Troy defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell will not return to the sidelines as the team’s defensive coordinator a source with knowledge of the situation told The Messenger.

The university declined to comment or confirm on Sunday and again on Monday.

Rowell started his coaching career at Troy in 1998 as a graduate assistant. After serving as defensive back coach, he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005. Rowell played quarterback for the Trojans from 1991-1995.

While Rowell’s future is uncertain at this time, it is possible he will assume an administrative position inside the Troy athletic department the source says.

Multiple sources say Troy is eyeing former defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt to replace Rowell. 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).