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SEC Country: Report: Ole Miss plans to hire Auburn’s Wesley McGriff as defensive coordinator
Auburn defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff – Benjamin Wolk/SEC Country
Courtesy of SEC Country’s Justin Ferguson – Auburn Beat Reporter
Reports indicate Wesley McGriff’s time with the Auburn football program might just be for one year.
According to Zach Barnett of Football Scoop, Ole Miss “is planning to hire” the Auburn defensive backs coach as its defensive coordinator. Barnett, citing unnamed sources, said an announcement would be made no later than Friday.
McGriff is expected to be hired at Ole Miss with Sam Houston State offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who will take the same position with the Rebels. McGriff would replace Dave Wommack, who retired late last month.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn addressed the rumors regarding McGriff’s status Wednesday.
“He’s a talented coach. He did a super job. He’s our defensive back coach right now and I hope we hold onto him,” Malzahn said.
McGriff came to Auburn in January as part of defensive coordinator Kevin Steele’s first coaching staff at Auburn. “Crime Dawg” served as the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints from 2013 to 2015. McGriff was Hugh Freeze’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Ole Miss during the 2012 season.
The coaching veteran made stops at Kentucky, Baylor, Miami and Vanderbilt before landing with Ole Miss in 2012.
Auburn’s pass defense ranks No. 4 nationally with 78 passes defended this season — 67 breakups and 11 interceptions. The Tigers’ defensive backs recorded all but one of those interceptions.
The Tigers ranked No. 13 nationally in passing yards allowed per attempt (6.1) and No. 16 in opposing passer rating (112.79). They also allowed just one more passing touchdown (12) than the number of interceptions forced (11).
When asked if McGriff would get a raise this offseason, Malzahn declined to give any details.
“I’m not going to get into details about that other than he did a super job for us,” Malzahn said. “And he’s a very good coach. He’s one of the best in the business.”
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