Ron Roberts, the defensive coordinator for Auburn, will not be back on the Plains for the 2024 campaign after spending just one season there. On Monday, Matt Zenitz of 247Sports revealed that Roberts will be leaving Auburn to take a position as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at Florida.
Since Auburn confirmed on January 5 that former Tigers offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery will not return for 2024, head coach Hugh Freeze would have to replace both his offensive and defensive coordinators starting in the 2023 season as a result of Roberts’ departure.
Roberts was employed by Freeze before joining Auburn. He had previously worked as Baylor’s defensive coordinator from 2020 to 22.
According to most national statistics, Auburn’s defense performed marginally better than average during the team’s one season under Roberts.
With 357.2 yards allowed per game in total defense and 22.62 points allowed per game in scoring defense, the Tigers ranked 45th and 41st, respectively. Auburn’s rushing defense allowed 155 yards per game, which ranked 76th in the nation; therefore, opponents typically left their imprint on the ground.
The secondary, which is anchored by Jaylin Simpson, D.J. James, and Nehemiah Pritchett—all of whom have accepted invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl—was third in the SEC with 12 interceptions and was ranked 31st in passing yards allowed (202.2). Auburn’s passing defense was successful at times.
Roberts is one of three of Auburn’s 2023 coaching staff departures, along with Montgomery and cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff.
Leave a Reply