Auburn Briefing: Three names that could be Auburn's next DC

Auburn and Ron Roberts parted ways. Who could be Auburn's next DC?

Author:
Zac Blackerby
Publish date:
Jan 9, 2024 8:36 AM EST

In this story:

After one year, Auburn will be looking for another defensive coordinator as Ron Roberts has left to take a job at Florida.

Hugh Freeze will hire his second defensive coordinator during his time at Auburn and some early names have emerged. Let's take a stab at three that make sense.

Chris Kiffin

Freeze and Kiffin have a solid history. He was on Freeze's staff while at Ole Miss and was an extremely effective defensive coach both on the field and on the recruiting front. He is currently the linebackers coach for the Houston Texans.

Yes, he is Lane Kiffin's brother.

Charles Kelly

According to multiple reports, Kelly is on Freeze's staff and is working within the program already despite not having an official announcement. Kelly could be named as a defensive backs coach or a co-DC to allow him to flex that recruiting muscle, but it would make sense if he was named as the defensive coordinator as he was the DC at Colorado last season.

Zach Arnett

The former Mississippi State head coach was a name that was thrown around when Freeze was looking for a DC a year ago. His name has some buzz this time around as well. Auburn Undercover reported that he would likely be among the few names considered.