Auburn is currently in the process of finding a new defensive coordinator. After spending one season with the Tigers, Ron Roberts accepted a position with the Florida Gators as the executive head coach for defense, co-defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach.
During his brief tenure at Auburn, Roberts led a defense that performed at an average level according to league standards. The Tigers ranked 8th in total defense, 10th in yards per play, 11th in rush defense, and 3rd in pass defense.
Now that Roberts has left, Hugh Freeze and the Tigers are actively seeking a replacement. The most prominent name circulating in the rumor mill is Chris Kiffin. Kiffin previously worked as a defensive line coach and defensive recruiting coordinator alongside Hugh Freeze at Arkansas State and Ole Miss. After leaving the program with Freeze, Kiffin served as the defensive coordinator for the Florida Atlantic Owls for one season before transitioning to the NFL. Kiffin has held various defensive positions with the San Francisco 49ers (pass rush specialist), the Cleveland Browns (defensive line coach), and currently, he serves as the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans.
Zac Blackerby, host of the Locked On Auburn podcast, emphasized in a recent episode that the Tigers “must” consider hiring Chris Kiffin as their next defensive coordinator. Blackerby cited Kiffin’s experience with Freeze and his successful track record in the NFL as the primary reasons Auburn should pursue him.
Blackerby expressed concerns about the team’s pass rush and highlighted Kiffin’s notable achievement of overseeing the pass rush for an NFL team. He also pointed to Kiffin’s previous collaboration with Freeze at Ole Miss, where they developed the renowned “Landshark Defense.” Blackerby envisioned the energetic and vibrant atmosphere Kiffin could bring to Jordan-Hare Stadium, suggesting that such a hiring would be electrifying for the Auburn family.
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