Former Gators coach Will Muschamp is the new defensive coordinator at Auburn. (Photo: Tim Casey)
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Will Muschamp was not out of work for long. If you're counting, try 12 days. And he spent most of that time on vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Muschamp returned home this week and late Friday agreed to a deal to return to Auburn as defensive coordinator. Since coaching his final game at Florida on Nov. 29, Muschamp had repeatedly been linked to the opening on Auburn coach Gus Malzahn's staff.
According to reports, Muschamp will be the highest-paid coordinator in college football with an average salary more than $1.6 million over three years.
Auburn officially announced the news late Friday night.
"My family, Carol, Jackson, Whit, and I are excited about coming back to Auburn and I look forward to working with coach Malzahn to win championships," Muschamp said in a prepared statement.
Muschamp was introduced at a press conference Saturday morning at Auburn, where he served as defensive coordinator in 2006 and 2007.
"I'm excited to welcome Will back to Auburn as our new defensive coordinator," Malzahn said in a statement. "Will is a one of the top defensive minds in college football who has great passion and energy for the game. He is a tremendous addition to our staff."
In four seasons as Florida's head coach, Muschamp had a 28-21 record. However, the Gators' defense consistently ranked among the best in the country and Auburn was willing to pay top dollar to get Muschamp.
He replaces former Tigers defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, who was dismissed after Auburn allowed 31 points or more in its final six SEC games.
