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At Auburn, per source, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is leaving the staff http://t.co/gkayvPt9KK
— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) November 30, 2014
Now it's confirmed
Johnson fired as Auburn DC http://t.co/3pKzTmSH67 via @247Sports
— Phillip Marshall (@PMARSHONAU) November 30, 2014
That's the news of the afternoon for Auburn fans. It's unfortunate. I was thrilled when Auburn hired Ellis Johnson. I thought he was a fantastic defensive coach who had great defenses at South Carolina. I thought his year at USM was an aberration caused by issues at USM itself.
However, Auburn's defense just has not performed this season. I think the players are giving it their all and playing hard. I really don't know what the issues have been. So here we are. We are looking for a new defensive coordinator. So, let's take a look at some people.
I have no idea who Auburn is likely to go after. We'll have a list for you and some thoughts on them as soon as possible. For now, changes have been made and Auburn has decided (rightly so) that we needed to go a different direction on defense.