Grimes returns to Auburn

AUBURN | Auburn didn’t waste anytime finding a replacement for Herb Hand and it’s a familiar name.

A day after Hand was hired away by Texas, the Tigers hired J.B. Grimes as offensive line coach.

“It’s great to have JB Grimes returning to the Auburn family,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. “He played a big part in our success in 2013 when we won the SEC Championship and led the nation in rushing. JB is a tremendous coach and teacher, is familiar with our players and coaches, and is a great addition to our program.”

Grimes served as Auburn’s offensive line coach from 2013-15 before spending the 2016 season at Cincinnati and 2017 at UConn.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to get back to the Plains,” Grimes said. “I’ve always loved Auburn and have always loved the people at Auburn. They are my type of people. Auburn people love the game of football and know what it takes to win.

"I can’t wait to get back and work with Coach Malzahn and the rest of the coaches and staff that I know and have worked with before. I hold them dear to my heart. I look forward to getting to work and doing my part to help Auburn win football games.”

Auburn's offense led the nation in rushing in 2013 averaging 328.3 yards per game. Grimes coached two NFL Draft picks while at Auburn in Greg Robinson and Shon Coleman. Reese Dismukes won the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center in 2014.

In three seasons under Grimes, Auburn allowed 52 sacks. In two seasons under Hand, the Tigers were sacked 55 times.

In his lone season at UConn, the Huskies improved from No. 118 to No. 68 nationally in rushing offense.

Hand was hired as Texas offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Tuesday.