Skip to main content
auburn logo

Zac Etheridge: Remaining at Auburn about 'family,' Bryan Harsin's vision

Justin Hokansonby:Justin Hokanson•03/28/22•

_JHokanson

On3 image
Auburn assistant coach Zac Etheridge (Photo by Justin Hokanson/Auburn Live)

AUBURN – Following the conclusion of the Bryan Harsin drama that included an inquiry into his football program, former Auburn player and defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge had a decision to make.

With serious interest from Georgia, as well as other programs, Etheridge faced a dilemma. Would he remain at Auburn amid uncertainty or move on? Would he actually leave the program he loves after just one tough season? We received the answer fairly quickly.

The same week Harsin’s name was cleared by the university after an official inquiry, Etheridge announced he would remain on the Plains.

“I believe in Coach Harsin’s vision and what he brings to the team, and what he stands for,” Etheridge told Auburn Live during an open media session on Monday morning inside the Auburn football complex. “He cares about people, he cares about making sure we develop our players bigger than football. That’s the standard, and that was part of the decision to stay. You’re going to work every day with people that you know have your best interests at heart, and what you love which is Auburn football.”

The former prep standout from Troy, Etheridge is now in charge of the entire defensive backfield after the departure of Derek Mason, and he earned a new title in defensive recruiting coordinator.

“It’s family. The one thing we understand is that this place, I’ve done great things here, but the guys in the room, I’m always honest with them,” Etheridge said. “It’s all about the family and I wanted to make sure that with these guys, I stood on my word.”

Now, entering Year Two under Harsin and Co., Etheridge sees serious strides being made amongst the Auburn defensive backs. Expectations – both from a cultural and scheming standpoint – are clear. And more importantly, they are being adhered to in a way that pleases Etheridge.

“Those guys know what to expect when they hit the grass,” Etheridge said. “When you go from Year Zero to Year One, trying to get in what you implement and Coach Harsin’s vision, it’s easier to execute. We’re way further than we were last spring. Guys can come in and speak the language. You can feel yourself growing and getting better.”

Zac Etheridge spent the two seasons prior to Auburn coaching at Houston. There, Etheridge mentored cornerbacks Marcus Jones and Damarion Williams, who thrived under his direction. Jones was named an All-American in 2020 at cornerback by Pro Football Focus (PFF) and was an All-American selection as a punt return specialist by the FWAA, CBS/247 Sports and the Phil Steele Magazine. Jones also was graded as one of the top-5 corners in 2020 by PFF. Under two seasons of Etheridge’s tutelage, Williams blossomed into an all-conference player in 2020, starting 19 consecutive games for the Cougars.

Auburn is back in action this week leading up to a scrimmage inside Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

You may also like