Auburn is the only team in the SEC that returns its entire coaching staff, and, in something of a rarity for AU, the Tigers return their offensive and defensive coordinators for a second straight season.
It will be just the second time in the past nine years that's happened at Auburn. Coach Gene Chizik said the return of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Ted Roof should pay dividends, beginning with the first fall practice Wednesday.
"This is the first time the high majority of our football team has had the same coordinator twice. I think they're excited about that," Chizik said.
The only other time it's happened in the past nine years was when Al Borges and Will Muschamp worked together in 2006 and 2007. Before that, it was Noel Mazzone and John Lovett in 2000 and 2001.
Assistant coach Curtis Luper said the transition from last season's first-year coaching staff to a second season of working together will be important for the players.
"It's like a great golf course you've never played before," Luper said. "You come back the next time and you know where not to go, what shots not to hit. You know the course.
"Smart players know what to expect off the field, and that just adds to the overall comfort level. They know what the practices are going to be like this fall. They know what practices will be like during the season. They'll know how we travel. They know it all."
Auburn will be trying to improve on last season's 8-5 record. The Tigers return four members of their offensive line and key members of the defense. But they'll have a new quarterback in Cam Newton and a new starting tailback in place of Ben Tate.
Tuesday's Birmingham News, Mobile Press-Register and Huntsville Times.
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