Here's something I wasn't really expecting to hear today. Virginia's Chick-fil-A Bowl opponent Auburn is losing its defensive coordinator, Ted Roof, for ...Central Florida, according to Auburn's 247 outpost, Auburn Undercover. Roof has been DC with the Tigers for three seasons, during which time Auburn picked up a national championship.
In his first year at Auburn, Roof's defense held opponents to an average of 27.5 points per game. Last year's title run saw opponents held to an average 24.1 points per game. This season, opponents have been held to 29.3 points per game. The Tigers are ranked 78th in the country and 11th in the SEC in total defense, allowing a whopping 405.75 yards per game. Auburn is ranked 45th in the country in pass defense, giving up 211 yards per game, but is ranked dead last in the competitive SEC.
This probably doesn't come has a huge surprise to those who have been following the Tigers all season. According to the Birmingham News, former Auburn safety Rob Pate (1997-2000) called the Auburn defense "a crime scene" following a 45-7 loss to Georgia this year.
"A lot of people like Coach Roof," Pate said in late November. "[Auburn Head] Coach [Gene] Chizik likes Coach Roof. The players like him. He may have a role on the staff. Just not as defensive coordinator."
"Coach Roof has no leg to stand on. I've tried to give him the benefit of the doubt."
Many fans have similarly been calling for Roof's departure throughout the season.
Assuming true, it's still unclear who will be calling the defense come December 31 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.