Auburn can finally begin a new direction offensively after the departure of former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State.
The Birmingham News reports that Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has been hired by coach Gene Chizik to run the offense for the Tigers. Loeffler has spent the past season as the offensive coordinator for the Owls after departing Florida as the team’s QB coach with former Gators OC Steve Addazio.
Temple and Auburn later confirmed the move.
“I am very happy for Scot and his family,”Addazio said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for him and his career. We are very grateful for his contributions to Temple, and we certainly understand that when our great coaches have opportunities, it’s a compliment to our program. We wish Scot nothing but the best. He will always have a special place here at Temple.”
“Scot is a rising star who has worked with some very good quarterbacks, and has achieved a tremendous amount of success,” Chizik said in his own statement. “He is a tireless worker, is an outstanding recruiter and knows the rigors of competing in this conference. We’re very excited to have Scot join our staff and we welcome him to the Auburn family.”
Temple ranked seventh nationally this past season in rushing yards behind running back Bernard Pierce and 40th in points per game (30.6).
Loeffler is the second major hire for Chizik in the past two weeks. Former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder joined Auburn earlier this month in the same capacity.
(Image courtesy of the University of Florida)