Update: AL.com’s Tom Green is reporting that Horton will stay on staff in an off-field role. The headline has also been updated to reflect the demotion as opposed to dismissal.

Original article:

Auburn will reportedly be looking for a new running backs coach. Bryan Matthews of Auburn Sports on the Rivals network is reporting that Tim Horton is out as Tigers running backs coach.

A multi-decade coaching veteran, Horton has coached the running backs the last six years at Auburn, a legacy which includes Kerryon Johnson and Tre Mason among others. Prior to coming to AU, Horton coached at Arkansas, his alma mater.

On the surface, the timing of the move is curious. The recruiting “dead period” is over and the unsigned players in the 2019 class are taking their final visits ahead of February’s National Signing Day. It is not a time many staffs want to be down an assistant coach.