Gus Malzahn’s Auburn program gained a ton of momentum late in the year after a relatively slow start to the season, leaving hopes high that 2018 could be a special season if the Tigers can carry over that momentum into the offseason.
However, that goal may have just gotten much tougher to do as a key assistant is reportedly leaving the program.
According to college football insider Brett McMurphy, offensive line coach Herb Hand is leaving Auburn for Texas. Hand is apparently being given a promotion to co-offensive coordinator at OL coach in Austin.
Noted as one of the top offensive line coaches in the nation, this would be a big loss to the Tigers moving forward.
Sources: Auburn OL coach Herb Hand headed to Texas as co-OC/OL coach
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 16, 2018
Hand has been on Auburn’s staff since the 2016 season. He came over from James Franklin’s Penn State staff. The Tigers finished the season ranked No. 4 in the SEC in rushing last season despite injuries to both Kerryon Johnson and Kam Pettway during the season. In 2016, with both backs healthy for the majority of the season, Auburn finished with the No. 1 rushing attack in the league.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
