Reports: Muschamp will be hired as Auburn defensive coordinator
The men behind two of the SEC's top offenses and defenses are reportedly joining forces.
Former Florida coach Will Muschamp is set to join Gus Malzahn's Auburn staff as defensive coordinator, according to FOX Sports' Bruce Feldman. An official announcement is expected before the weekend is over.
Per AL.com the deal will be above $1.6 million annually, making Muschamp the highest-paid coordinator in FBS.
Lauded as one of the nation's top defensive minds, Muschamp's Gators ranked in the top 10 in total D in each of his seasons, including this past year when they were ninth, allowing 311 yards per game.
Malzahn's Tigers can use a spark on that side of the ball.
Despite averaging 489.2 yards (17th) and 35.8 points per game (22nd), Auburn lost three of its last four games in which it gave 41 (Texas A&M), 34 (Georgia) and 55 (Alabama) points.
Less than 24 hours after that outburst by the Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl, Malzahn fired defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson.
Auburn gave up 388.7 yards and 26.1 points this past season and during Johnson's two years ranked 86th ('14) and 59th ('13) in total defense.
Muschamp is no stranger to Auburn. He was a graduate assistant there in 1995-96 and would return in 2006 to serve as defensive coordinator for two seasons before leaving for Texas.
Muschamp interviewed for the Houston job earlier this week, but reports say he removed his name from consideration Friday.
