Malzahn swiftly hires vet, protege as coordinators - KATV - Breaking News, Weather and Razorback Sports

By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - New Auburn coach Gus Malzahn has swiftly brought in his 29-year-old protege and a veteran defensive coordinator.

Malzahn was flanked Friday morning by new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and 60-year-old former Southern Miss coach Ellis Johnson, who will lead Auburn's defense.

Lashlee played quarterback for Malzahn at Shiloh Christian High School n Arkansas. He coached under Malzahn in the high school ranks, at Arkansas and in Malzahn's previous tenure as Auburn's offensive coordinator.

Lashlee was his offensive coordinator at Arkansas State last season. Malzahn says he is "1 of the bright, young and up & coming offensive minds in all of college football."

Malzahn, named Auburn's coach three days ago, says Lashlee was his "right-hand man" at three schools.

They run a no-huddle offense that helped Auburn win the 2010 national title.

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