Gus Malzahn will reportedly be looking for a new offensive assistant.

According to Jason Caldwell of Inside the Auburn Tigers, offensive line coach J.B. Grimes has stepped down to pursue other opportunities.

Grimes, who has multiple decades of coaching experience, was in his second stint on The Plains. He was first on Malzahn’s staff from 2013-15. Grimes was at Cincinnati for the 2016 season and coached at UConn in 2017 before returning to AU for the 2018 season.

Malzahn credited Grimes as being a big part of the team’s success in 2013 (SEC champions, BCS Championship Game appearance) when the Tigers led the NCAA in rushing offense. Grimes and Malzahn previously worked together at Arkansas State in 2012.

Grimes’ replacement will be an important hire for Malzahn. The Tigers have four senior starters (Prince Tega Wanogho Jr., Marquel Harrell, Mike Horton, Jack Driscoll) departing while Nick Brahms will be the only returning lineman with starting experience.