Report: Auburn pursuing longtime NFL DL coach to join Tigers staff

Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach Brentson Buckner is a sought after commodity. The former Clemson star defensive lineman has made a name for himself not just as a player, but as a coach.

After getting a chance as a coach in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buckner has been with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders and his current team, the Cardinals. However, programs are beckoning for Buckner to return to the sport of college football.

Last week, Buckner turned down his own school, deciding to stay with the Cardinals over a return to Clemson. Still, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that another program is undeterred — the Auburn Tigers want Buckner.

“After turning down an offer from Clemson last week, Cardinals’ DL coach Brentson Buckner is now being pursued by Auburn to join its staff, per source,” tweeted Schefter.

Buckner is a highly-revered coach, and the Cardinals wouldn’t be to keen on letting him go. Still, Auburn may make him an offer he can’t refuse if they want him badly enough.

Time will tell what Brentson Buckner decides to do as his next move.

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Evidently, Bryan Harsin wants to add talented coaches with experience playing the game to his staff. On Thursday, it was revealed that Harsin was hiring former All-SEC quarterback Mike Hartline as an assistant. If the Auburn coach can bring Brentson Buckner to the Tigers as well, it would be a huge get.

If it comes to fruition, Buckner and Hartline would bring a wealth of experience to the Auburn staff. While Buckner is the more accomplished coach, Hartline’s impressive playing career proceeds him.

To illustrate, Hartline first came into the spotlight at Kentucky, where he was an exciting quarterback for the Wildcats. The quarterback helped lead the Wildcats to victory in the Liberty Bowl — winning the Offensive MVP for the game.

Moreover, Hartline had two stints in the NFL — joining the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. After realizing the NFL wasn’t working for him, Hartline decided he wanted to stay near the game of football as a coach.

Mike Hartline and Brentson Buckner would provide Auburn with a unique perspectives on their staff. After a disappointing first season, Bryan Harsin is turning over every rock to help Auburn turn their program around.