When Wesley McGriff left Gus Malzahn’s Auburn staff to take over Hugh Freeze’s defense in Oxford, the Tigers had to go searching for a new secondary coach. The open position on Auburn’s staff didn’t last long, however, as Missouri defensive back coach Greg Brown has decided to take the same position on The Plains.

Brown has over 37 years of coaching experience, including having spent 12 seasons coaching in the NFL. 2016 was Brown’s only season at Missouri, as he came on board when Barry Odom took over the program. Before joining Mizzou, Brown was on Louisville’s staff for two seasons. Following his last season with the Cardinals, both his starting safeties were selected in the NFL draft. Brown also has further ties to the SEC, as he was Alabama’s secondary coach in 2013.

Under Brown’s leadership, Missouri’s defense finished tied for third in the SEC with 15 interceptions this season. That high number was accomplished despite the fact the Tigers did not play in a bowl game and the two teams that finished with more picks this year, Alabama and Florida, both registered interceptions during the bowl season.

Following the news, Auburn released an offical statement, which included comments from its head coach:

“I’m excited to welcome Greg Brown, who is one of the best defensive backs coach in all of football to our staff at Auburn,” Malzahn said. “Greg has coached three Thorpe Award winners and has a strong proven track record of developing players at both the college and professional level.”

The statement included comments from Brown, as well:

“I’m extremely excited to come to Auburn and have the opportunity to work for Gus Malzahn and on the defensive side of the ball with Kevin Steele,” Brown said. “Auburn has a great football tradition built on hard work and toughness. I can’t wait to get to Auburn to help continue to build upon that success.”