Auburn announces defensive staff hires
Auburn will have a new man running the defense next season.
On Saturday, the Tigers announced that Jeff Schmedding has been promoted to defensive coordinator as Derek Mason stepped down.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Coach Mason for his leadership as our defensive coordinator this past season and wish nothing but the best for him on his next steps,” Bryan Harsin said. “The decision to leave Auburn was not an easy one for him, and he will always be a part of the Auburn family.
“Coach Schmedding was at Coach Mason’s side day after day getting our defense prepared and ready. He is a tremendous defensive coach, who has coordinated championship defenses and is a proven winner. I know our defense will take the next steps forward under Coach Schmedding’s leadership.”
The Tigers also announced the hiring of Jimmy Brumbaugh as the new defensive line coach.
“As we worked through this entire process, we were able to zero in and find two defensive assistant coaches who fit the coaching criteria and expectations we must have,” Harsin said. “Jimmy Brumbaugh is an Auburn Man with an extensive resume that includes several SEC schools and a long list of players he’s developed who have gone on to play in the NFL. He will be a veteran presence and great teacher of the game for our men up front.”
Christian Robinson will be coming aboard as the linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator.
“A coach who was literally raised with SEC football,” Harsin said. “Played in this league and has coached the last seven years at four different SEC programs. He’s a humble and hungry coach that we can’t wait to get around our backers and the rest of the defense.”
Zac Etheridge will now serve as the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. He was in charge of the cornerbacks in 2021. Bert Watts has added the title of associate head coach and will continue as the special teams coordinator and coach of the edge linebackers.
