Lindsey and Hand trading places

AUBURN | Chip Lindsey and Herb Hand are trading places.

Lindsey, Auburn’s offensive coordinator, will be moving from the sidelines to the coaches’ box on gameday while Hand, the offensive line coach, is moving down to the field.

The changes come after No. 15 Auburn’s offense gained just 117 total yards and allowed 11 sacks in a 14-6 loss at No. 3 Clemson.

“Chip has decided to go upstairs. That's really where his comfort zone is,” Malzahn said. “That's where he was the last two years at Arizona State. Just feels like he can get a better feel for the defenses and everything that goes with that.

“Herb will come downstairs. He thinks it will be a good thing for him to get around his offensive line up front. Those are the changes there and I think that'll definitely help as far as that's concerned with that.”

Malzahn said the idea for the switch came from Lindsey. Senior center Austin Golson likes the move.

“I really don’t know what it’s going to be like because (Hand) has never been on the sideline, but I think it will be good because he can make adjustments with us in person better than on the phone,” Golson said. “I think he thinks he’ll be able to see better and Coach Lindsey says the same — that he’ll be able to see better in the box. I know they know it’s right so we’ll roll with it and see how it goes.”

Malzahn reiterated Tuesday that Lindsey remains in control of the offense and will continue being the play caller.

“This is Chip's deal and Chip is going to do a great job moving forward,” Malzahn said. “We'll communicate from time to time, but we've got a good plan moving forward and like I said, we're going to be better.”

Malzahn did not elaborate on and potential changes in how his coaching staff scouts opponents or comes up with game plans.

“We’re looking at everything right now,” he said. “We’re not going to overreact. We are a good offense, you’ll see the offense improve. We just got to do a better job of coaching our guys and getting them prepared.”

Auburn returns to action Saturday against Mercer at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff on the SEC Network is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT.