These are three potential paths Auburn could take in selecting their next defensive line coach.
Jeremy Garrett’s departure for the NFL last Friday left a vacancy within the Auburn Tigers coaching staff. With Hugh Freeze finalizing his team, the need for an additional assistant coach arose. Here are three potential candidates who could fill the role of Auburn’s next defensive line coach.
1. Kyle Pope – Georgia Tech Defensive Line Coach:
Pope’s name emerged immediately following Garrett’s exit. He previously coached under Freeze at Liberty as the inside linebackers coach. Pope also has experience at Alabama as a graduate assistant in 2017, along with two stints at Memphis as a defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator before assuming the defensive line position at Georgia Tech.
Known for his alignment with Freeze’s coaching philosophy and being well-versed in the demands of recruiting, Pope’s Alabama roots, hailing from Sylacauga, further strengthen his candidacy.
2. Rodney Garner – Tennessee Defensive Line Coach:
Garner is a beloved figure among Auburn fans, having spent considerable time on the Plains. He boasts a unique connection to Auburn, having served two separate stints as a coach following his tenure as a player and Auburn graduate. Initially, Garner coached at Auburn from 1990 to 1995 as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator.
He later returned as Auburn’s defensive line coach from 2013 to 2020. Opting for Garner would undoubtedly create excitement on the recruiting front, given his established reputation and ties to the program.
3. Vontrell King-Williams – Auburn Defensive Line Analyst:
While Freeze appears inclined towards an external hire, there’s a possibility he might consider an internal promotion, potentially favoring King-Williams. Currently serving as the defensive line analyst, King-Williams has garnered respect and admiration from the players within the program.
Promoting him could be viewed as a risk worth taking, given his rapport with the team. However, such a move might pose challenges in terms of recruiting. Auburn has committed defensive line prospects for the 2025 class, and maintaining a strong presence in recruiting is paramount for Freeze’s long-term goals.
