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Auburn Football: Will Muschamp Intro Press Conference Notes, Quotes and Video

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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The Auburn football team officially has a new defensive coordinator. Will Muschamp was introduced in a Saturday press conference on campus, and while the sound wasn’t always the best, we were able to stream the press conference live on auburntigers.com.

Towards the beginning of the presser, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn gave some insight on how the coaching staff will be structured for the upcoming bowl season.

He announced that Muschamp will not coach in the bowl game and that Charlie Harbison will have the role of defensive coordinator in the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin. Coach Boom will be back on campus next week to monitor bowl practices before spending the Christmas holidays at home.

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Speaking of home, when Muschamp took the podium, he emphasized that the decision to return to Auburn for a third time (where he was a graduate assistant for Terry Bowden and spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator for Tommy Tuberville) was a family one.

“At the end of the day, I’m just a ball coach. … I’m grateful to have a family that accepts that.”

As for his other options?

“This is the only job I was offered.”

Muschamp may have never been officially offered another job, but he was rumored to have received interest from Texas A&M, South Carolina, the NFL and also reportedly interviewed for the vacant head coaching post at Houston.

“It’s not about being a head coach, I’d rather be a DC at Auburn and win championships.”

Coach Boom was asked about the make up of Auburn defensive coaching staff. Multiple reports, including those from Phillip Marshall and FootballScoop, have indicated that former Auburn defensive back and Florida DB coach Travaris Robinson will be joining Muschamp on staff.

“That’s Gus’ decision,” he said.

Muschamp was asked about the makeup of the Auburn defensive unit.

“The front seven is strong…I’m looking forward to coaching some of those guys that turned me down,” emphasizing that there is talent on the roster and several players he attempted to recruit to Gainesville as the head coach of the Gators. He specifically mentioned sophomore defensive end Carl Lawson as a key piece to the puzzle, and someone that the Tigers missed this season.

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

How about operating as a defensive coordinator with a hurry-up, no-huddle offense?

Muschamp was fired as the head coach at Florida because he didn’t win enough. A major factor was the lack of productivity on the offensive side of the football. In response, Muschamp mentioned that Florida averaged 70 plays per game in 2014, and Auburn had just two more on average.

“In life, perception is sometimes not reality.”

Florida hired Kurt Roper prior to the 2014 season, who installed a faster-paced offense than the one Muschamp ran with previous offensive coordinators Charlie Wies and Brent Pease. It didn’t result in a strong enough offensive performance to keep his job, but the Gators were still solid defensively with a more up tempo offensive attack.

“We’ve been pretty good where we’ve been and we’ve also had some good players. It’s all about the players.”

Muschamp will run a multiple defense, based largely in a 4-3 scheme. However, as he mentioned, success on defense is easier to come by when you’ve got talented players, no matter the scheme they play.

With his reputation as a master recruiter, and specifically one of the best closers in college football, bringing top notch talent to the Plains shouldn’t be too difficult.

And he’s ready to hit the recruiting trail.

“When we walk out that door, we’re going,” Muschamp said.

Of course, Muschamp also reminded us that talent is great, but it only takes you so far. Work ethic is extremely important as well. He’ll have an opportunity to see the work ethic and ability of the current Auburn defensive players next week in bowl practices.

“Film can only take you so far…you have to observe practice. I know (Auburn) has recruited some great players.”

And though he’s had a ton of success as a coordinator, Muschamp has a lot of new insight now having been a head coach as well.

“There’s no question you have a different perspective as way to approach things.”

But overall, he wants to win. Which is why he chose Auburn.

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    • “I’m certainly looking forward to getting back on the field.”

    After Muschamp left the podium, Malzahn took some questions. First, the head coach was asked if there will be any additional defensive coaching staff changes (with Robinson the most likely candidate to be added).

    “We’ve got a solid defensive staff,” Malzahn said. “Will will have ownersrhip over that. Me and him will get together.”

    How long did it take Malzahn to determine that Muschamp was “The Guy?”

    Not long.

    “He was the first guy that I contacted. He’s the guy that I wanted.”

    It’s been rumored for nearly two weeks that Muschamp was Malzahn’s top target. And he was patient enough to land him.

    “I’m not a real patient guy, but I felt like I needed to be in this setting,” Malzahn said. He also mentioned that there was no deadline given to Muschamp to make a decision.

    “I just knew who that’s who we wanted and who we needed.”

    Why?

    There are several reasons of course, but ultimately Muschamp is the right package of energy, teaching ability, master motivator, top-notch recruiter, and experience with a terrific track record of success as a defensive coordinator.

    “I love his energy. I’m an energy guy, too…”

    “He’s one of the best defensive minds in all of college football…”

    “Kids love to play for him, with all the success he’s had…”

    It sounds like the perfect fit.

    Here’s the full press conference video from AuburnSports.com:

    Next: Report: Travaris Robinson to Join Auburn Coaching Staff

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