Will Muschamp Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Former Florida Coach

Former Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp stepped down from the program after back-to-back lackluster seasons, but has found himself employed again after returning to Auburn as a defensive coordinator.

Continue for updates.

Friday, Dec. 12

Muschamp Returns to Auburn as DC

Auburn announced Muschamp's return:

Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated initially broke the news:

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Former Florida coach Will Muschamp will be Auburn’s new defensive coordinator per a source.

A press conference is expected this weekend, the source said. The move marks Muschamp’s return to the Tigers. He was Auburn’s defensive coordinator from 2006-07 and got his start in coaching at the school as a graduate assistant just over a decade before.

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Muschamp Reportedly Interviewed for Houston HC Job

Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle has an update on Muschamp:

Friday, Dec. 5

Steve Spurrier Refutes Report of Muschamp Hiring

Burton Fowles of GamecockPride.com reported that Muschamp and South Carolina have reached a deal naming Muschamp the Gamecocks' new defensive coordinator; however, Josh Kendall of The State reports that Steve Spurrier has denied it:

ESPN's Mark Schlabach has more to that end as well:

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Muschamp, Auburn Share Mutual Interest

According to Jay G. Tate of AuburnSports.com, the Auburn Tigers have offered Muschamp the defensive coordinator position and he is reportedly considering taking the job.

FOX Sports' Bruce Feldman reports things are getting closer for Auburn and Muschamp:

Auburn isn’t the only team reportedly interested, though, as Tate is also hearing that Texas A&M has made an offer to Muschamp.

Regardless of where Muschamp signs next, he will likely demand a hefty paycheck. According to the report, he is owed almost $6 million from Florida and had an annual salary of $2.7 million while with the Gators.

Auburn fired defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson on Saturday, according to Greg Ostendorf of ESPN.com, and Tate is reporting that the Tigers’ athletic department would be willing to pay Muschamp “at least $1.2 million per year.”

Taking a high-profile defensive coordinator position would be the smart move for Muschamp after amassing a 28-21 record during his career with Florida. As an assistant, he has a chance to rehab his image as an elite coach without the pressure of being the head coach.

Muschamp showed glimpses of being an elite football mind during his coaching career, and rebuilding his reputation at Auburn would likely help the 43-year-old earn enough credibility to eventually jump back into being a head coach down the line.

*Stats via ESPN.com.