Auburn football: CW sees former Tigers OC as potential future HC

Gus Malzahn won’t be the only ex-Tiger coach looking to make big waves in the Sunshine State in 2021. Rhett Lashlee, the offensive coordinator for Auburn football from 2013-2016, will be looking to bring the Miami Hurricanes program to greater heights on the offensive end this upcoming season for the ACC title game losers this past December.

While the “U” had one of the better seasons in a conference that was as top-heavy as any in 2020–with Clemson making the College Football Playoff and North Carolina representing the conference in the Orange Bowl–there is certainly room to improve with two teams higher in the standings.

With D’Eriq King returning to the ‘Canes in 2021, the potential to take that next step is evident. If that were to happen, Canes Warning’s Alan Rubenstein believes Lashlee could put himself in line for a potential future HC job in Division I FBS college football:

"Lashlee has shown the ability to adapt to his players. He has a good grasp of his personnel and what works best to put them in a position to succeed. The ability for Lashlee to adapt to his roster is an extremely important trait to have as a head coach. Opportunities for Lashlee after the 2021 season are multi-faceted."

Lashlee certainly was a quick study on the Plains, developing Nick Marshall into an even better passer the season after his National Championship appearance, seeing his passing touchdown total increase to 20 (from 14) while only throwing one more interception in 2014 (7) than he did in 2013.

As Rubenstein points out, the inconsistency from their receiving core hurt them in 2020, but help could be on the way:

"Lashlee needs to get better play from his offensive line and wide receivers in 2021. Will Mallory has proven he can be a threat to opposing defenses when Jordan has been out with injuries over the last two seasons. The inconsistent play at WR had Miami sign transfer Charleston Rambo to pair with leading receiver Mike Harley."

If King could see consistency from his receiving targets, Miami could well be a formidable challenger to Clemson for the ACC crown this upcoming campaign.

Perhaps Lashlee could be a branch of Gus Malzahn’s coaching tree, and another former Auburn football leader could be manning the sidelines for an FBS program.