SDS will look at new assistant coaches around the SEC, highlighting their accomplishments, achievements, history and tough tasks ahead of them. Up next, Auburn’s Will Muschamp.

Will Muschamp, Auburn Tigers Defensive Coordinator

Coaching history:

  • 1995-96 Auburn graduate assistant
  • 1998 West Georgia defensive backs
  • 1999 Eastern Kentucky defensive backs
  • 2000 Valdosta State defensive coordinator, defensive backs
  • 2001-04 LSU DC, linebackers
  • 2005 Miami Dolphins assistant head coach
  • 2006-07 Auburn defensive coordinator, linebackers
  • 2008-10 Texas defensive coordinator, linebackers
  • 2011-14 Florida head coach

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

While Florida didn’t exactly throw out Will Muschamp as garbage at the end of last season, Jeremy Foley and the Gators decided it was time to move in a different direction after the program had fallen flat under their fourth-year head coach.

Auburn swooped in and feels like it has landed a gem since, inviting Coach Boom back to campus to lead its defense next season in hopes of capturing its second SEC Championship in three years. Muschamp’s impact was noticeable on signing day after the Tigers landed five-star defensive end Byron Cowart, a player considered the nation’s top pass rusher by some recruiting services.

Muschamp’s primary goal in his first season is to generate pressure on the opposition. The Tigers struggled up front last fall, finishing 11th in the SEC in total sacks (21.0). Considered the league’s top offseason hire by most, Muschamp will be placed under the national microscope thanks to Auburn’s sheer talent and depth returning. The Tigers flex their deepest core of linebackers during Gus Malzahn’s tenure and return eight total starters on defense along with Carl Lawson, a feared defensive end who’s back after missing his sophomore season.

Ultimately, the Tigers will go as far as Muschamp’s defense takes them next season since Malzahn and OC Rhett Lashlee will just plug-and-go on offense with several elite skill players anxious to shine. Auburn hasn’t finished better than ninth in the SEC in total defense since 2008, but expects a much better showing under Muschamp.