Auburn hires former Ole Miss Rebel, Marcus Woodson

The coach that played at Ole Miss and linked to a job with his alma mater’s rival – bypassed both universities and ultimately landed next door in Alabama with the Auburn Tigers. Gus Malzahn has added former Rebels defensive back, Marcus Woodson, to his defensive staff as an assistant coach. “To now be able to say that I’m coaching in the same conference that I played in and be part of the rich tradition at the University of Auburn, it’s a dream come true for me, said Woodson.” Woodson was linked to a coaching position at Mississippi State -- his rival school during his playing days in Oxford. According to multiple reports, Ole Miss offered him a position on its staff after hearing his name connected with MSU. “Auburn was the best situation for me, said Woodson.” The highly touted assistant said there were opportunities for him stay in his home state and take the job at Mississippi State but added that the controversy that could have come with him being an Ole Miss alum didn’t make it the easiest move. The 13-year coaching veteran spent the last two seasons at Memphis, helping lead the Tigers’ defense to force 60 turnovers which was second best in the nation to go along with 32 interceptions. “Anytime you have success (as a team) people are going to come and give opportunities to the staff and with the success we had at Memphis this year -- people noticed, said Woodson.” Highly regarded as one of the nation’s top recruiters, Woodson began his collegiate coaching career in Jackson at Millsaps College. “To finally achieve the goal to coach at a Power 5 school in the SEC will put me on a platform where people can see me on the national stage, added Woodson.” 16 WAPT Sports Director Josh Jackson caught up with the newly hired Tiger shortly after the deal was finalized. See video for more.