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AUBURN -- Gus Malzahn knew defense should be his emphasis after being hired earlier this month.
So that's what he did.
Auburn's new head coach already has filled his defensive staff - with an eye on experience. Those four men have a combined 66 years of Southeastern Conference coaching experience, which should prove invaluable as the Tigers go about solving issues on that side of the ball.
With that in mind, here's a look at all four men and how their skills match what Malzahn said he wanted:

ELLIS JOHNSON

Age: 60

Overall coaching experience: 31 seasons

SEC coaching experience: 15 seasons

Position of emphasis: Linebackers

Scouting report: Gus Malzahn had Johnson in mind from the very beginning, perhaps as early as his interview in suburban Nashville. Managing a defense that works in the New World Order of pacey, no-huddle offense requires outside-the-box thinking that has been Johnson's thing.

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