After releasing all assistant coaches from Auburn's football team, Gus Malzahn's quest to fill those vacancies is half complete.
On Wedsnesday, Dec. 19, Malzahn announced the acquisition of former Arkansas State offensive line coach J.B. Grimes, the fifth of at least ten hires Malzahn is expected to make.
Along with offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and strength and conditioning coach Ryan Russell, Grimes is the third assistant from Arkansas State to follow Malzahn to The Plains.
Grimes has no relation to Jeff Grimes, former offensive line coach for Auburn whom Malzahn elected not to bring back for his fourth season with the Tigers.
At Malzahn's inaugural press conference as head coach of Auburn, he outlined a general plan of attack on offense.
"We will run the football, and that will be our staple," Malzahn said.
Grimes will be in charge of coaching an offensive line expected to lead what Malzahn called a "fast tempo" offense highlighted by power running.
At Arkansas State in 2011, the Red Wolves averaged 219 rushing yards per game, 5 yards per game behind Alabama.
Grimes will also take over a unit that allowed 37 sacks this past season, good for the eighth-highest total in the country.
Arkansas State, on the other hand, allowed only 13 sacks in 2012, the seventh-best total in the nation.
Grimes may have the same name as his predecessor, but Auburn is expecting entirely different results from the new hire heading into 2013.
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