LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele joins Auburn in same role

LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is headed to Auburn to assume the same role under Gus Malzahn.

LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is headed to Auburn to assume the same role, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn announced Wednesday.

Steele’s hiring was announced in the wake of Auburn’s 31–10 win over Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl. Steele replaces Will Muschamp, who was hired as the head coach at South Carolina on Dec. 6.

Glenn Guilbeau of USA Todayreports Steele will make $1.4 million next season, up from his $1 million salary with LSU. The Times–Picayunereported earlier Wednesday that Auburn offered Steele a three-year, $4 million contract and that LSU was prepared to match the offer to retain him. The report also indicated Steele has tenure working in the state of Alabama, making the Auburn job attractive on the basis of a better pension should he complete the contract. 

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Steele had just completed his first season coaching the defense and linebackers at LSU, leading a unit that currently ranks 10th in the country in total yards allowed (3,767) and 44th in points allowed per game (24.0).

Steele previously served as the defensive coordinator at Clemson from 2009–2012, and at Alabama in 2007. He was the linebackers coach at Alabama during the 2014 season before joining the LSU staff.