Derrick Nix, who served as the associate head coach and receivers coach at Ole Miss in Mississippi, has recently been named the new offensive coordinator at Auburn University. This announcement was made through a post on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Nix’s appointment follows the removal of Philip Montgomery, Auburn’s previous offensive coordinator, by head coach Hugh Freeze.
Auburn faced significant offensive challenges during the previous season, ranking 121st out of 130 FBS offenses in passing, averaging only 162.2 yards per game. The team’s overall performance included an average of 351 yards and 26 points per game. Their struggles were evident in a 31-13 loss to Maryland at the Music City Bowl on December 30, where they managed only 300 yards. The hiring of Derrick Nix is seen as a strategic move to improve Auburn’s offensive capabilities.
Notably, Nix’s contract at Ole Miss included a buyout clause if he accepted a position other than a head coaching or coordinator role with primary play-calling responsibilities. This detail is noteworthy considering Hugh Freeze’s recent comments expressing his intention to take on play-calling duties at Auburn.
In response to Nix’s departure, the Ole Miss account on X expressed gratitude for his 16 years of service, including a statement from Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. Nix is recognized for his impressive tenure, particularly for mentoring a talented group of receivers, including senior transfer Malik Heath, and developing some of the most productive backs in Ole Miss history who have gone on to the NFL.
In other college football news, Penn State has appointed Justin Lustig, formerly the associate head coach and special teams coordinator at Vanderbilt, to coach special teams, outside linebackers, and nickelbacks. Lustig played a crucial role in Vanderbilt’s top 50 special teams efficiency rating over the past two seasons. Additionally, after a remarkable 30-year career, Harvard’s highly successful coach, Tim Murphy, with an unmatched 141 wins in league play and a total of 200 wins with the Crimson, has announced his retirement.