Derrick Nix is officially Auburn’s newest OC. Here’s why the hire makes sense

Hugh Freeze and Auburn have taken a significant step towards finalizing the coaching staff for the upcoming 2024 season. The program recently announced the addition of Derrick Nix, formerly the associate head coach, wide receivers coach, and running backs coach at Ole Miss.

Nix is set to join Auburn as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach, according to an announcement made on Wednesday. In a released statement, Freeze expressed his enthusiasm for reuniting with Nix at Auburn, praising him as an exceptional recruiter and coach with nearly two decades of experience in the Southeastern Conference. Freeze highlighted Nix’s understanding of the level of excellence required for success in the league and his commitment to contributing to Auburn’s winning program.

The announcement of Nix’s hiring follows the dismissal of Philip Montgomery, who served as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator in the previous season, just 12 days prior. Additionally, it comes six days after the resignation of Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, the former Auburn running backs coach and associate head coach.

Given the challenges faced by Auburn’s offense in the 2023 season, the news of Montgomery’s departure may not have surprised many Tigers fans. However, the resignation of Williams, a revered figure with a significant legacy at Auburn, left a lasting impact on the fanbase.

Now, with the addition of Nix as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach, Auburn fans have a reason to be optimistic. While some may view it as a consolation prize amid the emotional aftermath of Williams’ departure, there are valid reasons to believe that Nix’s hiring will be beneficial for the Auburn program.

We got 𝐨𝐮𝐫 guy!

Auburn has announced @DerrickDnix as Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs coach.

📝 https://t.co/53EzdOxfbn | #WarEagle🦅 pic.twitter.com/C0PRHBmpZE

— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) January 17, 2024

Hugh Freeze and Derrick Nix have history

When Hugh Freeze assumed the role of head coach for the Ole Miss football program in 2012, he chose to retain Derrick Nix, who had been serving as the Rebels’ running backs coach since 2008. Freeze expressed confidence in Nix’s coaching and recruiting abilities, as well as his familiarity with the players. Throughout Freeze’s five seasons in Oxford, Nix remained on staff, contributing to the team’s combined record of 39-25 under Freeze. This included achieving back-to-back nine-win regular seasons for the first time since 1962 and securing four consecutive bowl appearances for the first time since 1971.

The enduring partnership between Freeze and Nix means that they are already well-acquainted with each other’s coaching styles and personalities. While there may not have been issues blending coaching styles and personalities with Freeze and his recently departed assistants, the comfort of familiarity is acknowledged.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity at Auburn and rejoining Coach Freeze, Nix highlighted their past collaboration, emphasizing his understanding of Freeze’s offensive and cultural preferences. Nix also mentioned his eagerness to work with Coach Austin again, having previously collaborated with him during their time at Ole Miss for two years.

Derrick Nix is a proven recruiter

One of the main reasons Hugh Freeze brought in recently fired offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery was to delegate the responsibilities of game planning and play-calling, allowing Freeze to invest more time on the recruiting trail. However, in 2023, only half of this arrangement proved successful, resulting in the Tigers securing the seventh-ranked recruiting class for the 2024 cycle but at the cost of struggling offensive performance.

While Freeze may have been willing to accept this trade-off in Season 1, reports from ESPN’s Chris Low on January 9 indicate a change in plans for Season 2. Freeze intends to resume the offensive play-calling himself, signaling a shift in priorities.

This is where Derrick Nix comes into play. As Freeze refocuses on the aspects that propelled him in the college football scene, Nix is likely to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining a strong presence on the recruiting trail.

Nix has a notable track record in college football, having served as the primary recruiter for three 5-star prospects, including Ole Miss linebacker Suntarine Perkins, who held the top spot as the No. 1 prospect in Mississippi and the third-rated linebacker nationally in the 2023 class. Additionally, Nix played a key role in securing commitments from 22 4-star prospects during his tenure with the Rebels. His recruiting efforts have spanned various positions, encompassing running backs, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and defensive backs.

Known for his prowess as a recruiter in Mississippi, Nix is expected to continue tapping into the talent pool of the Magnolia State to help Auburn secure top-tier prospects for the future.

Derrick Nix is an all-around offensive coach

During his 16-year tenure at Ole Miss, Nix has taken on various roles, initially as the running backs coach and later as the wide receivers coach. For the first 12 years, he served as the running backs coach, contributing to the success of notable rushers like Brandon Bolden, Jaylen Walton, Dexter McCluster, and Jordan Phillips, all ranking among Ole Miss’ top-12 all-time leading rushers. Under Nix’s guidance, Ole Miss’ rushing attack achieved top-three rankings in the SEC on three occasions.

In the 2020 season, Nix shifted to the role of wide receivers coach, making an immediate impact by fostering the development of an All-American receiver, Elijah Moore. Moore led the nation in receiving yards per game, receptions per game, and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing the best college football receiver. In 2021, Nix continued his success, mentoring Dontario Drummond to become Ole Miss’ sixth receiver to achieve a 1,000-yard season.

Upon joining Auburn, Nix’s primary responsibility will be coaching the Tigers’ running back unit. However, given his four years of experience as Ole Miss’ wide receivers coach, there is potential for him to collaborate with Auburn’s wide receiver coach Marcus Davis, especially with the recent addition of four highly talented receivers to the Tigers’ roster.