Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey will not return to the program for the 2019 season, according to a report by AL.com's Matt Zenitz.
According to the report, Lindsey's potential new suitors include Kansas and Tennessee. Lindsey reportedly interviewed for the Volunteers offensive coordinator opening last week.
Lindsey's apparent departure comes a week after new negotiations and limitations to head coach Gus Malzahn's contract reportedly prohibited Malzahn from making any coaching changes that were not revenue-neutral. That means assistant coaches like Lindsey couldn't be bought out and had to leave by their own accord.
After a successful 2017 with SEC Player of the Year Kerryon Johnson leading the charge, Auburn's offense fell off this year, Lindsey's second season.
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham regressed in every major statistical category, an inexperienced offensive line couldn't maintain consistent production and the Tigers are 223 yards shy of their 10th straight 1,000-yard rusher.
2018 also marked a number of career-lows for Malzahn and the Tigers offense. Auburn's offense eclipsed 30 points just once against a Power 5 opponent and ranked 94th in total offense, 67th in rushing offense, 72nd in scoring and 102nd on third downs.
Update: Multiple reports say Lindsey will join Les Miles' staff at Kansas.
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Nathan King, senior in journalism with a minor in business, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
