Auburn Football: Will Muschamp, New Auburn Defense 101

Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp talks with linebacker Ronald Powell (7) during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

When the Auburn football program opens spring practice Tuesday, the defensive players will hit the field for the first time with Will Muschamp leading the unit.

Muschamp was hired in December to replace Ellis Johnson, who was fired following the Tigers’ 55-44 loss to Alabama in the regular season finale. The former Florida head coach was present during Outback Bowl preparations, and sat in the booth during the game, but Charlie Harbison was the acting coordinator and ran the defense leading up to and during the bowl game.

While Muschamp will be leading practice for the first time this week, his players and the rest of the new defensive staff have already worked hard to install the new system during meetings.

“The NCAA allows us to meet with them and go over football and talk in terms of film,” Muschamp said recently. “And (we can) watch film and go over football — schemes and things. You’re able to do a lot more now than two years ago by what rules allow. But you play football with a helmet and shoulder pads on, and that’s what I’m waiting to see.”

Simply, Muschamp has done a lot of teaching, but it’s now time to see how much the players have learned and where the coaching staff must go from here to prepare for Louisville in the season opener September 5.

“A lot of it has to do with scheme, terminology, being able to understand (things), not thinking, but reacting when you get on the field,” Muschamp said. “That’s a huge part of being a good football player — being able to play fast and not have to think about your assignments, but react to your assignments. For guys, the more they hear it, the more reps they get at it mentally and physically, helps them be a better player.”

We’ll get more into the X’s and O’s that go with the scheme and terminology before the 2015 Auburn football season begins in September, but with spring practice beginning this week, let’s take a simple look at Will Muschamp and the new Auburn defense.

Next: Will Muschamp's Base Defense: The Multiple 4-3