Bryan Harsin announced his new defensive staff hires and assignments on Saturday, thanking departing defensive coordinator Derek Mason.

With Mason leaving, Jeff Schmedding has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Schmedding’s previous titles were assistant head coach/linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. Cornerbacks coach Zac Ehteridge is now the secondary coach and will serve as recruiting coordinator.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Coach Mason for his leadership as our defensive coordinator this past season and wish nothing but the best for him on his next steps,” Harsin said in the team release. “The decision to leave Auburn was not an easy one for him, and he will always be a part of the Auburn family.

“Coach Schmedding was at Coach Mason’s side day after day getting our defense prepared and ready. He is a tremendous defensive coach, who has coordinated championship defenses and is a proven winner. I know our defense will take the next steps forward under Coach Schmedding’s leadership.”

Auburn alum Jimmy Brumbaugh, a former All-SEC defensive lineman, has joined Harsin’s staff as the new defensive line coach. Christian Robinson, an experienced SEC coach and player, joins the staff as linebackers coach/defensive run game coordinator.

“As we worked through this entire process, we were able to zero in and find two defensive assistant coaches who fit the coaching criteria and expectations we must have,” Harsin said. “Jimmy Brumbaugh is an Auburn Man with an extensive resume that includes several SEC schools and a long list of players he’s developed who have gone on to play in the NFL. He will be a veteran presence and great teacher of the game for our men up front. You couple that with Christian Robinson, who is a coach who was literally raised with SEC football. Played in this league and has coached the last seven years at four different SEC programs. He’s a humble and hungry coach that we can’t wait to get around our backers and the rest of the defense.”

Brumbaugh returns to the SEC after spending the 2021 season as a defensive analyst at Oregon. His most recent on-field coaching role was at Tennessee, coaching the Vols’ defensive line. Brumbaugh’s other SEC stops in his coaching career include Kentucky (2013-16) and LSU (2006-07).

Robinson was on Florida’s staff the past 4 seasons, his first on-field coaching gig. A former Georgia defender, he also has experience as an assistant at UGA, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

Harsin also announced that edge linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Bert Watts has added the title of associate head coach.