The first version of this article ran too early and stated parts of Auburn's staff picture as if everything had already been formally announced. This revision keeps the December timeline intact and uses Auburn's own releases as the baseline.
What Auburn Had Confirmed
Auburn announced the first five staff hires on December 8: DJ Durkin as defensive coordinator/linebackers, Joel Gordon as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks, Tyler Hudanick as run game coordinator/offensive line, Brad Wilson as a defensive assistant and Andrew Warsaw as general manager.
Kodi Burns was announced later, on December 12, as associate head coach, co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. The earlier page incorrectly called him "wire receivers coach" and did not make the publication timing clear.
Why Burns Was Relevant to Iron Bowl Readers
Burns' Auburn playing history and later coaching stops made his return notable. The responsible version does not need to turn that into a guaranteed rivalry-impact claim. His value to Auburn can be described plainly: staff familiarity with Golesh, receiver-room experience and a real connection to the program.
Later Staff Context
Auburn's current staff directory lists a fuller staff, including Burns, Durkin, Gordon, Hudanick, Larry Porter, Larry Scott and others. That later directory helps readers understand where the early December announcements eventually landed.
Sources reviewedExpand
Reference notes
MethodologyUpdated May 13, 2026: Corrected Burns' title, removed unsupported rivalry-motivation language and separated Dec. 8 confirmed hires from later staff-directory context.
Primary source for the Dec. 8 announcement of DJ Durkin, Joel Gordon, Tyler Hudanick, Brad Wilson and Andrew Warsaw.
Primary source for Burns' official title: associate head coach, co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.
Current Auburn staff-directory cross-check for titles listed after the first wave of hires.