![]() The Miami defense ranked 16th nationally and 21st in scoring defense. In 2010, the Hurricanes ranked second in the nation in pass defense, allowing just 164.3 yards per game. McGriff's season in Nashville was preceded by four at Miami (Fla.), where he mentored some of the ACC's top defensive backs. McGriff helped current San Diego Chargers CB Casey Hayward become the first Vanderbilt All-American in four years, posting seven interceptions, the third-highest season total ever by a Commodore. His secondary produced 12 interceptions, three returns for touchdowns, eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage and more than 20 pass breakups. McGriff spent the 2011 season as defensive backs coach/recruiting coordinator at Vanderbilt, where he helped the Commodores to only their fifth all-time appearance in a bowl. In his first season at Ole Miss, McGriff helped the Rebels go from 2-10 the year before to 7-6 and a win over Pitt in the 2013 BBVA Compass Bowl. Linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche was named to the FWAA All-America and SEC All-Freshman teams, defensive tackle Issac Gross earned conference all-freshman honors and was named to the Freshman All-America team, and safety Trae Elston was named to the ESPN SEC All-Freshman team. McGriff spent 2012 as co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach at Ole Miss, helping the young Rebel defense finish second in the SEC and top 15 in the NCAA in tackles for loss (7.7) and sacks per game (2.8). In his first season in New Orleans, the Saints ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense (305.7 ypg), second in opponent passing yards per game (194.1 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (19.0 ppg), posting an 11-5 record and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs. ![]() McGriff also worked the undrafted rookie Warren into the starting lineup for the final six games due to injuries in the secondary and he responded, tying for the team lead with three takeaways. Vaccaro led the New Orleans secondary with 113 tackles and added one sack and two interceptions. In 2015, Lewis led the Saints with 13 passes defensed, while adding two interceptions. In his first two years, McGriff oversaw the development of young players such as safeties Rafael Bush, Kenny Vaccaro and Pierre Warren and cornerback Terrence Frederick, as well as veterans like safety Jairus Byrd and cornerback Keenan Lewis. McGriff spent three seasons (2013-15) with the NFL's New Orleans Saints, working with the defensive backs. This past season, sophomore linebacker Mohamed Sanogo was fourth in the SEC with 112 tackles and joined Gates in 2017 as the only two Ole Miss defenders with 100+ tackles in the previous 12 seasons. Gates' total was the most by a Rebel in a single season since 2006. Linebacker DeMarquis Gates had his biggest season as a Rebel in McGriff's system, registering 114 tackles. The duo combined for 14.5 sacks, and both earned second team All-SEC honors. In his first season at Ole Miss, McGriff orchestrated a defense that included a pair of NFL Draft picks in Breeland Speaks (second round) and Marquis Haynes (fourth round). He was promoted to associate head coach on July 20, 2017. McGriff was named defensive coordinator at Ole Miss on December 16, 2016. He brings great passion and energy and will be a great fit with our defensive staff." ![]() "He is an outstanding coach and recruiter. "We're excited to have Wesley return to our program," Malzahn said. Auburn ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense (17.1 ppg) and 11th in total red zone defense (74.4 percent) in 2016. The Tigers gave up far less explosive plays of 10+ yards (190 in 2015, 144 in 2016) and were locked down when it came to allowing touchdowns in the red zone (51.0 percent to 34.2 percent). In his one season as secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator at Auburn, McGriff helped guide the Tigers to a Sugar Bowl berth as the Tigers went from the bottom third of the SEC in 2015 to top three in the league in 2016 in scoring defense (11th/26.0 to 2nd/15.6), rushing defense (11th/182.7 to 3rd/124.8) and third-down conversion defense (13th/44.9 to 2nd/34.0). Coach Malzahn is a great coach and leader and I look forward to helping Auburn win championships." "Auburn is a program with outstanding players, coaches and tradition. "I'm very appreciative and excited to be rejoining Coach Malzahn and the staff at Auburn," McGriff said. McGriff, who helped the Auburn defense achieve great success during his season on the Plains, served the previous two seasons as defensive coordinator at Ole Miss. Auburn, Ala.-Wesley McGriff, who coached on the 2016 Auburn football staff is returning to the program as a defensive assistant coach, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn announced Wednesday.
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