Auburn Tigers News: LB coach Josh Aldridge hired at ECU, edge rusher enters portal

Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA;  Auburn Tigers linebackers coach Josh Aldridge celebrates with cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (18) during the annual Auburn Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebackers coach Josh Aldridge celebrates with cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (18) during the annual Auburn Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images | John Reed-Imagn Images

In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, linebackers coach Josh Aldridge has agreed to a role at ECU and edge rusher Amaris Williams will enter the portal

After two seasons on the Plains, it has been reported that Auburn football linebackers coach Josh Aldridge will be parting ways with the Tigers. Aldridge has agreed to a two-year deal to be the defensive coordinator at East Carolina University, per On3.

Before arriving at Auburn with head coach Hugh Freeze, Aldridge spent four seasons at Liberty as a defensive coach — two as co-defensive coordinator and two as linebackers coach.

The Pirates' defense struggled in the 2024 season, ranking 85th in scoring defense and allowing 27.8 points per game. Their pass defense was ranked 96th in the country and their run defense was ranked 93rd.

Edge rusher Amaris Williams will enter the portal

Meanwhile, another Auburn Tiger is expected to enter the transfer portal. Freshman edge Amaris Williams will reportedly enter the portal after just one season on the Plains. He is the thirteenth Auburn football player to enter the portal.

Auburn Undercover reports that Williams was expected to be a key piece of the Tigers' defense in 2025 after playing in 10 games as a true freshman. He finished with sick tackles and half a sack. Auburn Undercover also indicates that the Auburn football staff will work to convince Williams to stay with the Tigers, so the situation could change in the coming days.

Williams was a 4-star recruit out of high school and was originally committed to the Florida Gators. He flipped to Auburn on Early Signing Day, becoming the Tigers' second most highly rated player in the class of 2024. He was ranked as the #6 edge in his class and the #1 player out of North Carolina.