:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/524545/9198821-large.jpg)
When your the national champion, other schools will do their best to hire away your assistant coaches. Auburn's Offensive Line Coach Jeff Grimes is the latest to be tempted to leave. He just turned down a reported "big money" offer from the University of Texas to remain with the Tigers. Longhorn Head Coach Mack Brown has a history of looking to Auburn to fill his coaching needs.
Although Grimes came to Auburn from Colorado, he and his wife are both from Texas. In making his announcement that he would remain at Auburn Grimes said, "As a Texas native, the position was very enticing. However, I have decided to remain at Auburn. My family and I love being a part of the Auburn family, the Auburn community and this football program. Auburn is a very special place to us and I’m excited to help Coach Chizik continue to build upon the success that we’ve already achieved in our first two seasons."
Grimes coached what many believe may be the greatest offensive line in Auburn history the last two years; helping set school offensive records and ranking in the top ten nationally in almost every category.
Coach Chizik said he was glad that Grimes decided to stay. "Jeff is a very good teacher and role model for our young men, and Auburn is a very special place to Jeff and his family".
"We’re pleased to move forward with a coaching staff that will remain intact for a third straight year. Our staff retention was a huge factor in our national championship run and will be important as we prepare for 2011 season."
It seems the Tiger assistant coaches not only love being at Auburn but love working for Gene Chizik. This can only bode well for Auburn in recruiting as well as in preparing the team for 2011.
Thanks for sticking with us Coach Grimes and War Eagle !