Ellis Johnson
Picked up by Gus Malzahn as Auburn’s new defensive coordinator in 2013, Johnson brought 30 years of coaching experience — 18 in the SEC — to the Plains as one of the south’s most respected defensive gurus. Johnson has been a head coach as three different schools — Southern Miss, The Citadel and Gardner-Webb — but appears to be best-suited as an assistant where he can focus on one aspect of the game.
Prior to his stop at Southern Miss in 2012, Johnson was at South Carolina for four years, where he served as the Gamecocks’ defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Along with his four years at South Carolina, Johnson has logged stints as the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State (1984), Southern Miss (1988-89), Clemson (1995-96), Alabama (1997-2000) and Mississippi State (2004-07).
| Coaching History | Team | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Coordinator | Auburn Tigers | 2013-Present |
| Head Coach | Southern Miss Golden Eagles | 2012 |
| Assistant Head Coach | South Carolina Gamecocks | 2008-2011 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Mississippi State Bulldogs | 2004-2007 |
| Head Coach | The Citadel | 2001-2003 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Alabama Crimson Tide | 1997-2000 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Clemson Tigers | 1994-1996 |
| Outside Linebackers Coach | Alabama Crimson Tide | 1990-1993 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Southern Miss Golden Eagles | 1988-1989 |
| Outside Linebackers Coach | East Carolina Pirates | 1985-1987 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Appalachian State Mountaineers | 1984 |
| Head Coach | Gardner-Webb Bulldogs | 1983 |
| Linebackers Coach | The Citadel | 1982 |
| Head Coach | Spartanburg High School | 1980-1981 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Spartanburg High School (S.C.) | 1979 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Gaffney High School (S.C.) | 1976-1978 |
| Defensive Ends Coach | The Citadel | 1975 |