It didn’t take Auburn long to replace Herb Hand.

One day after Hand bolted to join the staff at Texas, it’s being reported that Auburn plans to bring back J.B. Grimes to coach Gus Malzahn’s offensive line. Grimes coached the unit at Auburn before Hand took over in 2016. Ironically enough, Grimes worked with former Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee in 2017 at UConn.

Auburn has since confirmed this news and provided a statement from Grimes:

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to get back to the Plains. I’ve always loved Auburn and have always loved the people at Auburn. They are my type of people. Auburn people love the game of football and know what it takes to win. I can’t wait to get back and work with coach Malzahn and the rest of the coaches and staff that I know and have worked with before. I hold them dear to my heart. I look forward to getting to work and doing my part to help Auburn win football games.”

In his three seasons coaching Auburn’s offensive line, the Tigers never ranked lower than No. 5 in the SEC in rushing. In fact, in 2013, the Tigers led the SEC in rushing by averaging over 328 yards per game on the ground. Perhaps most importantly for Auburn fans, the Tigers never ranked outside the top 4 in sacks allowed during those seasons, either. Auburn ranked No. 13 in the SEC in that stat last season.

College football insider Brett McMurphy broke the news Wednesday morning: