Auburn announces hiring of Ellis Johnson as defensive coordinator

Gus Malzahn made his first coaching hire, as Ellis Johnson was officially named Auburn’s new defensive coordinator on Thursday. Malzahn, who was hired on Tuesday, called Johnson, who has spent 16 season in the SEC, one of the top defensive coaches.

“Ellis is one of the top defensive minds in all of college football. He is very experienced and has tremendous success coaching in the Southeastern Conference,” Malzahn said in a statement released by the university. “He is a man of integrity who will be a great ambassador for Auburn. We’re very pleased to have him join our staff and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program.”

The contract terms for Johnson were not yet available. Malzahn and Auburn agreed to terms on a five-year $11.5 million contract on Tuesday.

Johnson was fired as head coach of Southern Miss on Nov. 27 following an 0-12 season and also coached at The Citadel (2001-03) and Gardner Webb (1983). Prior to last season, Johnson spent four year at South Carolina from 2008-11 as the Gamecocks’ defensive coordinator.

“I’m very fortunate for the opportunity to coach at Auburn and return to the Southeastern Conference, where there is so much tradition and history,” Johnson said in a statement. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Gus Malzahn, both as a man and a coach, and I really look forward to working for him. Auburn has a wonderful family environment and is a great community, which is a blessing for me and my family. This is truly a home run for me. I can’t wait to get started and I’m ready to go to work.”

Johnson also served as defensive coordinator at Appalachian State (1984), Southern Miss (1988-89), Clemson (1995-96), Alabama (1997-2000) and Mississippi State (2004-07). He has coached in four SEC Championship games and been part of one national title.