After just one season at Auburn, defensive coordinator Ron Roberts will not be returning for the 2024 season. According to a report by 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz on Monday, Roberts is set to leave Auburn and take on the role of co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Florida. This departure comes alongside the earlier announcement on January 5 that former Tigers offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery would also not be returning for the upcoming season.
Florida is expected to hire Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts as executive head coach for defense, co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, sources tell @247sportshttps://t.co/dJORJ80Uo5 pic.twitter.com/t0HC2tGxVs
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 8, 2024
Before joining Auburn, Roberts was hired by head coach Hugh Freeze, having previously served as the defensive coordinator at Baylor from 2020 to 2022.
During Roberts’ sole season with Auburn, the team’s defense showed slightly above-average performance in various national statistics. The Tigers ranked 45th in total defense, allowing an average of 357.2 yards per game, and 41st in scoring defense, conceding 22.62 points per game. The rushing defense, however, struggled, allowing an average of 155 yards per game, placing them 76th in the country.
On the positive side, Auburn’s passing defense had moments of success. Led by Jaylin Simpson, D.J. James, and Nehemiah Pritchett—all of whom have accepted invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl—the secondary ranked 31st in passing yards allowed at 202.2 and tied for third in the SEC with 12 interceptions.
With Roberts’ departure, he joins Montgomery and cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff as the three members leaving Auburn’s coaching staff from the 2023 season.
