Jake Thornton tabbed as Auburn's next offensive line coach
AUBURN — Ole Miss offensive line coach Jake Thornton will be Auburn’s next offensive line coach under Hugh Freeze according to On3 Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Auburn Live added Thornton as a candidate to watch as offensive line coach last week.
Ole Miss finished third nationally in rushing at 261 yards per game in 2022. Freshman Quinshon Judkins rushed for 1,476 yards and 16b touchdowns, while Zach Evans rushed for 899 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
In his first season, Thornton’s offensive line helped the Rebels lead the SEC in total offense at 492.5 yards per game. Anchoring that offensive line was eventual NFL signee Ben Brown, stalwarts like center Orlando Umana, tackle Nick Broeker, as well as Freshman All-SEC honoree Eli Acker.
Due to a late four-game surge at the end of the season, Auburn finished 19th nationally in rushing at 205 yards per game. The Tigers rushed for 250-plus yards in each of its final four games against Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Western Kentucky and Alabama.
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Thornton faces an uphill battle in year one as the majority of the Tigers’ offensive line are graduating, leaving few experienced players to build upon heading into the spring of 2023.
| COACHING CAREER | ||
| Year(s) | School | Position |
| 2021-Pres. | Ole Miss | Offensive Line |
| 2020 | Gardner Webb | Run Game Coordinator/OL |
| 2018-19 | Tennessee Tech | Run Game Coordinator/OL |
| 2017 | Alabama | Graduate Assistant |
| 2016 | Western Carolina | Quality Control |
Hugh Freeze’s staff closer to completion
Freeze’s first staff at Auburn grows closer to completion with the hiring of Jake Thornton. He joins defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett, tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua and running backs coach and associate head coach Carnell Williams as confirmed hires. Liberty assistants Maurice Harris, Kent Austin and Bruce Johnson, plus Louisville defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff are also expected to join the Auburn staff in some capacity.
