Breaking: Former Tennessee Head Coach & Former Alabama Defensive Coordinator Jeremy Pruitt Named New Auburn Defensive Coordinator, ESPN and ABC Confirm
In a major development for the Auburn Tigers, Jeremy Pruitt has been named the new Defensive Coordinator for the football program, sources confirmed to ESPN and ABC. Pruitt, who previously served as head coach at the University of Tennessee and as defensive coordinator at Alabama, is returning to the SEC in a role that is expected to have an immediate impact on Auburn’s defensive unit.
Pruitt’s extensive experience coaching in the SEC, particularly his time under Nick Saban at Alabama, has made him one of the most respected defensive minds in college football. Known for developing elite defenses that consistently rank among the nation’s best, Pruitt is expected to bring a no-nonsense, aggressive approach to Auburn’s defense, which has seen mixed results in recent years.
A Return to the SEC
After serving as head coach at Tennessee from 2018 to 2020, Pruitt was dismissed amid struggles on the field, but his reputation as a defensive mastermind remained intact. Prior to his time at Tennessee, he had successful stints as the defensive coordinator at both Alabama and Florida State, where he helped develop some of the top defensive units in the country.
Now, Pruitt returns to the SEC with a chance to rebuild and elevate Auburn’s defense, which has been a point of focus for the program in recent seasons.
Familiar Faces in a Familiar Place
Auburn fans will recognize Pruitt from his earlier tenure in the program, where he coached the defensive backs under then-head coach Gene Chizik in 2010. His experience coaching in Auburn’s system, combined with his broader knowledge of SEC football, makes him a natural fit for the Tigers’ defensive coordinator position.
Auburn’s Next Step
The move comes as part of a broader effort by Auburn’s athletic department to strengthen its football program following some challenging years. The Tigers are hoping that Pruitt’s leadership, defensive acumen, and ability to recruit top-tier talent will help restore the defensive dominance that Auburn has enjoyed in past years.
Confirmation from ESPN and ABC
Both ESPN and ABC confirmed the news of Pruitt’s hiring earlier today, with sources indicating that Pruitt will begin his role immediately, with an official press conference expected in the coming days.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Pruitt will implement his defensive strategies and help Auburn compete at a higher level in the SEC.
