By Jay Coulter
jccoulter@gmail.com
This time the rumors turned out to be true. Paul Rhoads accepted the job of Auburn defensive coordinator earlier today. He’ll be formally introduced on Friday – just in time for a big recruiting weekend.
It’s a lucrative move for the 40 year-old Rhoads. He’s currently making $180,000 a year as coordinator for the Pitt Panthers. Reports indicate he accepted a salary of $400,000 annually. It must be nice to more than double your salary.
This is without question a solid hire for Auburn. Tommy Tuberville tried to hire Rhoads twice before – in 2002 and 2005. The third time did the trick.
Pittsburgh finished the season ranked fifth nationally in total defense. He has 19 years of coaching experience including stints at Iowa State and Ohio State.
There’s still no word on whether he ultimately wants to be defensive coordinator at Texas.