Paul Ferrero has been named UCF's new defernsive coordinator, Knights247 has confirmed. The news was first reported by footballscoop.

Ferrero spent the past two seasons as Maine's defensive coordinator. Last year, his defense was first in the Colonial Athletic Association in points allowed. He replaces Jim Fleming, who left to take the head coaching job at FCS Rhode Island.

Ferrero signed his contract this morning with UCF, a source said. He's familiar with UCF head coach George O'Leary, spending time as the defensive backs coach under O'Leary at Georgia Tech from 1999-2000.

Prior to his time at Maine, Ferrero coached in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers, serving as a linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. His background in college is extensive as well, with a stint as the defensive coordinator at Rutgers from 2001-2004.

Ferrero's resume also includes stops at Bowling Green and Ohio University.

He'll take over a defense that has surprised many this year, ranking 13th in the country in scoring defense, 9th in red zone defense and 22nd in turnover margin. He will not coach the defense in the Fiesta Bowl, where UCF will take on No. 6 Baylor on Jan 1, according to the Orlando Sentinel.