As good as Stanford's defense was in 2010, it was even better 2012-2014. The defensive magic started to fade already with the 2015 team and it's been almost a straight line downhill since then. Another thing is that Stanford's defense once had a reputation for not missing tackles, not least the 2012 team. Missed tackles was a theme the defensive coaches wanted to fix a few years ago but I'm not sure that ever happened.