Offensive line coach Jeff Grimes staying at Auburn after interviewing at Texas
The Auburn offensive line coach said Sunday that he's staying with the Tigers after interviewing with Texas late in the week.
Coach Gene Chizik said he expects to have the same coaching staff for the third straight season.
Grimes, who grew up in Texas, will be part of a rebuilding effort in the offensive line in 2011. He's losing four senior starters. But Grimes says he's happy to stay at Auburn.
"The University of Texas has a great football program and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mack Brown," Grimes said in an Auburn press release. "As a Texas native, the position was very enticing, however, I have decided to remain at Auburn. My family and I love being a part of the Auburn family, the Auburn community and this football program."
Texas had raided Auburn's coaching staff in the past, hiring Chizik as defensive coordinator after the 2004 season and Will Muschamp for the same position a few years later.
Auburn's offensive line had three All-SEC picks in 2010, including tackle Lee Ziemba, who was a first-team All-American and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner as the SEC's top lineman. A Dallas native, Grimes' line was instrumental in Auburn setting the single-season school record for points and total offense for the second consecutive year.
"Jeff is a tremendous coach and has played an important role in our record-setting offensive the last two seasons," Chizik said. "He is a very good teacher and role model for our young men, and Auburn is a very special place to Jeff and his family. We're pleased to move forward with a coaching staff that will remain intact for a third straight year. Our staff retention was a huge factor in our National Championship run and will be important as we prepare for 2011 season."
Auburn's offensive line was third in the SEC in fewest sacks allowed per game in 2010, while the offense ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense, scoring offense and total offense.
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