For the first time in his head coaching career, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn is looking for an offensive coordinator.
Late Wednesday night, UConn added Rhett Lashlee to their staff. Lashlee is leaving the Plains to be the offensive coordinator for the Huskies, after spending a decade with Malzahn at the high school and collegiate level. Malzahn's next move will be a pivotal one for the 2017 Tigers.
Quarterback Sean White, who has battled various injuries throughout his time on the plains, will return to compete for the spot as the Tiger signal caller. White will battle for the spot along with John Franklin III, Woody Barett and highly touted Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham.
Here's a look at five of the coaches who you could see along side Malzahn in 2017.
Art Briles
Briles, who was recently fired from Baylor, would cause extreme controversy if called upon by Auburn. It is no secret that Briles and Malzahn have been in contact in the recent years, and on paper, Briles would be a great fit for the Tiger offense. Briles' son, Kendal, is also in the discussion for the position. The younger Briles has been a part of the Bears staff under his father, and this past season without his father. He was recently hired by Lane Kiffin as the offensive coordinator for Florida Atlantic.
Eliah Drinkwitz
Drinkwitz is the current offensive coordinator at North Carolina State, but was on Malzahn's staff at Arkansas State in 2012. Before that, Drinkwitz was on Malzahn's high school staff in Springdale, Arkansas, and was at Auburn as a graduate assistant during the 2010 championship season.
Herb Hand
Hand is Auburn's current offensive line coach, and long time friend of Malzahn. Hand just completed his first year as the offensive line coach on the Plains, and was hired from Penn State. Hand was a part of the Tulsa staff during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, when Malzahn was the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator for the Golden Hurricane.
Chip Lindsey
Lindsey has coached at the high school level in Alabama, and served as an Auburn offensive analyst during the 2013 season. After the 2013 season, Lindsey accepted the offensive coordinator position at Southern Miss, and is now the Offensive coordinator at Arizona State.
Jake Spavital
Spavital was also a part of the Tulsa staff with Malzahn and Hand. Spavital is now at Cal, and is being considered for the head coaching position there. Before landing in California, Spavital was a part of the Texas A&M offensive staff.
Mark Helfrich
Helfrich served as the Oregon head coach this past season, but was recently fired after failing to reach a bowl game. Despite is struggles with the Ducks, Helfrich will be a highly sought after coach due to his offensive knowledge.
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