Auburn names new defensive coordinator

AUBURN, Ala. (WALA) - Monday Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik announced Brian VanGorder, who has served as the defensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons the past four seasons, has been named the defensive coordinator at Auburn.  

Familiar to the Southeastern Conference, VanGorder was the defensive coordinator and linebackers' coach at Georgia from 2001-04, where he was named the 2003 Broyles Award winner as the nation’s top assistant coach.

During his tenure in Athens, Georgia won one SEC title, two SEC East Division championships, captured three Bowl games and ended up with three straight top 10 finishes in the final national polls.

During VanGorder’s stint with the Falcons, the organization achieved unprecedented heights, posting four-consecutive winning seasons, a franchise first, including playoff appearances in 2008, 2010 and 2011. His defenses consistently showed marked improvements along the way.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family at this point in my career, both professionally and personally, to become the defensive coordinator at Auburn,” VanGorder said. “I’m looking forward to working at a school with the success and tradition of Auburn, and for a coach like Gene Chizik, who has led the program to a national championship. I’m very appreciative to the Atlanta Falcons and Coach Mike Smith for the experience of the last four years. It’s a great organization and will have continued success in the future.”

Helping the Falcons to a 10-6 regular season record in 2011, VanGorder’s defense finished the regular season second in the NFL in red zone defense, sixth in rushing defense (97.0 ypg), and 12th in total defense (333.6 ypg).

“I’m very excited to have a coach like Brian VanGorder join our staff at Auburn. From the beginning of this process, I had one person in mind, and that was Brian,” Chizik said. “He has achieved success at every level, both professionally and collegiately, which is a testament to his ability as a coach. He has been one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, has won a Broyles Award at the college level, and understands what it takes to succeed in the Southeastern Conference. We’re pleased to welcome Brian and his family to Auburn.”

VanGorder, 52, was born in Jackson, Michigan. He and his wife, Pollie, have five children: Molloy, Morgan, Mack, Montgomery and Malone.


Brian Van Gorder's Coaching Background

·         2008-2011 -- Defensive Coordinator // Atlanta Falcons

·         2007 -- Linebackers // Atlanta Falcons

·         2006 -- Head Coach // Georgia Southern

·         2005 -- Linebackers // Jaguars

·         2001-2004 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Georgia

·         2000 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Central Michigan

·         1998-1999 -- Defensive Coordinator // Central Michigan

·         1997 -- Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator // Central Florida

·         1995-1996 -- Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator // Central Florida

·         1992-1994 -- Head Coach // Wayne State

·         1989-1991 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Grand Valley State