Heading into his third year on the Plains, Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze is still trying to perfect his recipe for success. His first year was about as good as anyone expected, but there were major staff changes as behind-the-scenes problems were hinted at in the media.
With a mostly new coaching staff for the 2024 season, many expected that there would be significant improvements and more wins in the season. There weren't, and for a multitude of reasons. However, last year's struggles have made the 2025 season even more important for Freeze. They say a coach should get three years at a program before judgment is handed down, and this is Year 3.
Freeze and his staff hit the portal hard in the December window, having brought in over 14 transfers so far, and the quarterback room will look completely different this fall. But there have been major changes on the coaching staff, too.
Co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly left the program to take the head coaching job at Jacksonville State, and the Tigers' linebackers coach Josh Aldridge left for the defensive coordinator position at East Carolina University. Just days ago it was announced that former special teams coordinator Tanner Burns would be parting ways with the Tigers to join Texas State as associate head coach/special teams coordinator/defensive analyst, per Auburn Live. Who will coach special teams in Burns' absence is the only role that has not been decided upon as of yet.
Former defensive assistant TJ Rushing was promoted to coach safeties in an on-field role, and former Auburn football assistant coach Roc Bellantoni will return to the Plains to coach edge linebackers.
Below is the full list of the 2025 Auburn football coaching staff:
- Quarterbacks coach: Kent Austin
- Offensive coordinator/Running backs coach: Derrick Nix
- Wide receivers coach: Marcus Davis
- Tight ends coach: Ben Aigamaua
- Offensive line coach: Jake Thornton
- Defensive coordinator/Linebackers coach: DJ Durkin
- Defensive line coach: Vontrell King-Williams
- Defensive edge coach: Roc Bellantoni
- Cornerbacks coach: Wesley McGriff
- Safeties coach: TJ Rushing
- Special Teams Coordinator: ?