Will Muschamp is returning to the Auburn University football team at the post he once held from 2006 to 2007, defensive coordinator.
According to ESPN, Muschamp came to an agreement with Auburn and the school announced the signing shortly after Friday. Unnamed sources said Muschamp's three-year deal is worth between $1.6 million and $1.8 million per year.
Auburn is expected to formally introduce Muschamp with a news conference on Saturday.
"My family, Carol, Jackson, Whit, and I are excited about coming back to Auburn and I look forward to working with Coach Malzahn to win championships," Muschamp said in a statement on the Auburn athletic department's website.
Muschamp has strong SEC ties and an excellent track record as a defensive-minded coach. After playing safety at Georgia, he was a graduate assistant at Auburn, then went on to later become Nick Saban's defensive coordinator at LSU and assistant head coach with the Miami Dolphins.
Muschamp then served as Mack Brown's defensive coordinator at Texas before becoming Florida's head football coach. Though he went 28-21 with the Gators, his shortcomings were only on offense.
"I'm excited to welcome Will back to Auburn as our new defensive coordinator," Tigers coach Gus Malzahn said in the statement. "Will is a one of the top defensive minds in college football who has great passion and energy for the game. He is a tremendous addition to our staff."
Muschamps' tough defense figures to fit well with Malzahn's run-heavy offense, especially in the SEC West.
Sources told ESPN that Florida still owes Muschamp $6.3 million for the buyout of the final three years on his contract. Before accepting the job at Auburn, Muschamp reportedly interviewed for the Houston head coaching job and the defensive coordinator post at both Texas A&M and South Carolina.
After making the National Title game last season, Auburn's defense took a major step back. Auburn fired Ellis Johnson after the team finished 59th in total defense, allowing 388 yards per game.
