Pelton, 38, replaces former linebackers coach Warren Belin, who recently left to join Georgia's staff. Bruce Fowler, the assistant head coach in charge of defense, will add the role of linebackers coach to his duties. Rick Logo remains the defensive line coach.
"I'm really pleased to join the Vanderbilt football program and get a chance to work with such a great staff of defensive coaches," said Pelton, a former linebacker and defensive lineman at Auburn in the 1990s.
"I've also heard so many great things about Coach Johnson, both as a coach and person, that I'm looking forward to growing that relationship. Having played my football in the Southeastern Conference, I'm also ecstatic about coaching in the nation's best conference."
Pelton’s most recent stint in college football, a two-year tenure as defensive line coach at Iowa State, ended in 2008 when former Iowa State Coach Gene Chizik accepted the Auburn position.
"I believe Mike is going to a fantastic addition to our defensive staff," Johnson said. "Mike has exhibited impressive knowledge during the interview process, has strong recommendations, and has worked effectively with members of our staff. He’s going to be a tremendous asset."
Pelton’s defensive lines at Iowa State were an area of strong improvement during the Chizik Era. In 2007, Pelton’s unit helped the Cyclones' rush defense jump from 12th to sixth in the Big 12 Conference.
Pelton also mentored a pair of All-Big 12 second-team selections at Iowa State: nose guard Ahtyba Rubin and defensive end Kurtis Taylor. Rubin just finished his second year as a starter at tackle for the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft.
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