Ryan Russell officially named strength and conditioning coach

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn officially named Ryan Russell his strength and conditioning coach on Sunday. Russell served in a similar role under Malzahn at Arkansas State this past season.

“We’re excited to welcome Ryan back to Auburn as a part of our staff,” Malzahn said in a statement. “He is on the cutting edge in the strength and conditioning profession, and is a high-tempo, high-energy guy who fits well with our philosophy. He’s worked with very successful football programs and knows what it takes to get the most out of his athletes.”

Russell served an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Auburn under Kevin Yoxall from 2010-11, working with the football program, and was also football’s director of sports nutrition. Russell replaces Yoxall, a 14-year veteran of Auburn, who was also fired along with Gene Chizik’s assistant coaches. Russell also served as a graduate assistant at Auburn from 2005-06.

“I’m extremely excited to be coming back to Auburn, a place that has been so special to me and to my wife,” Russell said in a statement. “It’s a wonderful university and a great professional opportunity for me to be returning here. I am very appreciative to coach Malzahn and to Jay Jacobs for giving me this opportunity, and I’m eager to get started.”

Russell was an associate strength and conditioning coach for the Boise State football team from 2007-09. He also served internships as a strength and conditioning coach at Pitt (2005) and Louisville (2004-05).