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Auburn football offensive coordinator hot board: Candidates to watch

Lance Dawe

~3 minutes

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December rolls on, and Auburn still has not found its offensive coordinator.

the Tigers have begun to fill out their staff underneath head coach Hugh Freeze but have yet to name either coordinator - despite the regular season being over for all of the named candidates floating out there.

The previous regime at Auburn sucked the life out of the offense, left the cupboard pretty bare and left (shoutout Will Friend for making it work through November). There needs to be a solid hire made - one that can evaluate and elevate whatever quarterback the Tigers choose to go with.

Here's a list of candidates.

Phil Longo - North Carolina

There's some legitimate smoke surrounding Phil Longo, the current offensive coordinator for North Carolina. The Tar Heels rank 11th in the nation in total yards while also possessing the individual leader in total yards (QB Drake Maye). Longo was Freeze’s OC at Ole Miss in 2017.

Charlie Weis Jr. - Ole Miss

Weis is in his first year with the Rebels - and it's going swimmingly. Ole Miss is eight nationally in total offense, fourth in rushing yards and 24th in yards per play. Despite a drop-off in talent from a season ago, the Ole Miss offense is still clicking.

Auburn has already nabbed the Rebels' offensive line coach Jake Thorton. Who's to say Weis doesn't follow him over to the Plains?

Garrett Riley - TCU

Riley is on here simply because of what he's done for the Horned Frogs this season - and he's probably not leaving. TCU is top 15 in total offense, yards per play, and scoring offense. Riley turned decent Big 12 quarterback Max Duggan into a Heisman finalist.

There's little chance Riley leaves TCU - the timing also doesn't work out with the Horned Frogs in the playoff - but he's a coordinator name to watch everywhere.

Kendal Briles - Arkansas

Briles is most known for his high-flying offenses during his time at Baylor (OC from 2015-16). Two of his three seasons with the Razorbacks included top 30 finishes nationally in total offense.

His style would likely mesh well with Hugh Freeze.

Edited December 8, 2022 by aubiefifty

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5 Auburn freshmen burn redshirts in productive season for 2022 class

Nathan King

7–9 minutes

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Hugh Freeze is hard at work attempting to secure a strong 2023 finish for Auburn on the recruiting trail ahead of this month's signing period. But the Tigers' new head coach is also inheriting more than a few talented youngsters from the 2022 class, as well.

Five of Auburn's 14 true freshmen — four on offense, one on defense — burned their redshirts this season. The Tigers saw encouraging production primarily at more than a few positions, and now it's up to Freeze and his new assistant staff to continue that development into this offseason and next fall.

Here's how Auburn's 2022 class performed during their true freshman campaigns, plus a look at how they project on the Tigers' roster in 2023 and beyond.

(Greg McWilliams, 247Sports)

QB Holden Geriner

Games played: 1 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 2-3, 8 yards

2023 outlook: The highest-rated recruit in Auburn's quarterback room, Geriner came in for two drives in Week 4 against Missouri after a minor injury to Robby Ashford. When T.J. Finley was unavailable down the stretch, Geriner became Auburn's full-time backup, though he wasn't needed in another game. Regarded as a high-ceiling passer, Geriner should benefit from Freeze's tutelage and could challenge for the starting job within the next couple years.

RB Damari Alston

Games played: 10 (not eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 14 carries, 85 yards

2023 outlook: The former 4-star Atlanta recruit showed some flashes as Auburn's No. 3 ball-carrier this past season, and he figures to move up to the backup spot behind Jarquez Hunter next year, assuming Tank Bigsby enters the draft.

WR Camden Brown

Games played: 11 (not eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 9 receptions, 123 yards, 2 TDs

2023 outlook: One of the most exciting newcomers on the roster this season, Brown had touchdowns against LSU and Arkansas, along with a few impressive catches downfield. He didn't play as much as Auburn's more veteran receivers, but that could change with another year of experience. Brown also resembles some of the big-bodied wideouts Freeze had so much success with at Ole Miss.

(Greg McWilliams, 247Sports)

WR Omari Kelly

Games played: 10 (not eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 3 catches, 56 yards

2023 outlook: Auburn perhaps would have liked more production out of Kelly if it was going to burn his redshirt. Regardless, the former 4-star recruit was able to break into the rotation and only adds to the athleticism and long-term talent in the receivers room moving forward.

WR Jay Fair

Games played: 7 (not eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 2 catches, 34 yards

2023 outlook: The least utilized of Auburn's trio of freshman receivers, Fair still played a fair amount, as all three players will be true sophomores in 2023. Fair's usage next year could depend on who's left in the receiving corps and who Freeze brings in from the transfer portal.

TE Micah Riley-Ducker

Games played: 4 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: N/A

2023 outlook: Though Riley-Ducker didn't catch a pass, he graded out fairly well as a blocker in the games he did play, particularly springing a Hunter touchdown against Mississippi State with a nice job of setting the edge on a sweep. It might be another year for Riley-Ducker to really contribute, considering John Samuel Shenker is the only tight end out of eligibility from this year's team.

OL E.J. Harris

Games played: 0 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: N/A

2023 outlook: A local product from Auburn High School, Harris could have an opportunity to move up the depth chart next year, considering the exodus of several veteran offensive linemen.

DT Enyce Sledge

Games played: 2 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: N/A

2023 outlook: Both lines of scrimmage for Auburn will see notable turnover this offseason, so Sledge could work his way into a rotational role if he makes a strong impression on new defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett. A monstrous athlete at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Sledge could benefit from the departure of nose tackle Marquis Burks, who is out of eligibility.

(Greg McWilliams, 247Sports)

LB Robert Woodyard

Games played: 4 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 4 tackles

2023 outlook: The top recruit in Auburn's 2022 class, Woodyard got his feet wet as a true freshman but will still maintain a redshirt. Auburn will likely target a linebacker in the transfer portal to help offset the loss of senior Owen Pappoe, but Woodyard has plenty of talent and figures to develop into a starting-caliber player. It also helps that his position coach, Christian Robinson, is likely to be retained on Freeze's staff.

LB Powell Gordon

Games played: 0 

Stats: N/A

2023 outlook: Gordon may still be buried on the linebacker depth chart next season, but at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he could kick outside to a thin edge rusher room if needed.

(Greg McWilliams, 247Sports)

CB J.D. Rhym

Games played: 12 (not eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 14 tackles, 2 PBUs

2023 outlook: After settling in for a few games, Rhym emerged as Auburn's No. 4 cornerback behind D.J. James, Nehemiah Pritchett and Jaylin Simpson. And when Simpson moved to safety late in the year due to injuries, Rhym had six tackles and a pass breakup in Auburn's last four games. The Tigers' top producing true freshman on defense, Rhym looks to have a bright future in the secondary. His position coach, Zac Etheridge, is also likely to be retained.

CB Austin Ausberry

Games played: 3 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: N/A

2023 outlook: A former top-200 overall recruit, Ausberry wasn't able to crack the main secondary rotation as a true freshman but still projects as a talented contributor at any defensive back spot. He took the majority of his snaps at nickel during his limited playing time.

S Caleb Wooden

Games played: 4 (eligible for redshirt)

Stats: 9 tackles, 1 pass breakup

2023 outlook: Wooden saw increased snaps late in the season after injuries to safeties Donovan Kaufman and Zion Puckett, and showed good speed and tackling skills. It's unclear whether the Tigers will have any exits at safety, though, with Kaufman a rising senior, and Puckett still with a year of COVID-19 eligibility.

">247Sports

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Auburn football defensive coordinator hot board: An impressive list of candidates

Lance Dawe

~3 minutes

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Auburn's defense needs a refresh.

Since the departure of former DC Kevin Steele, the Tigers have struggled on that side of the ball - and after Jeff Schmedding took over as DC this season, the dam broke.

Bryan Harsin is out, Hugh Freeze is in, and a quick reset and restoration is in order.

Here are some candidates to take over as defensive coordinator under Freeze.

Zach Arnett - Mississippi State

Arnett has piloted one of the most successful SEC defenses over the last three seasons for the Bulldogs. He's considered a riser in the industry. His 2019 defense at San Diego State was a top ten unit nationally.

Although he is probably looking to make a move up as a head coach in the near future, Arnett would be a solid choice.

Charles Kelly - Alabama

Kelly is the current assistant defensive coordinator/safeties coach for the Crimson Tide. He's a former defensive back for Auburn was a GA on the Plains in 1993.

We have had multiple sources tell us before Freeze was hired that Kelly would be a name to watch for DC. He's still on our list as of December 7th.

Travis Williams - UCF

Former player? Check. Former position coach? Check. Former Co-DC? Check. Experience as a true DC? Also check.

Auburn fans would likely be thrilled with this hire. Proving he can coach a solid defense at UCF has done wonders for his potential to move up in the coaching ranks.

Tony Gibson - NC State

After spending five seasons at West Virginia as DC, Gibson moved over to NC State in 2019. All four of his defenses with the Wolfpack have finished in the top half of the ACC. Most notably, he's statistically improved with every year, having finished in the top 25 in total defense the past two seasons.

Gibson has been around the block, and would be an intriguing hire from an X's and O's standpoint. Recruiting may be a question mark.

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Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game: Day One Eye Catchers from the Yellowhammer State

Cooper Petagna

5–6 minutes

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MOBILE, Ala. -- Considered one of the most talented postseason all-star events in the country, the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game rarely fails to deliver a quality product. Taking place on Thursday evening at the University of South Alabama, both Alabama and Mississippi teams participated in their first of six practices before Saturday’s matchup.

247Sports takes you inside the event.

ALPHA DOG

Although Thursday evening’s practice setting was somewhat controlled, Top247 defensive lineman and Florida commit Kelby Collins did not waste any time making the case that he’s one of, if not the best player in Mobile this week. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 280-pounds, Collins possesses a lean muscular frame with long arms and room to grow as he continues to physically develop. An explosive and disruptive interior pass rusher on film, Collins’ ability to play multiple positions across the defensive line, as well as flashing some natural ability off the edge helped separate him on day one of practice. A multi-dimensional athlete with excellent position and scheme versatility, it feels as though Collins is only scratching the surface of his ascending ceiling.

Top Performers

Next up, Top247 defensive lineman and Clemson pledge Peter Woods. If there was one name that I had circled coming into this week’s full week of practices, it was Woods. Possessing a sawed-off frame at 6-foot-3 and 270-pounds, the Thompson standout has arguably the best motor of any prospect in the 2023 cycle. Although there was a knock or two coming into the week about Woods’ true size and growth potential when projecting to the next level, there’s no denying his ability to be disruptive anywhere on the defensive line. A quick twitch explosive player, the combination of Woods’ first step and heavy hands continue to be no match for even some of the best offensive linemen in Alabama. The good thing about events like these is that it becomes increasingly difficult to overthink what’s right in front of you. Woods has been a terror on the defensive front for his entire career, there’s no reason to believe that won’t be the case on Saturdays as well.

I’m not sure there was a prettier prospect in attendance on Tuesday evening than Top247 defensive lineman and Florida State commit Keldric Faulk. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 240-pounds, I wouldn’t be surprised if Faulk is hovering around closer to 260-pounds as of today. A multi-sport athlete with a basketball background, Faulk is exactly what coaching staffs across the country seek in up and coming front-seven defenders. Not only does Faulk look the part of the hoof but he flashed some juice off the edge and showed he can hold up comfortably on the interior as well. Ranked the No. 128 prospect in the country according to 247Sports, don’t be surprised if you see Faulk boost his stock with a strong week in Mobile.

Flipping to the offensive side of the ball, Top247 offensive tackle Stanton Ramil was one of the most consistent players on a talented offensive line unit. At 6-foot-7 and 310-pounds, Ramil is a better athlete than given credit for. Although he’s seen as a potential right tackle on Saturdays, the Thompson standout looked very comfortable manning the left tackle spot where he’s spent the majority of his career playing. A big body with excellent technique and a nasty streak, Ramil’s an ideal fit for Mel Tucker and company in East Lansing.

One name to keep an eye out for down the stretch as a potential late riser is Auburn corner commit JC Hart. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 175-pounds, Hart is somewhat of a raw athlete but the movement skills and athletic clay are there to mold. Although he’ll need some polish and coaching at the next level, Hart’s size, speed, and athleticism are typically hard to find at a corner position that values his type of physical traits.

Another noticeable standout from this evening's practice included Alabama pledge and Top247 EDGE Yhonzae Pierre. A long and explosive pass rusher from Eufaula, Pierre has the makings of a blossoming developmental prospect that will undoubtedly benefit from an SEC weight room and nutrition program at the next level. Although he’ll need to add some additional weight to his frame to be ready to play on Saturdays, Pierre’s get off and physicality don’t disappoint when setting the edge in the run game. A big plus when evaluating his three-down capability as a pass rusher in Tuscaloosa.

">247Sports

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Questions for Hugh Freeze on Auburn’s defense

Updated: Dec. 07, 2022, 3:59 p.m.|Published: Dec. 07, 2022, 3:55 p.m.

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Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze speaks during his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 29 2022 in Auburn, Ala. Todd Van Emst/AU AthleticsTodd Van Emst/AU Athletics/AU At

By

• Nubyjas Wilborn | nwilborn@al.com

All-SEC Edge rusher and team captain Derick Hall, linebacker and team captain Owen Pappoe, defensive lineman Colby Wooden, and defensive tackle Marquis Burks departing the Plains for the 2023 National Football League draft will significantly change the Tigers’ defense.

Hall, Pappoe, Wooden, and Burks were leaders on and off the field. Replacing this group of players won’t be easy for new head coach Hugh Freeze at Auburn.

Freeze will look to the transfer portal and early signing to address the departures. Here are some areas of concern for the 2023 roster at Auburn for Freeze to address.

Read More Auburn Football: Questions for Hugh Freeze on Auburn’s offense

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Auburn president defends Hugh Freeze hire in email response to concerned fans

Who’s on edge?

Hall, Eku Leota, and Marcus Bragg leaving for graduation/NFL Draft leave a significant gap in an already thin unit for the Tigers. Joko Willis entering the transfer portal adds to the urgency. Dylan Brooks is the only returner with experience as a rusher who can play with his hand on the ground or standing.

Auburn hasn’t announced a defensive coordinator yet, so this position might be called something different under the new coordinator. However, if you want to win, hybrid pass rushers with the skills to drop back in coverage on a tight end or tackle running backs on pass patterns are essential in the Southeastern Conference.

How Freeze handles this position will impact how quickly the Tigers can overcome consecutive losing seasons and missing a bowl game for the first time in nearly a decade.

Linebacker?

Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner are expected to return, and both saw considerable playing time this season for the Tigers. There aren’t many players other than Riley and Steiner with experience on the active roster. Robert Woodyard Jr. and Powell Gordon are talented and showed potential as freshmen. Can Woodyard and Gordon step up with Riley and Steiner? If so, there’s a good chance for the Tigers to be victorious next season. It’d also help if Auburn could find some talent in the transfer portal.

Defensive back?

Jaylin Simpson, Keionte Scott, and freshman J.D. Rhym are expected to return to the Plains. D.J. James is eligible for the NFL Draft as a junior. James had a strong season for Auburn after transferring from Oregon with an invite to the Senior Bowl. He could enter the draft or return his decision will impact the secondary room.

Nehemiah Pritchett could use the extra year of eligibility at Auburn or enter the draft. Pritchett is an experienced and talented player. If Auburn can get Pritchett and James back in the mix, it’d be great for Freeze. If both choose to explore the NFL, it’ll leave a hole in the roster. Pritchett and James should do what’s best for their futures, but it’d help the Tigers a lot if they stay.

Either way, Freeze and his staff will have lots of work over the next few weeks.

“I do think we’ve got to be careful to get the right kids that fit our culture, but at the same time, it’s much easier to add to your roster now than it was when I took over at Ole Miss and they hadn’t won an SEC game in two years,” Freeze told reporters. “Obviously, we were going to some New Year’s Six Bowls in year three and four, so I see no reason why with the current structure we can’t do this fairly fast.”

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group

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Freeze: Auburn has 'work cut out' trying to close gap between Alabama, Georgia

Updated: Dec. 07, 2022, 11:43 a.m.|Published: Dec. 07, 2022, 11:16 a.m.

5–6 minutes

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Hugh Freeze isn’t shying away from Auburn’s top rivals. He made that much apparent during his introductory press conference last week, when he said he hoped Nick Saban was “a little nervous” upon finding out Freeze was the new coach at Auburn.

Of course, in taking over on the Plains, Freeze is stepping into a job that has a high ceiling but one that has its share of challenges. Among them: Auburn’s two biggest rivals, Alabama and Georgia, are two of the premier programs in college football, and the Tigers are one of only two teams in the country (Tennessee being the other) that must go toe-to-toe with the Tide and Bulldogs annually, both on and off the field.

Read more Auburn football: Wesley McGriff returning to Auburn for 3rd stint as assistant coach

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Hugh Freeze discusses QB development, offensive and defensive philosophies

It’s a challenge Freeze, of course, is keenly aware of.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Freeze said during an appearance on Auburn’s in-house podcast, Talking Tigers. “They’re ahead of us right now, and that’s reality. We’ve got to try to close that gap so that on a given day coming in the fall, we have a chance to compete, we have a chance to win.”

Auburn’s struggles against its two biggest rivals have been well-documented. Auburn has beaten Georgia just three times in the last 17 years, with wins in 2010, 2013 and 2017. The Tigers have had more success against the Tide in the Saban era, winning the Iron Bowl five times since he took over in Tuscaloosa; that includes winning two of the last three meetings at Jordan-Hare Stadium, with the lone loss a quadruple-overtime thriller in 2021.

The head-to-head results are what they are, but the real gap between Auburn and its two biggest rivals has come on the talent front. Saban and Kirby Smart have both built juggernaut programs thanks to their relentless recruiting efforts and subsequent success on the trails. Alabama and Georgia rank first and second in the 247Sports composite team talent rankings this season. It’s the third straight year those two have occupied the top-two spots, and neither has been outside the top-four since 2017.

Auburn is 18th in team talent this season; the Tigers were eighth in 2017, the year they last competed for an SEC title.

Freeze, who has back-to-back victories against Saban’s Alabama in 2014 and 2015, understands the quickest way to close the gap between Auburn and its counterparts atop the SEC is to recruit. During an appearance on the set of ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday, he spoke of the need to “revamp” the roster if Auburn wants to compete for championships again. Recruiting is the top priority for Freeze and his staff (which is still in the process of being assembled), who have wasted little time in making inroads with prospects since the recruiting dead period ended last week and the NCAA transfer portal window opened Monday.

RELATED: Assessing Auburn’s biggest positions of need to address through transfer portal

Freeze plans to lean into the portal, particularly in Year 1, to help address some immediate needs on Auburn’s roster, but he still wants the foundation of the program to be built on high school prospects.

“The last thing you want to do is settle, because, ‘oh yeah, he’s in the portal and we need a body, but really we’re not in love with him,’ — and there may be some positions we have to do that, but I do believe, I think if you wait, you might even get better,” Freeze said of his approach to the portal. “So, we’ve got to be patient and smart. There’s no question the portal is going to be vital in Year 1 — every year, but for sure this year.”

Between the portal, a historically rich pool of talent in the state in the 2023 class and the benefits of NIL — complete with a war chest of funds accumulated by Auburn’s On To Victory collective — Freeze is optimistic the Tigers can start to close in on the likes of Georgia and Alabama, even with the early signing period two weeks away. Alabama and Georgia have the top-two recruiting classes this cycle, while Auburn’s class currently ranks 51st in the 247Sports composite with 11 commits after two recruits — four-star receiver Adam Hopkins and three-star defensive lineman Jamarrion Harkless — decommitted last week, and a strong close with this transitional class will be imperative for Freeze.

“How quickly that can happen closing the gap, I’m not sure yet,” Freeze said. “I’ve got to get in there and figure it out. There’s only one way to get there, and that’s to start. Let’s close it a little in Year 1 and see what the scoreboard says.”

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

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