1.30.24 Football Articles

[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Four-star WR Travis Smith Jr. enjoys an 'amazing' visit to Auburn

JD McCarthy

~2 minutes

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After hosting several impressive Junior Days this month, Auburn took a different route this weekend with just one unofficial visitor.

Four-star wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. made the trek from Atlanta to the Plains and it left quite an impression on him.

“Today was amazing. Being the only on here for this unofficial visit was very fun,” Smith Jr. told Auburn Undercover. “Seeing their new facility for the first time, it was fun. It was great getting to know Coach (Hugh) Freeze and Coach (Marcus) Davis and Coach (Derrick) Nix. Having those conversations, they showed me the true them and what this program holds.”

It was his second visit to Auburn and allowed him to spend plenty of time with Freeze and learn more about his history of developing wide receivers.

“It was great,” Smith Jr. said. “Coming in I didn’t know his history on receivers, but just knowing that he produced A.J. Brown and guys like DK Metcalf, I’m sure he can definitely produce a guy like me. That was great to hear.”

Smith is the No. 196 overall player and No. 25 wide receiver in the 247Sports Composite ranking. The 6-foot-4, 191-pounder is also the No. 27 player from Georgia.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Edited January 31 by aubiefifty

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al.com

 

How much will Auburn pay new coordinators Charles Kelly and Derrick Nix?

Updated: Jan. 29, 2024, 3:55 p.m.|Published: Jan. 29, 2024, 3:26 p.m.

6–7 minutes

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Auburn released copies of the contracts for recent hires Charles Kelly as co-defensive coordinator and Derrick Nix as offensive coordinator on Monday through a public records request made by AL.com.

Both hires were made in January after the firing of former offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery and the departure of former defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. Montgomery also served the role of quarterbacks coach.

Former running backs coach Cadillac Williams resigned from Auburn in January as well. He has not yet been hired elsewhere. Former Auburn defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge resigned as well and took a defensive backs coach job with Houston.

The contacts do not state official titles for any of the hires. Titles listed in this story are from previous press releases. Auburn still has one available on-field coaching spot to hire for.

Below is a breakdown of each new coach’s contract.

Co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly

Kelly’s contract, which runs through Jan. 31, 2027, has a total starting salary of $875,000 annually. That breaks down into a $250,000 base salary paid in monthly installments as well as $312,500 in an endorsement rights payment and $312,500 in a personal appearance payment.

On Feb. 1, 2026, Kelly’s first contracted pay raise comes with a $75,000 increase on Feb. 1, 2026, to bring his total salary to $950,000.

Auburn will provide Kelly with a university vehicle.

Roberts received a $1.4 million salary for his one year at Auburn before his January departure. It is still unclear if Auburn will make Kelly the full-time defensive coordinator or hire a co-coordinator.

Kelly’s contract includes the following bonuses which are in in line with Auburn’s other assistant coaches.

• A $218,750 bonus should Auburn win the national championship (25% of his salary)
• A $175,000 bonus should Auburn finish as the national runner-up (20% of his salary)
• A $140,000 bonus should Auburn make a national semifinal game (16% of his salary)
• A $105,000 bonus should Auburn make the 12-team College Football Playoff (12% of his salary)
• A $70,000 bonus should Auburn make the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, ReliaQuest Bowl or the Citrus Bowl (8% of his salary)
• A $52,500 bonus should Auburn make the Music City Bowl, Texas Bowl or the Mayo/Las Vegas Bowl(6% of his salary)
• A $35,000 bonus should Auburn make the Birmingham Bowl, Liberty Bowl or Independence Bowl (4% of his salary)
• A $30,000 bonus should Auburn win the SEC Championship Game
• A $15,000 bonus should Auburn play in, but lose the SEC Championship Game

Should Kelly be fired, Auburn owes him a 100% buy-out for the remainder of his contract at that point in time.

Should Kelly seek to break his contract he will owe 100% of his salary if he does so before the final regular season game of the 2024 season, 50% if he does it before the final regular season game of the 2025 season and 25% of his salary if he does it before the final regular season of the 2026 season.

Kelly will not owe Auburn a buy-out if he leaves Auburn if he accepts a Divison I head coach position, play-calling coordinator position or NFL coaching position.

Offensive coordinator Derrick Nix

Nix’s contract, which runs through Jan. 31, 2027, has a total starting salary of $800,000 annually. That breaks down into a $250,000 base salary paid in monthly installments as well as $275,00 in an endorsement rights payment and $275,000 in a personal appearance payment.

Nix will receive a $100,000 raise on both Feb. 1, 2025, and Feb. 1, 2026. Nix will also receive a $100,000 retention bonus on July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, should he remain employed by Auburn.

His total salary could reach $1.2 million by the 2026 season.

Auburn will provide Nix with a university vehicle.

Montgomery received a $1 million salary for his one year at Auburn before his January firing.

Nix’s contract includes the following bonuses which are in in line with Auburn’s other assistant coaches.

• A bonus equal to 25% of his current salary should Auburn win the national championship
• A bonus equal to 20% of his current salary should Auburn finish as the national runner-up
• A bonus equal to 16% of his current salary should Auburn make a national semifinal game
• A bonus equal to 12% of his current salary should Auburn make the 12-team College Football Playoff
• A bonus equal to 8% of his current salary should Auburn make the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, ReliaQuest Bowl or Citrus Bowl
• A bonus equal to 6% of his current salary should Auburn make the Music City Bowl, Texas Bowl or the Mayo/Las Vegas Bowl
• A bonus equal to 4% of his current salary should Auburn make the Birmingham Bowl, Liberty Bowl or Independence Bowl
• A $30,000 bonus should Auburn win the SEC Championship Game
• A $15,000 bonus should Auburn play in, but lose the SEC Championship Game

Should Nix be fired, Auburn owes him a 100% buy-out for the remainder of his contract at that point in time.

Should Nix seek to break his contract before Dec. 20, 2024, he will owe Auburn $2 million. He will owe $1 million if he breaks his contract before Dec. 20, 2025. He will owe $500,000 if he breaks his contract before the last regular season game or conference championship game during the 2026 season.

Nix will not owe Auburn a buy-out if he leaves Auburn if he accepts a Divison I head coach position, play-calling coordinator position or NFL coaching position.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at mcohen@al.com

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247sports.com

 

Jason Caldwells Monday morning quarterback column

Jason Caldwell

35–44 minutes

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Every hire and promotion on the college football carousel

An up-to-date list of every hire, promotion and firing on the FBS coaching carousel during the 2023-24 cycle.

Below is a list of every hiring and firing 247Sports has confirmed during the 2023-24 coaching carousel seasons. Between 500 to 600 coaches change jobs every year in the FBS. Roughly 509 coaches, including 24 head coaches, changed jobs in the 2022-23 cycle, according to 247Sports' data.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Click here for live updates and intel on the latest coaching moves across the FBS.

2023-24 COACHING CAROUSEL

Akron
In: Taylor Housewright, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Montana State, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks);  J.D. Brookhart, receivers
Out: David Gilbertson, receivers (Nevada, quarterbacks); Billy Fessler, offensive coordinator (UCLA, quarterbacks)

Alabama
In: Kalen DeBoer, head coach (Washington, head coach); Kane Wommack, defensive coordinator (South Alabama, head coach); Maurice Linguist, co-defensive coordinator (Buffalo, head coach); Ryan Grubb, offensive coordinator (Washington, offensive coordinator); Scott Huff, offensive line (Washington, offensive line); JaMarcus Shephard, receivers (Washington, receivers); Nick Sheridan, tight ends (Washington, tight ends); Colin Hitschler, TBD (Wisconsin, safeties)
Out: Nick Saban, head coach (retired); Kevin Steele, defensive coordinator (retired); Coleman Hutzler, special teams and outside linebackers (Mississippi State, defensive coordinator); Holmon Wiggins, receivers (Texas A&M, receivers); Eric Wolford, offensive line (Kentucky, offensive line); Joe Cox, tight ends (Ole Miss, tight ends)

Appalachian State
In: Eric McDaniel, defensive line (Troy, defensive line)
Out: Victor Cabral, defensive line (West Virginia, outside linebackers)

Arizona
In: Brent Brennan, head coach (San Jose State, head coach); Bobby Wade, receivers (Arizona State, analyst); Danny Gonzales, special teams coordinator and linebackers (New Mexico, head coach); Zo Carter, TBD (San Jose State, running backs); Dino Babers, offensive coordinator (Syracuse, head coach)
Out: Jedd Fisch, head coach (Washington, head coach); Johnny Nansen, defensive coordinator (Texas, linebackers); Jimmy Dougherty, quarterbacks (Washington, quarterbacks); Jordan Paopao, tight ends (Washington, tight ends); Brennan Carroll, offensive coordinator (Washington, offensive coordinator); John Richardson, cornerbacks (Washington, cornerbacks);  Scottie Graham, running backs (Washington, running backs); Jason Kaufusi, defensive line (Washington, defensive line)

Arizona State
In: Diron Reynolds, defensive line (Michigan State, defensive line); Marcus Arroyo, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks
Out: Beau Baldwin, offensive coordinator (fired); Vince Amey, defensive line (Arizona State, analyst)

Arkansas
In: Bobby Petrino, offensive coordinator (Texas A&M, offensive coordinator); Eric Mateos, offensive line (Baylor, offensive line); Ronnie Fouch, receivers (Missouri State, co-offensive coordinator)
Out: Dan Enos, offensive coordinator (fired); Cody Kennedy, offensive line (Mississippi State, offensive line); Kenny Guiton, receivers (Wisconsin, receivers)

Army
In: Cody Worley, offensive coordinator (Army, quarterbacks)
Out: Darren Paige, running backs (fired)

Auburn
In: Charles Kelly, defensive backs (Colorado, defensive coordinator); Kent Austin, offensive coordinator (Auburn, analyst); Derrick Nix, offensive coordinator and running backs (Ole Miss, receivers)
Out: Philip Montgomery, offensive coordinator (fired); Ron Roberts, defensive coordinator (Florida, linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator); Zac Etheridge, defensive backs (Houston, TBD); Cadillac Williams, running backs (resigned)

Ball State
In: Jeff Knowles, defensive coordinator and inside linebackers (Butler, defensive coordinator); Jeff Beckles, running backs (Middle Tennessee, running backs)
Out: Adam Morris, defensive line (Buffalo, defensive line); Tyler Stockton, defensive coordinator (Boise State, co-defensive coordinator and safeties); Joey Hecklinski, running backs (Goshen, Indiana High School)

Baylor
In: Jake Spavital, offensive coordinator (Cal, offensive coordinator); Khenon Hall, running backs (SMU, running backs); Chris Kapilovic, offensive line (Michigan State, offensive line); Jarrett Anderson, tight ends (UTSA, analyst)
Out: Jeff Grimes, offensive coordinator (fired); Eric Mateos, offensive line (Arkansas, offensive line); Shawn Bell, tight ends (Houston, quarterbacks)

Boise State
In: Spencer Danielson, head coach (Boise State, defensive coordinator and interim head coach); Stacy Collins, special teams coordinator (Penn State, special teams coordinator); Tyler Stockton, co-defensive coordinator and safeties (Boise State, defensive coordinator)
Out: Andy Avalos, head coach (fired); Kane Ioane, safeties (Nevada, defensive coordinator)

Boston College
Out: Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs (Maryland, co-defensive coordinator)

Bowling Green
Out: Julian Campenni, defensive line (Rutgers, defensive ends)

Buffalo
In: Pete Lembo, head coach (South Carolina, special teams coordinator), Dave Patenaude, offensive coordinator (Virginia, analyst); Ray Pickering, running backs (Norfolk State, offensive coordinator); Joe Bowen, defensive coordinator (Miami [Ohio], linebackers); Adam Morris, defensive line (Ball State, defensive line); Tyler Hancock, special teams coordinator (Baylor, quality control)
Out: Maurice Linguist, head coach (Alabama, co-defensive coordinator); Robert Wright, defensive coordinator (Syracuse, linebackers); Bryan Applewhite, running backs (fired); Kevin Corless, linebackers (fired)

BYU
In: TJ Woods, offensive line (Georgia Southern, offensive line)
Out: Steve Clark, tight ends (fired); Darrell Funk, offensive line (fired)

Cal
In: Sterlin Gilbert, quarterbacks (Ole Miss, analyst); Mike Bloesch, offensive coordinator (Cal, offensive line)
Out: Jake Spavital, offensive coordinator (Baylor, offensive coordinator)

Central Michigan
In: B.T. Sherman, receivers (Morgan State, offensive coordinator)
Out: Paul Petrino, offensive coordinator and receivers (resigned)

Charlotte
In: Tim Brewster, tight ends (Colorado, tight ends); Jason Barnes, receivers (Charlotte, analyst); Ty Greenwood, cornerbacks (North Carolina, analyst)
Out: Kyle De Van, offensive line (Oregon State, offensive line); Mike Hartline, receivers (fired); Rod Ojong, cornerbacks (Indiana, cornerbacks)

Cincinnati
In: Tyson Veidt, defensive coordinator (Iowa State, linebackers)
Out: Bryan Brown, defensive coordinator (Ole Miss, secondary)

Clemson
In: Matt Luke, offensive line; Chris Rumph, defensive ends (Minnesota Vikings, defensive line)
Out: Thomas Austin, offensive line (fired); Lemanski Hall, defensive ends (fired)

Colorado
In: Phil Loadholt, offensive line (Oklahoma, analyst); Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Colorado, quarterbacks); Jason Phillips, receivers (Hamilton Tiger-Cats, receivers); Vincent Dancy, defensive ends and outside linebackers (Colorado, analyst)
Out: Sean Lewis, offensive coordinator (San Diego State, head coach); Tim Brewster, tight ends (resigned); Nick Williams, defensive ends (Syracuse, defensive ends); Darian Hagan, running backs (San Diego State, running backs); Bill O'Boyle, offensive line (San Diego State, offensive line)

Colorado State
In: Chuka Noulue, defensive line (New Mexico State, defensive line)
Out: Buddah Williams, defensive ends (Indiana, defensive ends)

Duke
In: Manny Diaz, head coach (Penn State, defensive coordinator); Jonathan Brewer, offensive coordinator (SMU, quarterbacks); Jeff Norrid, offensive line (Louisiana, offensive line); Jonathan Patke, defensive coordinator (Texas State, defensive coordinator); Rick Lyster, safeties (Penn State, analyst); Gabe Infante, special teams coordinator and defensive tackles (Penn State, analyst); Willie Simmons, running backs (Florida A&M, head coach); V'Angelo Bentley, cornerbacks (New England Patriots, assistant)
Out: Mike Elko, head coach (Texas A&M, head coach); Adam Cushing, offensive line (Texas A&M, offensive line); Ishmael Aristide, cornerbacks (Texas A&M, cornerbacks); Trooper Taylor, running backs (Texas A&M, running backs); Lyle Hemphill, safeties (James Madison, defensive coordinator); Patrick Dougherty, special teams coordinator (Texas A&M, special teams coordinator)

ECU
In: John David Baker, offensive coordinator (Ole Miss, tight ends); Matt Mattox, offensive line (Ronald Reagan High School); Damon Magazu, safeties (UNLV, safeties)
Out: Donnie Kirkpatrick, offensive coordinator

Florida
In: Gerald Chatman, defensive line (Tulane, defensive line); Ron Roberts, linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator (Auburn, defensive coordinator); Will Harris, secondary (Los Angeles Chargers, assistant secondary)
Out: Corey Raymond, secondary (fired); Sean Spencer, defensive line (fired); Jay Bateman, inside linebackers (Texas A&M, defensive coordinator)

FAU
Out: Corey Bell, secondary (Mississippi State, secondary)

FIU
Out: DeMarcus Van Dyke, cornerbacks (USF, cornerbacks)

Georgia
In: Donte Williams, defensive backs (USC, cornerbacks); Travaris Robinson, co-defensive coordinator and safeties (Alabama, cornerbacks)
Out: Fran Brown, defensive backs (Syracuse, head coach); Will Muschamp, co-defensive coordinator safeties (Georgia, analyst)

Georgia Southern
In: Zach Lankford, offensive line (Western Kentucky, offensive line); Darius Safford, cornerbacks (Kennesaw State, defensive backs)
Out: Kevin Whitley, cornerbacks (fired); TJ Woods, offensive line (BYU, offensive line)

Georgia Tech
In: Kyle Pope, TBD (Memphis, defensive line); Jess Simpson, TBD (Duke, defensive line); Tyler Santucci, defensive coordinator (Duke, defensive coordinator)
Out: Travares Tillman, defensive backs (Georgia Tech, analyst); Andrew Thacker, safeties (Georgia Tech, analyst)

Hawaii
In: Anthony Arceneaux, running backs (Nevada, receivers); Dennis Thurman, defensive coordinator (Colorado, quality control director); Dan Morrison, quarterbacks (Hawaii, advisor); Jeff Reinebold, defensive tackles (Hamilton Tiger-Cats, special teams coordinator)
Out: Ian Shoemaker, tight ends (fired); Eti Ena, defensive tackles (fired); Steve Irvin, cornerbacks (fired)

Houston
In: Willie Fritz, head coach (Tulane, head coach); Shiel Wood, defensive coordinator (Tulane, defensive coordinator); Derrick Sherman, receivers (Tulane, receivers); James Ross III, inside linebackers (Tulane, analyst);  Josh Christian-Young, defensive backs (Tulane, defensive backs); Kevin Barbay, offensive coordinator (Mississippi State, offensive coordinator); Shawn Bell, quarterbacks (Baylor, tight ends); Jordy Joseph, running backs (Southern Miss, quarterbacks); Zac Etheridge, TBD (Auburn, defensive backs)
Out: Dana Holgorsen, head coach (fired); Doug Belk, defensive coordinator (USC, defensive backs);  Daikiel Shorts Jr., receivers (Kentucky, receivers)

Illinois
In: David Gibbs, defensive backs (UCF, co-defensive coordinator and secondary)
Out: George McDonald, receivers (Ole Miss, receivers); Antonio Fenelus, defensive backs (fired); Andy Buh, linebackers (fired)

Indiana
In: Curt Cignetti, head coach (James Madison, head coach); Bryant Haines, defensive coordinator (James Madison, defensive coordinator); Mike Shanahan, offensive coordinator (James Madison, offensive coordinator); Tino Sunseri, quarterbacks (James Madison, quarterbacks); Grant Cain, special teams (James Madison, special teams and tight ends); Pat Kuntz, offensive line (James Madison, offensive line); Ola Adams, defensive backs (Penn State, analyst); Buddah Williams, defensive ends (Colorado State, defensive ends); Rod Ojong, cornerbacks (Charlotte, cornerbacks); John Miller, running backs (James Madison, running backs)
Out: Tom Allen, head coach (fired); Walt Bell, offensive coordinator (fired); Chad Wilt, co-defensive coordinator (fired); Matt Guerrieri, defensive coordinator (Ohio State, safeties); Paul Randolph, defensive line (Oklahoma State, defensive line)

Iowa
In: Tim Lester, offensive coordinator (Green Bay Packers, analyst)
Out: Brian Ferentz, offensive coordinator (fired); Kelton Copeland, receivers (fired)

Iowa State
Out: Tyson Veidt, linebackers (Cincinnati, defensive coordinator)

Jacksonville State
In: Brandon Napoleon, safeties (Rhode Island, secondary); Luke Olson, defensive coordinator (TCU, analyst)
Out: Zac Alley, defensive coordinator (Oklahoma, defensive coordinator)

James Madison
In: Bob Chesney, head coach (Holy Cross, head coach); Dean Kennedy, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Holy Cross, offensive coordinator); Drew Canan, special teams coordinator and tight ends (Holy Cross, special teams coordinator); Anthony DiMichele, safeties (Holy Cross, recruiting coordinator); Sam Daniels, defensive line (Delaware, defensive line); Justin Harper, receivers (Old Dominion, receivers); Lyle Hemphill, defensive coordinator and Nickels (Duke, safeties); Zach Spraber, linebackers (Duke, analyst); David Sims Jr., running backs (Penn, running backs)
Out: Curt Cignetti, head coach (Indiana, head coach); Bryant Haines, defensive coordinator (Indiana, defensive coordinator); Mike Shanahan, offensive coordinator (Indiana, offensive coordinator); Tino Sunseri, quarterbacks (Indiana, quarterbacks); Grant Cain, special teams and tight ends (Indiana, special teams); Pat Kuntz, offensive line (Indiana, offensive line); John Miller, running backs (Indiana, running backs)

Kansas
In: Jeff Grimes, offensive coordinator (Baylor, offensive coordinator)
Out: Andy Kotelnicki, offensive coordinator (Penn State, offensive coordinator)

Kansas State
In: Conor Riley, offensive coordinator (Kansas State, offensive line); Matt Wells, co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Oklahoma, analyst)
Out: Collin Klein, offensive coordinator (Texas A&M, offensive coordinator)

Kent State
In: Mark Carney, offensive coordinator (Kent State, tight ends); Clay Patterson, tight ends (USF, tight ends)
Out: Matt Johnson, offensive coordinator (San Diego State, quarterbacks); C.J. Cox, cornerbacks (UAB, safeties); Colin Ferrell, defensive line (Rutgers, defensive line)

Kentucky
In: Daikiel Shorts Jr., receivers (Houston, receivers); Eric Wolford, offensive line (Alabama, offensive line)
Out: Scott Woodward, receivers (fired)

Louisiana
In: George Barlow, secondary (South Florida, secondary); Steve Farmer, offensive line (Syracuse, offensive line); Scott Stoker, inside linebackers (Tarleton State, safeties)
Out: Jeff Norrid, offensive line (Duke, offensive line); Jeff Burris, cornerbacks (Louisiana Tech, safeties); Luke Paschall, special teams coordinator (Middle Tennessee, special teams coordinator)

Louisiana Monroe
In: Bryant Vincent, head coach (New Mexico, offensive coordinator); Davern Williams, defensive line (Kennesaw State, defensive ends); Alec Osborne, inside linebackers (Baylor, quality control); Earnest Hill, defensive coordinator (UAB, Nickels); Taylor Dupuis, quarterbacks (UAB, analyst); Brady Vincent, tight ends (New Mexico, analyst); Cam Blankenship, offensive line (New Mexico, analyst); Sammy Joseph, cornerbacks (Memphis, strength and conditioning); Jamaal Fobbs, receivers (Miles College, offensive coordinator)
Out: Terry Bowden, head coach (fired)

Louisiana Tech
In: Jeremiah Johnson, defensive coordinator (Northern Iowa, defensive coordinator); Keelon Brookins, cornerbacks (Northern Iowa, defensive backs); Jeff Burris, safeties (Louisiana, safeties); Lorenzo Joe, receivers (Oklahoma State, analyst)
Out: Scott Power, defensive coordinator (fired); Myles Carelock, defensive backs (fired); Nate Johnson, defensive backs (fired); Jake Brown, receivers (UTEP, offensive coordinator and receivers)

LSU
In: Blake Baker, defensive coordinator (Missouri, defensive coordinator); Bo Davis, defensive line (Texas, defensive line); Kevin Peoples, EDGES (Missouri, defensive line); Corey Raymond, defensive backs (Florida, secondary); Jake Olsen, safeties (Missouri, analyst); Joe Sloan, co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (LSU, quarterbacks); Cortez Hankton, co-offensive coordinator and receivers (LSU, receivers)
Out: Mike Denbrock, offensive coordinator (Notre Dame, offensive coordinator); Matt House, defensive coordinator (fired); Robert Steeples, cornerbacks (fired); Kerry Cooks, safeties (fired); Jimmy Lindsey (fired)

Marshall
In: Seth Doege, offensive coordinator (Purdue, tight ends); Aaron Dobson, receivers (Marshall, analyst); Bob Shoop, safeties (Marshall, analyst); Cody Crill, offensive line (D.C. Defenders, tight ends)
Out: Clint Trickett, offensive coordinator (fired); Jovon Bouknight, receivers (fired); Bill Legg, offensive line (fired); Shannon Morrison, linebackers (fired)

Maryland
In: Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, co-defensive coordinator (Boston College, co-defensive coordinator)

Memphis
In: Jordon Hankins, defensive coordinator (Memphis, linebackers); Lou Esposito, defensive line (Western Michigan, defensive coordinator)
Out: Matt Barnes, defensive coordinator (Mississippi State, safeties); Kyle Pope, defensive line (Georgia Tech, defensive line)

Miami (Ohio)
Out: Jacob Bronowski, special teams coordinator (Pitt, special teams coordinator and tight ends); Joe Bowen, linebackers (Buffalo, defensive coordinator)

Michigan
In: Sherrone Moore, head coach (Michigan, offensive coordinator)
Out: Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Los Angeles Chargers, head coach); Chris Partridge, linebackers (fired)

Michigan State
In: Jonathan Smith, head coach (Oregon State, head coach);  Jim Michalczik, offensive line (Oregon State, offensive line); Keith Bhonapha, running backs and co-special teams coordinator (Oregon State, running backs); Blue Adams, defensive backs (Oregon State, defensive backs); Brian Lindgren, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Oregon State, offensive coordinator); Diron Reynolds, defensive line (Michigan State, defensive line); Joe Rossi, defensive coordinator (Minnesota, defensive coordinator); Brian Wozniak, tight ends (Oregon State, tight ends); Legi Suiaunoa, defensive line (Oregon State, defensive line); Chad Wilt, rush ends and co-special teams coordinator (Indiana, linebackers);  Demetrice Martin, cornerbacks (Oregon, cornerbacks)
Out: Mel Tucker, head coach (fired); Chris Kapilovic, offensive line (Baylor, offensive line)

Middle Tennessee
In: Derek Mason, head coach; Kendall Simmons, offensive line (Auburn, analyst); Cornelius Williams, receivers (New Mexico, receivers); Brian Stewart, defensive coordinator (Houston Roughnecks, defensive coordinator); Bryce Lewis, secondary (Oklahoma State, analyst); Joe Ganz, tight ends (Northern Iowa, receivers); Bodie Reeder, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Northern Iowa, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks); Luke Paschall, special teams coordinator (Louisiana, special teams coordinator); Calvin Lowry, running backs (Penn State, analyst); A.J. Reisig, linebackers (Houston Roughnecks, linebackers); Vernon Hargreaves, defensive line (Howard, defensive line and special teams coordinator)
Out: Rick Stockstill, head coach (fired)

Minnesota
In: Corey Hetherman, defensive coordinator (Rutgers, linebackers); Eric Koehler, tight ends (Minnesota, analyst); Bob Ligashesky, special teams coordinator (Syracuse, special teams coordinator)
Out: Andrew Sowder, tight ends (resigned); Joe Rossi, defensive coordinator (Michigan State, defensive coordinator); Rob Wenger, special teams coordinator (resigned)

Mississippi State
In: Jeff Lebby, head coach (Oklahoma, offensive coordinator); Jon Cooper, tight ends (North Texas, offensive line); Cody Kennedy, offensive line (Arkansas, offensive line); Coleman Hutzler, defensive coordinator (Mississippi State, special teams and outside linebackers); Anthony Tucker, running backs (Indiana, receivers); Matt Holecek, quarterbacks (Oklahoma, analyst); Matt Barnes, safeties (Memphis, defensive coordinator); Corey Bell, secondary (FAU, secondary); Cliff Odom, special teams coordinator (New Mexico State, cornerbacks)
Out: Zach Arnett, head coach (fired); Tony Hughes, running backs (retired); Kevin Barbay, offensive coordinator (Houston, offensive coordinator)

Missouri
In: Corey Batoon, defensive coordinator (South Alabama, defensive coordinator)
Out: Blake Baker, defensive coordinator (LSU, defensive coordinator); Kevin Peoples, defensive line (LSU, EDGES)

Navy
In: Drew Cronic, offensive coordinator (Mercer, head coach); Jay Guillermo, offensive line (Mercer, offensive line); David Cole, tight ends (Mercer, tight ends)
Out: Ashley Ingram, offensive line (Carson-Newman University, head coach); Grant Chestnut, offensive coordinator (fired); Marcus Thomas, slot backs (San Jose State, running backs)

Nebraska
In: Glenn Thomas, quarterbacks (Pittsburg Steelers, assistant)

Nevada
In: Jeff Choate, head coach (Texas, linebackers); Mike Lynch, running backs (Syracuse, running backs); Kane Ioane, defensive coordinator (Boise State, safeties); David Gilbertson, receivers (Akron, receivers), David Gilbertson, quarterbacks (Akron, receivers); Matt Lubick, offensive coordinator and receivers (Kansas, analyst); Joey Thomas, defensive backs (Texas, analyst); Parker Henry, special teams coordinator and linebackers (Portland State, assistant)
Out: Ken Wilson, head coach (fired); Jalen Ortiz, cornerbacks (New Mexico State, cornerbacks); Anthony Arceneaux, receivers (Hawaii, running backs); Al Luphuaho, defensive line (San Jose State, inside linebackers)

New Mexico
In: Bronco Mendenhall, head coach; Charles Mack, secondary (VMI, safeties); Jason Beck, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Syracuse, offensive coordinator); Kirk Garner, running backs (East Tennessee State, running backs); Micah Simon, receivers (Northern Colorado, receivers); Famika Anae, offensive line (Campbell, offensive line); Matt Johns, tight ends (William & Mary, quarterbacks); Nick Howell, defensive coordinator (Vanderbilt, defensive coordinator); Shane Hunter, linebackers (BYU, graduate assistant); Donte Wilkins, defensive line (Lafayette, defensive line); Jan Jorgensen, Edges (BYU, analyst); Shane Hunter, special teams coordinator (BYU, graduate assistant)
Out: Danny Gonzales, head coach (fired)

New Mexico State
In: Tony Sanchez, head coach; Ghaali Muhammad-Lankford, offensive coordinator (New Mexico State, running backs); Henry Fernandez, safeties (Texas, analyst); Jalen Ortiz, cornerbacks (Nevada, cornerbacks); Joe Morris, defensive coordinator (Sam Houston State, defensive coordinator); David Cob, running backs (New Mexico State, director of scouting); Ronnie Regula, tight ends (Notre Dame, analyst); Ronnie Regula, tight ends and special teams coordinator (Notre Dame, analyst)
Out: Jerry Kill, head coach (resigned); Cliff Odom, cornerbacks (Mississippi State, special teams coordinator); Tim Beck, offensive coordinator (Vanderbilt, offensive coordinator); Melvin Rice, safeties (Vanderbilt, TBA); Chuka Noulue, defensive line (Colorado State, defensive line); Nate Dreiling, defensive coordinator (Utah State, defensive coordinator)

North Carolina
In: Ted Monachino, defensive line (North Carolina, analyst); Geoff Collins, defensive coordinator
Out: Gene Chizik, defensive coordinator (resigned); Tim Cross, defensive line (resigned)

North Texas
In: Cutter Leftwich, offensive line (Oregon, graduate assistant)
Out: Jon Cooper, offensive line (Mississippi State, tight ends)

Northwestern
In: David Braun, head coach (Northwestern, interim head coach); Tim McGarigle, defensive coordinator (Northwestern, linebackers);  Zach Lujan, offensive coordinator (South Dakota State, offensive coordinator); Bill O'Boyle, offensive line (San Deigo State, offensive line); Paul Creighton, tight ends (Washington, analyst)

Notre Dame
In: Mike Brown, receivers (Wisconsin, receivers); Mike Denbrock, offensive coordinator (LSU, offensive coordinator)
Out: Chansi Stuckey, receivers (fired); Gerad Parker, offensive coordinator (Troy, head coach)

Ohio State
In: Matt Guerrieri, safeties (Indiana, defensive coordinator); Bill O'Brien, offensive coordinator (New England Patriots, offensive coordinator)
Out: Perry Eliano, safeties (fired); Parker Fleming, special teams coordinator (fired)

Oklahoma
In: Seth Littrell, co-offensive coordinator (Oklahoma, analyst);  Zac Alley, defensive coordinator (Jacksonville State, defensive coordinator)
Out: Jeff Lebby, offensive coordinator (Mississippi State, head coach); Ted Roof, defensive coordinator (fired)

Oklahoma State
In: Paul Randolph, defensive line (Indiana, defensive line)

Old Dominion
In: David Weeks, tight ends (Tennessee, analyst); JJ Laster, receivers (Western Carolina, receivers)
Out: Justin Harper, receivers (James Madison, receivers)

Ole Miss
In: George McDonald, receivers (Illinois, receivers); Bryan Brown, secondary (Cincinnati, defensive coordinator); Joe Cox, tight ends (Alabama, tight ends)
Out: John David Baker, tight ends (ECU, offensive coordinator); Derrick Nix, receivers (Auburn, offensive coordinator and running backs)

Oregon
In: Brian Michalowski, inside linebackers (Oregon, analyst)
Out: Demetrice Martin, cornerbacks (Michigan State, cornerbacks)

Oregon State
In: Trent Bray, head coach (Oregon State, defensive coordinator); Ryan Gunderson, offensive coordinator (UCLA, quarterbacks); Kyle De Van, offensive line (Charlotte, offensive line); Thomas Ford, running backs (Idaho, special teams coordinator and running backs); Ilaisa Tuiaki, defensive line (N/A); AJ Cooper, inside linebackers (Sacramento State, assistant); Jon Boyer, tight ends (Oregon State, analyst); Keith Heyward, defensive coordinator (Las Vegas Raiders, quality control)
Out: Jonathan Smith, head coach (Michigan State, head coach); Jim Michalczik, offensive line (Michigan State, offensive line); Brian Wozniak, tight ends (Michigan State, tight ends); Keith Bhonapha, running backs (Michigan State, running backs); Blue Adams, defensive backs (Michigan State, TBA); Brian Lindgren, offensive coordinator (Michigan State, offensive coordinator); Legi Suiaunoa, defensive line (Michigan State, defensive line)

Penn State
In: Andy Kotelnicki, offensive coordinator (Kansas, offensive coordinator); Tom Allen, defensive coordinator (Indiana, head coach); Justin Lustig, special teams coordinator and tight ends (Vanderbilt, special teams coordinator and tight ends)
Out: Mike Yurcich, offensive coordinator (fired); Manny Diaz, defensive coordinator (Duke, head coach); Stacy Collins, special teams coordinator (Boise State, special teams coordinator)

Pitt
In: Kade Bell, offensive coordinator (Western Carolina, offensive coordinator); Jacob Bronowski, special teams coordinator and tight ends (Miami Ohio, special teams coordinator)
Out: Frank Cignetti Jr., offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (fired)

Purdue
In: Chris Petrilli, special teams coordinator (Purdue, analyst)
Out: Seth Doege, tight ends (Marshall, offensive coordinator)

Rutgers
In: Colin Ferrell, defensive line (Kent State, defensive line); Julian Campenni, defensive ends (Bowling Green, defensive line)
Out: Corey Hetherman, linebackers (Minnesota, defensive coordinator); Marquise Watson, defensive line (Rutgers, analyst)

San Diego State
In: Sean Lewis, head coach (Colorado, offensive coordinator); Darian Hagan, running backs (Colorado, running backs); CJ McGorisk, safeties (Washington, analyst); Eric Schmidt, defensive coordinator (Washington, EDGEs and special teams coordinator); Rob Aurich, EDGES (Idaho, defensive coordinator); Lanear Sampson, receivers (Austin Peay, receivers); Zach Barton, special teams coordinator (Kansas, analyst); Matt Johnson, quarterbacks (Kent State, offensive coordinator); Mike Schmidt, offensive line (Mississippi State, tight ends)
Out: Brady Hoke, head coach (retired)

San Jose State
In: Ken Niumatalolo, head coach (UCLA, tight ends); Craig Stutzmann, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Texas State, receivers); Marcus Thomas, running backs (Navy, slot backs); Mike Judge, tight ends; Greg Burns, cornerbacks (UCLA, analyst); Josh Irvin, outside linebackers (UCLA, analyst); Kevin McGiven, receivers (San Jose State, offensive coordinator); John Estes, offensive line (Houston Roughnecks, running backs); Al Luphuaho, defensive line (Nevada, defensive line); Bojay Filimoeatu, inside linebackers (San Diego State, defensive line)
Out: Brent Brennan, head coach (Arizona, head coach)

SMU
In: D'Eriq King, quarterbacks (SMU, analyst); Sam Dunnam, EDGEs (SMU, analyst)
Out: Khenon Hall, running backs (Baylor, running backs); Jonathan Brewer, quarterbacks (Duke, offensive coordinator)

South Alabama
In: Major Applewhite, head coach (South Alabama, offensive coordinator); Jason Onyebuagu, offensive line (Jackson State, offensive line and co-offensive coordinator); Will Windham, defensive coordinator (South Alabama, linebackers)
Out: Kane Wommack, head coach (Alabama, defensive coordinator); Antonio Bradford, running backs (fired); Gordon Steele, offensive line (fired); Michael Smith, receivers (fired); Will Windham, linebackers (fired); Landius Wilkerson, defensive line (Tulane, defensive line); Corey Batoon, defensive coordinator (Missouri, defensive coordinator)

South Carolina
In: James Coley, receivers (Texas A&M, tight ends); Marquel Blackwell, running backs (Texas A&M, running backs); Joe Decamillis, special teams coordinator (Texas, analyst)
Out: Montario Hardesty, running backs (fired); Jody Wright, tight ends (Murray State, head coach), Pete Lembo, special teams coordinator (Buffalo, head coach)

Southern Miss
In: Chip Long, offensive coordinator (Louisville, analyst); Clay Bignell, defensive coordinator (Eastern Illinois, defensive coordinator); Micheal Spurlock, running backs (Western Kentucky, receivers); Jack Walker, quarterbacks (Southern Miss, graduate assistant)
Out: Dan O'Brien, defensive coordinator (fired); Brandon Lacy, defensive line (fired); Cayden Cochran, tight ends (fired); Mark Criner, outside linebackers (fired); Jordy Joseph, quarterbacks (Houston, running backs)

Syracuse
In: Fran Brown, head coach (Georgia, defensive backs); Elijah Robinson, defensive coordinator (Texas A&M, defensive line); Nick Williams, defensive ends (Colorado, defensive ends); Jeff Nixon, offensive coordinator (New York Giants, running backs); Ross Douglas, receivers (New England Patriots, receivers); Robert Wright, linebackers (Buffalo, defensive coordinator); Dale Williams, offensive line (Louisville, analyst); Joe Schaefer, defensive backs (Texas A&M, analyst); Devin Redd, TBD (Delaware State, receivers); James Vollono, special teams coordinator (Troy, analyst)
Out: Dino Babers, head coach (fired); Mike Lynch, running backs (Nevada, running backs)

Temple
Out: Jafar Williams, receivers (fired)

Texas
In: Johnny Nansen, linebackers (Arizona, linebackers); Kenny Baker, defensive line (Miami Dolphins, assistant defensive line)
Out: Jeff Choate, inside linebackers (Nevada, head coach); Bo Davis, defensive line (LSU, defensive line)

Texas A&M
In: Mike Elko, head coach (Duke, head coach); Sean Spencer, defensive line (Florida, defensive line); Adam Cushing, offensive line (Duke, offensive line); Ishmael Aristide, cornerbacks (Duke, cornerbacks); Collin Klein, offensive coordinator (Kansas State, offensive coordinator); Trooper Taylor, running backs (Duke, running backs); Jay Bateman, defensive coordinator (Florida, inside linebackers); Holmon Wiggins, receivers (Alabama, receivers); Tony Jerod-Eddie, defensive line (Texas A&M, analyst); Wes McGriff, defensive backs (Auburn, defensive backs); Patrick Dougherty, special teams coordinator (Duke, special teams coordinator)
Out: Jimbo Fisher, head coach (fired); Bobby Petrino, offensive coordinator (Arkansas, offensive coordinator); Elijah Robinson, defensive line (Syracuse, defensive coordinator); Marquel Blackwell, running backs (South Carolina, running backs)

Texas State
In: Chad Morris, receivers
Out: Jonathan Patke, defensive coordinator (Duke, defensive coordinator); Craig Stutzmann, receivers (San Jose State, offensive coordinator)

TCU
In: Andy Avalos, defensive coordinator (Boise State, head coach)
Out: Joe Gillespie, defensive coordinator (fired)

Troy
In: Gerad Parker, head coach (Notre Dame, offensive coordinator); Dontae Wright, defensive coordinator (West Virginia, safeties); Re'quan Boyette, running backs (ECU, running backs); Chris Boone, outside linebackers (Samford, defensive coordinator); Kevin Reihner, tight ends and offensive tackles (Notre Dame, analyst); Caleb Carbine, offensive line (Notre Dame, analyst); Justin Manning, defensive line (Austin Peay, defensive coordinator); Nathan Burton, inside linebackers and co-defensive coordinator (Kennesaw State, defensive coordinator); Sean Reagan, offensive coordinator (West Virginia, quarterbacks coach)
Out: Jon Sumrall, head coach (Tulane, head coach); Greg Gasparato, defensive coordinator (Tulane, defensive coordinator); Tayler Polk, inside linebackers (Tulane, inside linebackers); Brock Hays, running backs (Tulane, running backs); Evan McKissack, TBD (Tulane, tight ends); Joe Craddock, offensive coordinator (Tulane, offensive coordinator); Joe Bernardi, offensive line (Western Kentucky, offensive line); Bam Hardmon, defensive line (Tulane, defensive line)

Tulane
In: Jon Sumrall, head coach (Troy, head coach); Greg Gasparato, defensive coordinator (Troy, defensive coordinator); Tayler Polk, inside linebackers (Troy, inside linebackers); Brock Hays, running backs (Troy, running backs); Evan McKissack, offensive line (Troy, tight ends); Joe Craddock, offensive coordinator (Troy, offensive coordinator); Landius Wilkerson, defensive line (South Alabama, defensive line); Bam Hardmon, defensive line (Troy, defensive line)
Out: Willie Fritz, head coach (Houston, head coach); Slade Nagle, offensive coordinator (Houston, offensive coordinator); Shiel Wood, defensive coordinator (Houston, defensive coordinator); Derrick Sherman, receivers (Houston, receivers); Gerald Chatman, defensive line (Florida, defensive line); Josh Christian-Young, defensive backs (Houston, defensive backs)

UAB
In: C.J. Cox, safeties (Kent State, cornerbacks)
Out: Earnest Hill, Nickels (ULM, defensive coordinator)

UCF
In: Ted Roof, defensive coordinator (Oklahoma, defensive coordinator); Tim Harris, co-offensive coordinator and receivers (Miami, running backs); Trovon Reed, cornerbacks (Auburn, director football and recruiting relations)
Out: David Gibbs, defensive backs (UCF, co-defensive coordinator and secondary)

UCLA
In: Ikaika Malloe, defensive coordinator (UCLA, defensive line and outside linebackers); Billy Fessler, quarterbacks (Akron, offensive coordinator); Tony Washington Jr., defensive line (Oregon, graduate assistant)
Out: D'Anton Lynn, defensive coordinator (USC, defensive coordinator); Ryan Gunderson, quarterbacks (Oregon State, offensive coordinator); Jeff Faris, tight ends (Austin Peay, head coach); Ken Niumatalolo, tight ends (San Jose State, head coach)

UNLV
In: Nicco Fertitta, safeties (UNLV, analyst)
Out: Damon Magazu, safeties (ECU, safeties)

USC
In: D'Anton Lynn, defensive coordinator (UCLA, defensive coordinator); Matt Entz, linebackers (North Dakota State, head coach); Doug Belk, defensive backs (Houston, defensive coordinator); Eric Henderson, defensive line (Los Angeles Rams, defensive line)
Out: Alex Grinch, defensive coordinator (fired); Donte Williams, cornerbacks (Georgia, defensive backs)

USF
In: Jack Taylor, tight ends (USF, analyst); DeMarcus Van Dyke, cornerbacks (FIU, cornerbacks)
Out: Clay Patterson, tight ends (Kent State, tight ends); George Barlow, secondary (Louisiana, secondary)

Utah State
In: Nate Dreiling, defensive coordinator (New Mexico State, defensive coordinator)
Out: Joe Cauthen, defensive coordinator (fired)

UTEP
In: Scotty Walden, head coach (Austin Peay, head coach); JJ Clark, defensive coordinator (Austin Peay, defensive coordinator); Jared Kaster, offensive line (Austin Peay, offensive line); Joe Pappalardo, special teams coordinator (Austin Peay, special teams coordinator); Jajuan Dulaney, tight ends (Austin Peay, tight ends); Aaron Foster, cornerbacks (Austin Peay, defensive backs); Seth McDonald, Bandits (Austin Peay, outside linebackers); Jourdan McNeill, running backs (Austin Peay, running backs); Chris Jones, defensive line (Austin Peay, defensive line); Jake Brown, offensive coordinator and receivers (Louisiana Tech, receivers); Kelvin Sigler, co-defensive coordinator safeties (Jacksonville State, defensive coordinator)
Out: Dana Dimel, head coach (fired)

UTSA
In: Galen Scott, linebackers (Louisiana, inside linebackers)

Vanderbilt
In: Tim Beck, offensive coordinator (New Mexico State, offensive coordinator); Melvin Rice, safeties (New Mexico State, safeties); Chris Klenakis, offensive line (Kennesaw State, offensive coordinator); Jeff LePak, special teams coordinator and tight ends (Vanderbilt, analyst)
Out: Nick Howell, defensive coordinator (New Mexico, defensive coordinator)); Joey Lynch, offensive coordinator (fired); Dan Jackson, defensive backs (demoted); AJ Blazek, offensive line (Wisconsin, offensive line); Justin Lustig, special teams coordinator and tight ends (Penn State, special teams coordinator and tight ends)

Washington
In: Jedd Fisch, head coach (Arizona, head coach); Jimmy Dougherty, quarterbacks (Arizona, quarterbacks); Jordan Paopao, tight ends and special teams coordinator (Arizona, tight ends); Brennan Carroll, offensive coordinator (Arizona, offensive coordinator); John Richardson, cornerbacks (Arizona, cornerbacks); Scottie Graham, running backs (Arizona, running backs); Jason Kaufusi, defensive line (Arizona, defensive line)
Out: Eric Schmidt, EDGEs and special teams coordinator (San Diego State, defensive coordinator)

West Virginia
In: Victor Cabral, outside linebackers (Appalachian State, defensive line); Tyler Allen, quarterbacks (West Virginia, analyst)
Out: Dontae Wright, safeties (Troy, defensive coordinator); Sean Reagan, quarterbacks coach (Troy, offensive coordinator)

Western Kentucky
In: Joe Bernardi, offensive line (Troy, offensive line); Will Friend, offensive coordinator and offensive line (Mississippi State, offensive line); Zak Mizell, receivers

Wyoming
In: Jay Sawvel, head coach (Wyoming, defensive coordinator); Aaron Bohl, defensive coordinator (Wyoming linebackers); Jay Johnson, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks (Michigan State, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks)

[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

si.com

 

What Would It Take For Auburn To Reach The College Football Playoff In 2024?

Lance Dawe

4–5 minutes

---

The Auburn Tigers won't be near any playoff conversations this offseason.

With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, the Tigers could find themselves near the conversation soon, however. Hugh Freeze is doing everything he can to improve Auburn's talent roster, and the momentum on the recruiting trail is giving fans hope.

Let's say Auburn somehow finds themselves in the CFP hunt in 2024. What would it take for the Tigers to make it?

Here are five things that will need to happen.

A much improved passing attack

Auburn ranked dead last in the SEC in passing yards per game in 2023 (162.2 YPG) and will look to dramatically improve that number in 2024.

Whether or not the young receiver talent takes off in Freeze's second season will likely be answered through his scheming, but the Tigers still have solid pieces around the likes of Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. Finding a quarterback that can actually get them the ball will be the biggest question. Incumbent Payton Thorne was subpar in his first season on the Plains, leading Freeze to claim the QB competition is "wide open" heading into the spring.

Getting Thorne, newcomer Walker White, or someone else to lead the offense more effectively than a season ago will be paramount.

At least ten wins

Not slipping up in the non-conference schedule feels like it should go without saying. After the New Mexico State shocker last year, every non-con slate should be mentioned carefully mentioned moving forward.

Alabama A&M, Cal, New Mexico (no State), and ULM seems easy on paper - we'll count those as wins for now. As for the SEC schedule:

Arkansas

Oklahoma

At Georgia

At Missouri

At Kentucky

Vanderbilt

Texas A&M

At Alabama

There has to be at least six wins here for Auburn to make a case for the playoff. Remember, the 12-team College Football Playoff field will include the six highest-ranked conference champions, which will receive automatic bids. The top four teams will receive a first-round bye to the quarterfinals. The six highest-ranked teams remaining will round out the 12-team format.

If the CFP expanded this past season the six at-large bids would have been Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Missouri, Penn State, and Ole Miss. All of those teams finished the regular season 10-2 or better.

Auburn has to go 10-2 at worst to have a shot at the playoff.

A competent rush defense

One of the ways Auburn can improve to 10-2 or better is by shoring up their defensive front. The Tigers gave up 61 more rushing yards per game in losses than they did in victories.

That is not going to cut it against Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama or Texas A&M. Auburn has to bottle things up better against, well, everyone - but especially against the toughest teams on their schedule. Speaking of that schedule...

A big time conference victory

No playoff resume is truly complete without a big win. Losing a game or two may not matter as long as a marquee victory is secured (sorry, Florida State).

It could be argued that Auburn's four biggest games are the ones previously mentioned - Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama. If the Tigers go 4-0 against Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt (easier said than done), they have to at least go 2-2 in this stretch. Any combination of victories may work here.

If Auburn goes 3-1 against the easier side of their conference slate it makes things much more difficult on their playoff chances. By the time Auburn plays Kentucky we should have an idea as to whether or not the Tigers are truly a contender. Getting through Oklahoma, Georgia and Missouri in consecutive games will be tough.

Freeze's young talent taking off

Remember those young receivers mentioned earlier? They're going to have to make some plays in big games. Highly touted defensive prospects like Amaris Williams, Demarcus Riddick and Jamonta Waller? They'll be given chances to prove their abilities. They're going to need to take off in order for the Tigers to win the games they need to if they want to make the playoff.

There is also a world where Walker White trots out as the Tigers' starting quarterback to open the season. If he wins the job, he has to ball out. Plain and simple.

[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Walker White ranks top-five in 247Sports' final 2024 quarterback rankings

Taylor Jones

~2 minutes

---

Auburn football’s 2024 signing class is special.

The Tigers have landed quality talent at wide receiver, such as five-star Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. The guy who will be throwing passes to those stud wide receivers is not so bad himself.

247Sports recently released its final rankings for the 2024 class, and quarterback signee Walker White is among the nation’s best at the position. White is considered to be the fifth-best quarterback in the class, which makes him the highest-ranked quarterback signee for Auburn since Bo Nix, who was the No. 2 quarterback in the 2019 class.

White is considered to be a four-star quarterback by 247Sports’ standards. He is the No. 41 overall player for the 2024 class and is the top player from the state of Arkansas. As a senior at Little Rock Christian Academy, White passed for 2,660 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 834 yards and eight scores.

White is one of three SEC signees to earn a top-10 ranking from 247Sports, joining Florida signee DJ Lagway and Georgia pledge Ryan Puglisi.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TRaley34

[aubiefifty 16,803]

al.com

Auburn to hire former Texas A&M DC, Maryland head coach DJ Durkin as co-DC

Updated: Jan. 29, 2024, 10:36 p.m.|Published: Jan. 29, 2024, 9:32 p.m.

~4 minutes

Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers may have found their second co-defensive coordinator.

Former Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is set to fill the void left by Ron Roberts, who left as Auburn’s defensive coordinator for a spot on Florida’s defensive staff on Jan. 8. He’ll reportedly join forces with Charles Kelly, who was hired as the Tigers’ co-defensive coordinator on Jan. 12.

Durkin, who has been in the college coaching ranks for more than 20 years, is set to come to Auburn after spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons in College Station as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator and linebackers’ coach.

In Durkin’s first season at Texas A&M, the Aggies’ defense led the nation in fewest passing yards allowed per game with a season average of just 156.2. The Texas A&M defense also ranked 17th in the country and fourth in the SEC in passing defense efficiency, while also ranking No. 22 in the country after allowing 20.7 points per game.

Prior to his time at Texas A&M, Durkin spent two seasons under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.

Durkin was also an assistant at Florida in 2010-14, serving as the Gators’ linebackers and special teams coach (2010-12) and defensive coordinator (2013-14). During him time as Florida’s defensive coordinator, Durkin led the Gators to back-to-back top-15 rankings in total defense.

The reported addition of Durkin means Auburn’s defensive coordinator will also come with head coaching experience as Durkin was previously at the helm of the Maryland program for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. However, Durkin’s time as head coach ended in controversy following the death of Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair.

McNair collapsed during a workout, was hospitalized with heat stroke and died two weeks later. After initially being suspended following McNair’s death, Durkin was reinstated, only to be relieved after public outcry one day later.

Months after Durkin’s firing from Maryland, he resurfaced during a brief stint at Alabama, where he served in a consultant-like role to help the Crimson Tide prepare for its Orange Bowl national semifinal appearance.

Prior to him being let go at Maryland, Durkin compiled a 10-15 record with the Terrapins, while also finding success on the recruiting trail. During Durkin’s time in College Park, he and the Terps secured back-to-back top 30 recruiting classes for the first time in program history.

According to 247 Sports, Durkin was the primary recruiter for 5-star offensive tackle DJ Humphries and 5-star Jonathan Bullard — both of who still play in the NFL after careers at Florida. Durkin has also had a hand in landing 14 4-star recruits during his time in the college ranks and was named Rivals’ Recruiter of the Year in 2012.

With Durkin on board, Freeze and the Tigers have replaced the two defensive coaches that departed The Plains in Roberts and defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge, who announced his resignation on Jan. 12 and is expected to take a role at Houston.

Wesley McGriff is also set to return to Auburn as the team’s defensive secondary coach after he previously flirted with taking a job at Texas A&M.

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[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

[aubiefifty 16,803]

 

[aubiefifty 16,803]

happy tuesday!

[aubiefifty 16,803]

Wiki Bio ON Durkin

 

en.wikipedia.org

 

D. J. Durkin

Contributors to Wikimedia projects

9–11 minutes

---

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

D. J. Durkin

Durkin in August 2017
Current position
Title	Defensive coordinator
Team	Auburn
Conference	SEC
Biographical details
Born	January 15, 1978 (age 46) Boardman, Ohio, U.S.
Playing career
1997–2000	Bowling Green
Position(s)	Defensive end, outside linebacker
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2001–2002	Bowling Green (GA)
2003–2004	Notre Dame (GA)
2005	Bowling Green (DE)
2006	Bowling Green (LB/ST)
2007–2009	Stanford (DE/ST)
2010–2012	Florida (LB/ST)
2013–2014	Florida (DC/LB)
2014	Florida (interim HC)
2015	Michigan (DC/LB)
2016–2018	Maryland
2019	Atlanta Falcons (consultant)
2020–2021	Ole Miss (co-DC/LB)
2022–2023	Texas A&M (DC/LB)
2024–present	Auburn (DC)
Head coaching record
Overall	11–15
Bowls	1–1

Daniel John Durkin^[1] (born January 15, 1978) is the current Defensive Coordinator at Auburn University but was most recently the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He is the former co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and head coach for the University of Maryland. Before Maryland, he was the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. He also served as the interim head football coach and defensive coordinator of the Florida Gators football team for the team's 2014 bowl game.

Durkin began serving as the head coach of the University of Maryland football team in 2015.^[2] Following the practice-related death of player Jordan McNair, Durkin was placed on leave in August 2018.^[3] Matt Canada was named acting head coach until further notice.^[3]

The University System of Maryland Board of Regents reinstated Durkin on October 30, 2018,^[4] instigating protests and uproar.^[5] University of Maryland president Wallace Loh fired Durkin the next day.^[6]

Playing career[edit]

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Durkin attended Boardman High School where he was an all-conference and all-Northeast Ohio selection.^[7][8]

Durkin played wide receiver and outside linebacker at Bowling Green from 1997 to 2000, and served as a team captain his final two seasons. He started a total of 33 games in his career and recorded 131 tackles, including 28 for loss. Durkin led the team in sacks in 1998 and finished second in that category in 2000. He earned a bachelor's degree in business marketing in 2001, and a master's degree in educational administration and supervision in 2004.^[9]

Coaching career[edit]

Durkin began a career in coaching immediately following his playing career. He worked as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green under new head coach Urban Meyer in 2001 and 2002, and at Notre Dame under head coach Tyrone Willingham in 2003 and 2004. He returned to Bowling Green in 2005, where he coached defensive ends, linebackers, and special teams on the staff of Gregg Brandon. In 2007, he moved to Stanford on the first staff of Jim Harbaugh, where he served for three seasons as the Cardinal defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator. In 2010, Durkin was reunited with Meyer when he joined the Florida Gators as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. He remained on Florida's staff when Will Muschamp took over as head coach in 2010, and in 2013 was promoted to defensive coordinator, replacing Dan Quinn.^[1][9][10]

Durkin has a reputation as a strong national recruiter and was named the 2012 Rivals.com Recruiter of the Year.^[11]

On November 22, 2014, Durkin was named interim head coach for Florida's bowl game after the previous head coach, Will Muschamp, announced he would step down following the regular season.^[12] Durkin led Florida to a 28–20 victory in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl against East Carolina.^[13]

On January 5, 2015, sources confirmed that Durkin was hired as the defensive coordinator of Michigan. The hire reunited Durkin with new Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.^[14] Michigan confirmed the hire on January 8, and announced that Durkin would also coach linebackers.^[15]

On December 2, 2015 ESPN's Joe Schad announced that Durkin was expected to be named head coach of the Maryland Terrapins football team,^[16] which was confirmed later that day.^[2] Durkin would lead the team to a bowl game appearance in his first year. Following a scandal involving the death of a player and reports of a toxic team culture, Durkin was fired by Maryland midway through the 2018 season.^[17]

On January 2, 2020, Ole Miss announced it had hired Durkin as an assistant to head coach Lane Kiffin, along with Chris Partridge and Joe Jon Finley.^[18]

On January 5, 2022, it was announced Durkin would become the new defensive coordinator at Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher.^[19]

Player death at Maryland and resulting scandal[edit]

On August 11, 2018, Durkin was placed on administrative leave after Maryland was placed under investigation amid toxic culture allegations against the team after the death of player Jordan McNair.^[3] McNair was hospitalized on May 29, 2018 after showing signs of heatstroke and exhaustion while participating in a team workout, and later died at the age of 19.^[20]

He returned 80 days later, after the Board of Regents recommendation to stay.^[4][21][22] Damon Evans, the athletic director, announced the Board of Regents' decision to the team with Durkin present; Durkin later held a meeting with the team without other coaches, and several players walked out of that meeting.^[4] Due to intense backlash, Durkin was fired one day later.^[17]

Head coaching record[edit]

Year	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Bowl/playoffs
Florida Gators (Southeastern Conference) (2014)
2014	Florida	1–0[n 1]			W Birmingham
Florida:		1–0
Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten Conference) (2016–2017)
2016	Maryland	6–7	3–6	5th (East)	L Quick Lane
2017	Maryland	4–8	2–7	6th (East)
Maryland:		10–15	5-13
Total:		11–15

Notes[edit]

1. ^ Durkin coached the 2015 Birmingham Bowl after head coach Will Muschamp was fired following a 6–5 (4–4 SEC) regular season.

[toddc 13,194]

D.J. James speaks highly on Kayin Lee: "He's a veteran in my eyes"

Auburn cornerback D.J. James believes that Kayin Lee is capable of stepping up for Auburn next season.

Daniel LockeJan 30, 2024 5:17 PM EST

D.J. James was an asset to the Auburn Tigers during his two seasons with the program.

James missed one game during his time with the Tigers. He recorded 75 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss of yards, three interceptions and 21 pass deflections.

In an interview with Zac Blackerby of Locked on Auburn at the senior bowl, James talked about who he believes will step up in the Tigers' secondary and believes Kayin Lee will be up to the challenge.

"Kayin Lee, he's a veteran already in my eyes," James said. "He played as a freshman, he knows the game, he's physical, he's fast, he's fluent. I'm really excited for him."

Lee, a 5-foot-11 cornerback from Ellenwood, Georgia, played in every game for the Tigers during his freshman season.

Lee recorded 18 total tackles, two tackles for a loss of yards, six pass deflections and one forced fumble.

According to 247Sports, Lee was a 4-star recruit with a 0.9386 composite rating. Lee was the No. 2 player in Auburn's 2023 recruiting class behind defensive lineman Keldric Faulk.

Lee was the No. 146 player nationally, the No. 16 cornerback and the No. 11 player in the state of Georgia.

Lee will be expected to take a big jump in 2024 because of everything that Auburn lost, but a revamped coaching staff and an influx of new talent should put him in a position to do just that.

[TeamZero77 1,784]

10 hours ago, aubiefifty said:

 

si.com

 

What Would It Take For Auburn To Reach The College Football Playoff In 2024?

Lance Dawe

4–5 minutes

---

The Auburn Tigers won't be near any playoff conversations this offseason.

With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, the Tigers could find themselves near the conversation soon, however. Hugh Freeze is doing everything he can to improve Auburn's talent roster, and the momentum on the recruiting trail is giving fans hope.

Let's say Auburn somehow finds themselves in the CFP hunt in 2024. What would it take for the Tigers to make it?

Here are five things that will need to happen.

A much improved passing attack

Auburn ranked dead last in the SEC in passing yards per game in 2023 (162.2 YPG) and will look to dramatically improve that number in 2024.

Whether or not the young receiver talent takes off in Freeze's second season will likely be answered through his scheming, but the Tigers still have solid pieces around the likes of Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson. Finding a quarterback that can actually get them the ball will be the biggest question. Incumbent Payton Thorne was subpar in his first season on the Plains, leading Freeze to claim the QB competition is "wide open" heading into the spring.

Getting Thorne, newcomer Walker White, or someone else to lead the offense more effectively than a season ago will be paramount.

At least ten wins

Not slipping up in the non-conference schedule feels like it should go without saying. After the New Mexico State shocker last year, every non-con slate should be mentioned carefully mentioned moving forward.

Alabama A&M, Cal, New Mexico (no State), and ULM seems easy on paper - we'll count those as wins for now. As for the SEC schedule:

Arkansas

Oklahoma

At Georgia

At Missouri

At Kentucky

Vanderbilt

Texas A&M

At Alabama

There has to be at least six wins here for Auburn to make a case for the playoff. Remember, the 12-team College Football Playoff field will include the six highest-ranked conference champions, which will receive automatic bids. The top four teams will receive a first-round bye to the quarterfinals. The six highest-ranked teams remaining will round out the 12-team format.

If the CFP expanded this past season the six at-large bids would have been Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Missouri, Penn State, and Ole Miss. All of those teams finished the regular season 10-2 or better.

Auburn has to go 10-2 at worst to have a shot at the playoff.

A competent rush defense

One of the ways Auburn can improve to 10-2 or better is by shoring up their defensive front. The Tigers gave up 61 more rushing yards per game in losses than they did in victories.

That is not going to cut it against Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama or Texas A&M. Auburn has to bottle things up better against, well, everyone - but especially against the toughest teams on their schedule. Speaking of that schedule...

A big time conference victory

No playoff resume is truly complete without a big win. Losing a game or two may not matter as long as a marquee victory is secured (sorry, Florida State).

It could be argued that Auburn's four biggest games are the ones previously mentioned - Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama. If the Tigers go 4-0 against Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt (easier said than done), they have to at least go 2-2 in this stretch. Any combination of victories may work here.

If Auburn goes 3-1 against the easier side of their conference slate it makes things much more difficult on their playoff chances. By the time Auburn plays Kentucky we should have an idea as to whether or not the Tigers are truly a contender. Getting through Oklahoma, Georgia and Missouri in consecutive games will be tough.

Freeze's young talent taking off

Remember those young receivers mentioned earlier? They're going to have to make some plays in big games. Highly touted defensive prospects like Amaris Williams, Demarcus Riddick and Jamonta Waller? They'll be given chances to prove their abilities. They're going to need to take off in order for the Tigers to win the games they need to if they want to make the playoff.

There is also a world where Walker White trots out as the Tigers' starting quarterback to open the season. If he wins the job, he has to ball out. Plain and simple.

"Auburn ended up dead last in the SEC in passing yards per game for 2023 at 162 ypg."

Can't say any of us had that on our Bingo card headed into the 2023 season.

[aubiefifty 16,803]

13 hours ago, TeamZero77 said:

"Auburn ended up dead last in the SEC in passing yards per game for 2023 at 162 ypg."

Can't say any of us had that on our Bingo card headed into the 2023 season.

i am still shocked............

[TeamZero77 1,784]

On 1/31/2024 at 8:01 AM, aubiefifty said:

i am still shocked............

I think this season will be better on both sides of the ball. 

Hey fifty, have you gotten anymore news on your kidney issue? Praying for you!!