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Former Auburn football defensive coordinator uniquely lauded by Wazzu head coach

By Andrew Hughes

The last Auburn football defensive coordinator, hired in the same role at Washington State, was uniquely lauded by Wazzu head coach Jake Dickert Mandatory Credit: The Montgomery Advertiser
The last Auburn football defensive coordinator, hired in the same role at Washington State, was uniquely lauded by Wazzu head coach Jake Dickert Mandatory Credit: The Montgomery Advertiser /
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Former Auburn football defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, who served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Bryan Harsin at both Boise State and AU, is now in the same role at Washington State — and his new head coach had unique praise for the Spokane native: Wazzu HC Jake Dickert lauded Schmedding’s ability to recruit in the Pacific Northwest.

“Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, and truly understands our region of the country,” Washington State coach Jake Dickert said in a statement (h/t ESPN). “Jeff will put his stamp on our defense and I can’t wait to work alongside him in continuing the foundation of defensive football we have built here at WSU.”

Schmedding, whose Auburn football tenure didn’t yield particularly standout results on the field or on the recruiting trail, is primarily seen as an asset because of his time at Boise.

The Auburn football defense thrived under Jeff Schmedding after Bryan Harsin was fired

While things were mostly rocky for Auburn football with Jeff Schmedding as the defensive coordinator during the 2022 season, it should be noted that once Bryan Harsin was fired on Halloween, things improved substantially.

After getting lit up for over 40 points three consecutive matchups in October, the Tigers were able to limit two of their final three opponents to 17 points or less. The level of competition dropped, sure, but Western Kentucky had the quarterback (Austin Reed) with the most all-purpose yards in college football and Texas A&M showed in their final matchup of the season against LSU that they can run the score up when things were clicking offensively.

This isn’t to say that Harsin, an offensively-focused coach who focused more on play-calling, was the sole reason. It more had to do with improved morale under head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams.

It is to say, though, that there’s a reason why Schmedding was hired immediately after not being retained by Hugh Freeze.

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