12/16/22 Auburn Articles

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Auburn making change at key defensive assistant spot, per report

Adam Spencer

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Auburn is putting together its first coaching staff under new head coach Hugh Freeze, and that means big changes.

Philip Montgomery has been brought in as the offensive coordinator, with Ron Roberts joining the staff as the defensive coordinator. Both hires were made official on Wednesday.

On Thursday, it was reported by Justin Hokanson of On3 Sports that Roberts and Freeze were making a change at the LB coach spot, letting go of popular assistant Christian Robinson:

SOURCES: Auburn is making changes at the linebackers coach position, as Christian Robinson is out and a familiar coach to Hugh Freeze is poised to take over coaching the position under Ron Roberts

FREE https://t.co/1d2BAoPG34

— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) December 15, 2022

Per Hokanson’s report, Auburn is expected to bring in former Liberty LB coach/co-DC Josh Aldridge to fill the LB coach role for the Tigers.

Robinson played linebacker at Georgia from 2009 to 2012. He joined Auburn’s coaching staff under Bryan Harsin in January of 2022.

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Christian Robinson is out as Auburn linebacker coach

Published: Dec. 15, 2022, 1:19 p.m.

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Coach Christian Robinson Auburn football practice on Wednesday, Nov 2 2022 in Auburn, AL. Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

By

• Nubyjas Wilborn | nwilborn@al.com

According to a source, Christian Robinson is no longer the linebacker coach and defensive run game coordinator at Auburn.

Former head coach Bryan Harsin hired Robinson in January after Robinson spent four seasons at Florida as a linebacker coach. Robinson remained on the staff after Harsin got fired during the season, and several observers thought he’d stay into the 2023 season. He was seen on the road recruiting as recently as last week.

Robinson became the linebackers coach when Jeff Schmedding moved up from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator when Derek Mason left Harsin’s staff for the same position at Oklahoma State under Mike Gundy.

Read More Auburn Football: Hugh Freeze officially hires Philip Montgomery as Auburn’s offensive coordinator

Hugh Freeze hires offensive and defensive coordinators at Auburn

Auburn legacy DB Colton Hood flips from Michigan State to the Plains

Robinson has a year remaining on 1.1 million a year contract. Last week he was named to the 2022 American Football Coaches Association 35 under 35 list, which recognizes assistant coaches under the age of 35.

Another aspect of Robinson’s departure is that it signals the last remaining assistant coach hired by Harsin during his 19-game tenure.

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze announced on Wednesday the hire of Ron Roberts as defensive coordinator for the Tigers. Jeremy Garrett (defensive line) and (secondary) Wesley McGriff are the other defensive hires since Freeze took over as head coach.

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Auburn defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker removes name from transfer portal

Published: Dec. 15, 2022, 12:09 p.m.

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Sep 4, 2021; Auburn, AL, USA; T.D. Moultry (99) and Zykeivous Walker (3) between Auburn and Akron at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood/AU AthleticsShanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

By

• Nubyjas Wilborn | nwilborn@al.com

Auburn defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker is removing his name from the transfer portal with the expectation of remaining on the Plains, according to sources.

ON3 reported the news first on Wednesday, and AL.com confirmed that Walker plans to play for the Tigers during Hugh Freeze’s first season as head coach.

Walker had 20 tackles, one sack, and a pass deflection during two seasons.

Read More Auburn Football: Hugh Freeze officially hires Philip Montgomery as Auburn’s offensive coordinator

Auburn and Hugh Freeze continue to flip recruits, adds 3-star OL Connor Lew

Hugh Freeze hires offensive and defensive coordinators at Auburn

The 6′4 300-pounder signed in the 2020 class and saw immediate action in 10 games with 14 tackles, one for loss, and a sack. Playing time decreased in 2021 because of a shoulder injury that limited Walker to eight games. He entered the portal on October 24th during the season after a preseason knee injury hampered his chances of playing.

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[AUinMS9528 1,086]

2 hours ago, aubiefifty said:

 

I could live with having UTK’s offense from this past year!😁

”Auburn better have a strong IOL!”😬