Jeff Schmedding discusses ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ at Auburn

Bryan Harsin has immense trust in Jeff Schmedding, and that trust turned into an amazing opportunity for the defensive mind at Auburn.

After serving as Harsin’s defensive coordinator at Boise State, the Tigers head coach brought him as he left Idaho to come to the SEC. During his first season at Auburn, Schmedding was the Tigers’ assistant head coach, linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator.

Promoted to defensive coordinator earlier this offseason, Schmedding recognizes opportunities like these don’t come around often.

“The opportunity to be a coordinator in the SEC, to me it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” stated Schmedding. “There’s no doubt about it, and I don’t look at it lightly. I mean, it’s one of those things you’ve worked a long time for, and you’re in this position. But try to stick with the day-to-day process. We’ve got a great staff, and a great vision that Coach Harsin gives us. We’re going to stay the course on that.

“Humbled, and hungry to get this defense where it needs to go.”

Evidently, the Auburn defensive coordinator can see how special of a gig he has. Continuing, Schmedding explained the impact that the transfer portal has had on his first season at Auburn.

“The transfer portal keeps you on your toes. There’s no doubt about that,” added Schmedding. “That’s really more — we’re past that date right now. Again, I know it’s a topic across college football, it can be a little bit of free agency when you get into that off-season. You’ve got to be prepared and have a plan for that, and you have to look ahead.

“You’re obviously recruiting ‘23s, ‘24s. Now, as you get into it and the season winds down, you’ve got to anticipate some things from a recruiting standpoint.”

Moreover, Schmedding a huge part of the coaching staff at Eastern Washington for over a decade before linking up with Harsin. He did it all with the Eagles, beginning his career as a graduate assistant before becoming a position coach, special teams coordinator and later their defensive coordinator.

Obviously, Harsin thinks highly of Schmedding’s football mind — he brought him to Boise State, and insisted on keeping him on his staff at Auburn. Now, Jeff Schmedding has the opportunity of a lifetime, and if the past is any indication he won’t squander it.