Auburn is expected to add former Texas A&M defensive backs coach TJ Rushing to its staff as a “special assistant,” according to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Rushing was part of former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher’s staff since 2020. Fisher was fired as Texas A&M’s head coach in November and new head coach Mike Elko brought in a new staff.
For two years at Texas A&M, Rushing worked with new Auburn defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin. Durkin was the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 2022 and 2023. Rushing was the defensive backs coach on a staff that produced the nation’s best pass defense in 2022, allowing just 156.2 passing yards per game that season.
But the Aggies regressed in that stat in 2023, allowing 207.4 yards per game which was the 37th best mark in the country. Auburn was 31st. The regression in Texas A&M’s defense in 2023 was a considerable factor in the expensive decision to move on from Fisher.
Rushing’s role as a reported special assistant is not exactly clear. Rushing does have a strong recruiting profile. 247Sports lists Rushing as the primary or secondary recruiter on five different top 100 recruits signed to Texas A&M — all since 2022. Rushing is also listed as the primary recruiter on two five-star signees, including Terry Bussey, the No. 11 overall player in the 2024 class.
Auburn brought back Wesley McGriff as its cornerbacks coach and added former Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly as its co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
