In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Derrick Nix opens up on why he chose to leave Ole Miss, and Dillon Wade's move to left guard is explained
If you looked at Lane Kiffin's Twitter a couple months ago, you would have never thought that Derrick Nix would be parting ways with the Rebels. However, the former Ole Miss OC did indeed leave Oxford to become the offensive coordinator and running backs coach on the Plains.
Nix spent the last 16 years on the Rebels' staff, and spoke earlier this week about why he felt it was time to take the leap and join Auburn football.
“I’m a believer, and this was a God-led decision. It was just the right time for me and my family,” Nix said," per The Montgomery Advertiser. “In my mind I accomplished the things I wanted to do at Ole Miss, and if you know Hugh Freeze like I know him, he is a great recruiter too.
“I’m in a position where I’m learning on the go. So to be with a guy like coach Freeze and a (quarterbacks coach) Kent Austin, who I have worked with before, I look at this situation as a place where I can develop and be the best version of myself.”
Why did Dillon Wade move to left guard?
Last season, Tulsa transfer Dillon Wade was a key offensive lineman for the Auburn football program, starting 12 games at the left tackle position. But nearing the end of his collegiate career, Wade started to look to the future and try to determine his path to the NFL.
According to offensive line coach Jake Thornton, the best way forward for Wade was switching him from left tackle to left guard, a move that was possible thanks to the addition of Percy Lewis from the transfer portal.
"After the season, just like everybody that kind of hits that draft eligible year, he had some questions about how do I get myself on the draft boards? How do I get myself ready? Just looking at D-Wade, his body type is what the NFL is looking for in a center or guard,” said offensive line coach Jake Thornton, per Auburn Rivals. “And having the athletic ability, having the natural power. It was the best for both of us because I do think having him at guard with how much wide zone we run, how much counter we run, he’s going to fit that position perfectly. And it’s going to help him elevate his draft status to get ready for after next season.”
It's a move that will benefit both Wade and the team as a whole heading into the 2024 season.