In a release, the Auburn Tigers announced their shocking acquisition of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator, formerly of the Georgia Bulldogs. VanGorder coached the Falcons for four seasons, producing the most consistent run of non-embarrassing defense in franchise history.
VanGorder on the move out west:
"This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family at this point in my career, both professionally and personally, to become the defensive coordinator at Auburn," VanGorder said. "I'm looking forward to working at a school with the success and tradition of Auburn, and for a coach like Gene Chizik, who has led the program to a national championship. I'm very appreciative to the Atlanta Falcons and Coach Mike Smith for the experience of the last four years. It's a great organization and will have continued success in the future."
And a comment by Auburn coach Gene Chizik, who may be slightly more or far less popular throughout Georgia moving forward, depending on your views on many things (it's complicated). UGA fans are grossed out, while it's mixed reactions all around for Falcons fans. Oh, right, Chizik:
"I'm very excited to have a coach like Brian VanGorder join our staff at Auburn. From the beginning of this process, I had one person in mind, and that was Brian," Chizik said. "He has achieved success at every level, both professionally and collegiately, which is a testament to his ability as a coach. He has been one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, has won a Broyles Award at the college level, and understands what it takes to succeed in the Southeastern Conference. We're pleased to welcome Brian and his family to Auburn."
For more on the Atlanta Falcons, be sure to visit Falcons blog The Falcoholic. For news and updates around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.