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Auburn is reportedly bringing back a familiar face. Roc Bellantoni will reportedly be the new edge coach for the Tigers.
Bellantoni was on staff at Auburn under Bryan Harsin in 2021 and ’22. He was a defensive analyst in 2021 and then promoted to edge linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.
He comes back to The Plains after 2 seasons at Florida Atlantic, with a wild finish to 2024.
Under Bellantoni, FAU ranked 13th nationally in tackles for loss in 2023.
During his previous stint at Auburn, he coached players like 2022 first-team All-SEC selection and 2023 Seattle Seahawks second-round draft pick Derick Hall.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 7, 2025
Bellantoni has had a 2-month period of professional uncertainty unlike any other coach.
In November, Tom Herman dismissed Bellantoni from his position as FAU defensive coordinator. Herman, though, would soon be out of his job as head coach.
Chad Lunsford was named FAU’s interim head coach after Herman’s firing. In one of his first moves, Lunsford made the decision to bring back Bellantoni as defensive coordinator.
Lunsford, though, was only the interim head coach. FAU named Zach Kittley its new head coach in December.
Any time there’s a head coaching change, things become uncertain for the assistants. Bellantoni was set to remain on staff with Kittley, but the opportunity to go back to Auburn has him on the move.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.