Auburn Football: Coaching Changes, Ted Roof Must Go

This is one of those articles no one wants to write, especially Auburn fans.  These types of decisions should not be entered lightly as the effects extend beyond the playing field. 

The reasons for change on the defensive side of the ball are obvious for Auburn, and decisions to change defensive coordinators in the past have been made for lesser reasons.  The facts have a way for speaking for themselves, and the facts in this situation are not pretty and they are historically low. 

Here are the facts.

Rankings

Scoring defense: 79th (29.33 points per game)

Total defense: 79th

Rushing defense: 99th

Passing defense: 45th

Time of possession: 107th

Opponents third-down conversions: 105th

Opponents fourth-down conversions: 118th

Opponents first-down plays: 95th

Opponents red-zone conversions: 108th

Passes defended: 78th

Sacks: 72nd

Tackles for a Loss: 57th

Opponent long scrimmage plays: 90th

Opponent long rushing plays: 98th

Opponent long passing plays: 68th

Auburn's defensive statistics are horrible, and stats don't lie.  This truly is the worst defense in Auburn history.  Signs of Auburn's defensive decline have been there all three years under Roof.  The defense has steadily gotten worse each year and has become intolerable. 

Fortunately the offense covered the flaws of a lackluster defense last year.   Auburn cannot continue to perform in the SEC with this type of defense. 

It is time for a change.