Tag: auburn coaching staff

Report: Bert Watts heading to the NFL with the Denver Broncos

Bert Watts will leave Auburn as return to the NFL.

Associate head coach Bert Watts appears to be on the move from the Auburn Tigers. He joined the staff after arriving from Memphis after just one season there. Watts also spent three seasons at Fresno State as the linebackers coach.

It appears that now head coach Bryan Harsin will have another assistant on this staff. Watts served as the associate head coach, special teams coordinator, and outside linebackers coach for the Tigers.

Dan Graziano of ESPN is reporting that Watts will head to the NFL to join the new staff with the Denver Broncos.

This will make the sixth coordinator to be replaced on the staff during the tenure of Harsin. The team has yet to place offensive coordinator Austin Davis, who stepped down from his post less than two months on the job.

Watts now returns to the Broncos where he helped them to the top seed in 2012. The hunt begins for his replacement. Safe to say that head coach Bryan Harsin has plenty of work to do.

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Report: Auburn hires Bodie Reeder to offensive staff

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin has reportedly hired Bodie Reeder as offensive analyst for the 2021 season.

Bryan Harsin has gone into the Mountain West Conference and got another assistant for his staff.

Per AL.com, former Utah State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bodie Reeder will join the Tigers’ staff as an offensive analyst for the 2021 season.

From 247Sports:

Reeder, a former quarterback at Eastern Illinois, was the mastermind behind Eastern Washington’s record-setting offense in 2018 and later called plays at North Texas. Reeder is already working on the Plains, per AL.com.

In six games this past season, Utah State struggled to get a passing game going, finishing 120th in the FBS by averaging 135.8 yards per game through the air.

Auburn hires Cornelius Williams as wide receivers coach

Auburn has hired Cornelius Williams away from Troy to be the Tigers’ wide receivers coach.

Bryan Harsin has gone into Troy and found his wide receivers coach.

On Saturday, it was announced that Cornelius Williams will be joining Harsin’s staff on the Plains after holding the same position for six years for the Trojans.

“Cornelius is a great fit for the staff we are assembling,” Harsin said. “He’s a strong teacher of the game on the field and has been developing recruiting ties in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi during his time at Troy. As a Birmingham native, and his state of Alabama roots, he understands what Auburn football is all about and the type of player and high character individuals we want bring in and develop. I’m excited to see his energy and passion for the game guide our wide receiver room.”

In his time at Troy, Williams helped his receivers garner 14 All-Sun Belt honors.

‘I’m very thankful to Coach Harsin for the opportunity to join his staff at Auburn,” Williams said. “I’m humbled and very appreciative that he believes in me. I know what kind of culture that Coach Harsin wants to build at Auburn with his thought process, attention to detail and desire to work hard. I’ve worked with coaches like that in the past and I love that culture and approach. I’m hungry to get to work and continue to grow and develop under his leadership. Growing up in this state, I know Auburn is a special place and I can’t wait to be a part of it and get to work.”

Auburn officially names Tracy Rocker as defensive line coach

Auburn legend Tracy Rocker has officially been named the Tigers’ new defensive line coach.

Tracy Rocker is back on the Plains!

On Thursday, the Auburn athletic department formally announced that the former All-American, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner has been named the defensive lines coach on Bryan Harsin’s staff.

“Tracy Rocker is one of Auburn’s all-time great players and has a wealth of experience coaching and in the Southeastern Conference,” Harsin said. “He understands what a championship team looks like and knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level. We’re excited to welcome back Tracy to the Auburn family.”

From the press release:

Rocker spent the 2020 season at South Carolina after two seasons (2018-19) at Tennessee. He has also logged Division I stints at Georgia (2014-16), Auburn (2009-10), Ole Miss (2008), Arkansas (2003-07), Cincinnati (2002), and Troy State (1997-01). In addition, he spent three seasons with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans (2011-13). He mentored the defensive line in each of those stops but was also given the additional title of Associate Head Coach while at Georgia in 2015.

“I’m excited about coming back to Auburn to work with Coach Harsin and the staff he has put together,” Rocker said. “In my visits with Coach Harsin, he has shared a clear vision for the program and I’m looking forward to helping put that vision in place. I have great memories as a player and coach at Auburn and can’t wait to create more in the future.”

Brad Bedell hired as Auburn’s tight ends coach

Bryan Harsin has brought yet another assistant over from Boise State in Brad Bedell who will be Auburn’s tight ends coach.

Another hire. Another Boise State assistant.

On Sunday, Auburn athletics announced that Bryan Harsin has hired Brad Bedell to become the Tigers’ tight end coach.

“Tight end play is a critical part of our offensive attack and Coach Bedell brings a unique perspective to what we want to do with that position group,” Harsin said. “Brad has coached with me at a couple different places and is a relationship driven coach with six years of NFL playing experience, making him an exceptional recruiter. His versatility as a coach and strong recruiting ability make him a great fit for the Auburn football family.”

Bedell spent the last four seasons working for Harsin and the Broncos as their offensive line coach, helping mentor five first-team All Mountain West Conference players.

“I’m really excited to be a part of a tremendous football program like Auburn, that has had great tradition and success over the years,” Bedell said. “Working with Coach Harsin at Boise State and the culture he created is something special and I look forward to being a part of that at Auburn. The quality of young men in this program has me excited. I can’t wait to get started.”

Auburn names Jeff Schmedding inside linebackers coach, defensive run game coordinator

Bryan Harsin has brought another assistant over from Boise State in Jeff Schmedding who will serve as inside linebackers coach.

Yet another assistant from Boise State is joining Bryan Harsin’s staff.

On Saturday, Auburn announced the hiring of Jeff Schmedding as the new inside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator.

“When you look at the defenses Coach Schmedding coordinated in Boise, they were championship caliber, so I know the work ethic and preparation he brings every single day,” Harsin said. “He is a veteran presence on this staff that makes others around him better. The versatility he brings with the linebackers and connecting the attacking middle of our Auburn defense will complement the vision of Coach Mason as a whole.”

Schmedding had served as the inside linebackers coach for the Broncos in 2020 after coaching the outside linebackers in 2019.

“I want to thank Coach Harsin for the opportunity to be a part of his staff at Auburn,” Schmedding said. “My family and I are very humbled and honored to be a part of such a great university like Auburn. I’m excited to get to work and make the Auburn family proud.”

Bryan Harsin names Cadillac Williams, Zac Etheridge to coaching staff

Cadillac Williams will return as running backs coach while Zac Etheridge joins as defensive backs coach.

Two former Auburn football players are set to join Bryan Harsin’s inaugural staff. It was announced Friday evening that Cadillac Williams will return to Auburn as running backs coach and Zac Etheridge would join as the defensive backs coach.

As a player at Auburn, Williams finished his career with 3,831 total yards and 45 touchdowns. Cadillac holds the record for most rushing attempts with 741 and helped lead Auburn to a perfect 13-0 season his senior year (2004).

Williams joined Auburn’s staff under Gus Malzahn in 2019. In his previous two seasons as running backs coach his backs have showcased nine 100-yard games, three SEC weekly honors, and SEC Freshman of the Year accolades. This previous season, freshman runningback Tank Bigsby led all freshman in the SEC with 834 rushing yards. He is the first freshman in school history to finish with three straight 100-yard games.

He’s excited to return back to the Plains. In a statement he said,

“Auburn is a special place to me and I’m appreciative for this opportunity to be a part of Coach Harsin’s staff and coach at the school that made me the person I am today. I’ve enjoyed getting to talk football with Coach Harsin and can’t wait to be part of something special.”

Head coach Bryan Harsin knew immediately the positive impact and potential Cadillac creates at Auburn:

“I’m fired up to have Cadillac on our staff. After several conversations it was easy to see how much passion he has and his desire to learn, grow and develop in the coaching profession. Just spending time with him you see why he is the ultimate ambassador for Auburn football, and that goes beyond just being an elite player but an elite person.”

As a freshman, safety Zac Etheridge started 12 of 13 games for the Tigers in 2007 before a life-changing neck injury nearly ended his playing career in 2009 against Ole Miss. After nine months of rehabilitation, Etheridge returned to the field in 2010 as a captain and helped lead Auburn to its first national championship in 53 years.

Etheridge’s first coaching job came as a graduate assistant at Penn State. He then served as an assistant at Georgia Tech, Western Carolina and Louisiana before joining Dana Holgerson at the University of Houston. At Houston, Etheridge’s leadership has produced an All-American in CB Marcus Jones and all-conference player in Damarion Williams.

Etheridge was high at the list for Harsin who said,

“Zac Etheridge is a rising star in this profession and is a great addition to Coach Mason’s defense working with cornerbacks. He has done a fantastic job in a short period of time developing and recruiting talented players. As a former Auburn standout, Zac understands the rigors of competing at the highest level, and what is required to be an Auburn man.”

Etheridge, who will coach alongside new DC Derek Mason, is elated to return home to Auburn,

“It is an honor to return to my alma mater as a member of Coach Harsin’s staff. I firmly believe in his vision and I am excited to get to work. Under his leadership, I have no doubt that our staff will develop our young men both on and off the field.  We will absolutely embody the championship mindset that Auburn deserves. Auburn and its people mean a great deal to me, and I am very thankful for this opportunity.  War Eagle!”

Auburn hires Will Friend as offensive line coach

Bryan Harsin has hired Will Friend away from Tennessee to become Auburn’s new offensive line coach.

Will Friend has a major project in front of him.

On Thursday, it was announced that Friend will join Bryan Harsin’s Auburn staff as the offensive line coach, coming over from Tennessee.

“I want to thank Coach Harsin for the opportunity to join his staff at Auburn,” Friend said. “I’ve coached against Coach Harsin and have always had so much respect for him and the culture he created within his program. Auburn is a special place and I have great regard for the Auburn football program, the university, and the incredible passion of the Auburn family. I’m excited to join something special at Auburn with Coach Harsin and the staff.”

He will now be in charge of correcting what has been a large issue for the Tigers over the past few years in offensive line play. This past season, the line was downright bad, rarely giving any time to Bo Nix to throw the ball and forcing him to scramble quite a bit.

“I’m happy to welcome Coach Friend to our staff here at Auburn,” Harsin said. “We both strongly believe that winning the line of scrimmage is one of the most important parts of a successful football team. His offensive lines have a history of being physically and mentally tough. We’re excited to have Will join the Auburn family.”

Report: Auburn to hire Mike Bobo as offensive coordinator, QBs coach

South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is reportedly set to join Bryan Harsin’s staff at Auburn in the same role.

The news keeps coming on Thursday as Bryan Harsin’s coaching staff at Auburn is taking shape.

Per Auburn Undercover, the new Tigers coach is expected to hire Mike Bobo away from South Carolina to serve as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on his staff.

From the report:

South Carolina’s Mike Bobo agreed Thursday to become the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, sources close to the situation tell Auburn Undercover. An official announcement is expected from the school later today.

The former Georgia quarterback previously was the offensive coordinator at South Carolina in 2020 under Will Muschamp. The Gamecocks finished 96th in the FBS this season in total offense, putting up just 355.1 yards per game.

Prior to that, Bobo was the head coach at Colorado State from 2015-19 after a successful stint as offensive coordinator at his alma mater from 2007-14.

A good recruiter who has deep ties in the state of Georgia, he will reportedly be the second SEC coach alongside Derek Mason to be on Harsin’s staff at Auburn.

Report: Former Boise co-defensive coordinators to join Auburn staff

New Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin has reportedly hired two of his assistants at Boise State to join the Tigers staff.

It has already been a busy day for Bryan Harsin.

Earlier it was reported that former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason will join Harsin’s staff at Auburn as the defensive coordinator and now a new report says that two members of his staff at Boise State, Spencer Danielson and Jeff Schmedding, will also be coming to the Plains. The two were co-defensive coordinators for the Broncos under Harsin.

Per AL.com, Danielson will join the Tigers in some variety of defensive role. He is currently serving as the Broncos interim head coach.

Adam Rittenberg reported that Schmedding will be the new linebackers coach for Auburn, replacing Travis Williams.

During Auburn’s loss to Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl, Harsin joined the television broadcast and talked about forming his staff.

“We’ve got to be able to put a staff together and get the right people in to be a part of our program,” Harsin said. “We’re focused on doing the things at Auburn that we have to do to be successful as we move towards this next semester and getting these guys back.”