Gus Malzahn’s Auburn coaching staff is now set heading into spring camp as former Tiger assistant Wesley McGriff is coming back to the Plains.

“We’re excited to have Wesley return to our program,” Malzahn said. “He is an outstanding coach and recruiter. He brings great passion and energy and will be a great fit with our defensive staff.”

McGriff spent the previous two seasons as defensive coordinator at Ole Miss before being let go by Matt Luke immediately following the conclusion of the 2018 season. Before landing the DC role in Oxford, McGriff was the defensive backs coach at Auburn.

“I’m very appreciative and excited to be rejoining Coach Malzahn and the staff at Auburn,” McGriff said via released statement from the school. “Auburn is a program with outstanding players, coaches and tradition. Coach Malzahn is a great coach and leader and I look forward to helping Auburn win championships.”

Auburn had an opening on its coaching staff due to Greg Brown leaving for Purdue. Brown served two seasons under Malzahn after being hired away from Missouri.

While the Ole Miss defense may have regressed under McGriff’s watch, Auburn’s new coach is well known as a great defensive backs coach and recruiter. He’s credited with landing multiple five-star recruits during his college career and even has experience at the NFL level, as he served as a defensive backs coach for the Saints.