Auburn has a new defensive line coach. On Wednesday, Bryan Harsin announced that veteran NFL assistant Nick Eason will coach the Tigers’ defensive line.

“Nick is a hire we are extremely excited about as he has coached and played at the highest level,” Harsin said in a school release. “After a 10-year NFL career, he moved right into coaching and quickly became an NFL position coach within two years. That’s something that doesn’t happen every day and speaks volumes for his coaching and connection ability. As we got to know Nick better through this process, the football part of it became very apparent as he is a great teacher. But what stands out about Nick, in addition, is his personality, professionalism and an ability to form a relationship with people very quickly.”

Eason has been in coaching since 2013 and was the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive line coach the past two seasons.

“I want to thank Auburn University, Athletics Director Allen Greene, Coach Bryan Harsin and Defensive Coordinator Derek Mason for the opportunity to be a part of one of the most elite programs in the country,” Eason said via the program announcement. “In visiting with Coach Harsin it was clear he knows the culture required and has a plan in place to create a foundation for success to produce championships. He has great passion and cares for his staff, players and the program. This is a great fit for me to coach and recruit great players and be a part of a football program with great success and tradition.”

A 10-year veteran of the National Football League from 2003-12 and former Clemson team captain, Eason got his start as a Cleveland Browns assistant defensive line coach in 2013. He then spent four seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2014-17) before a year at Austin Peay (2018). He returned to the pro ranks in 2019 with the Bengals.

It was reported Sunday that Tracy Rocker was joining the Philadelphia Eagles staff.