Not enough people discuss what Derrick Nix’s arrival to Auburn means to the offense. The new offensive coordinator rides into town with a clear mind and goals. After years of uneven offense under two separate coaching tenures, the Tigers look to bring in stability.
However, do not confuse program steadiness for staleness. The Auburn brain trust, led by Hugh Freeze, will bank on Nix not only changing aspects of the Auburn culture but depending on his Alabama roots to bolster the program. How will he affect change on The Plains and guide the Tigers back to relevance?
Carnell Williams is Auburn royalty, a legend that wore the jersey with pride, leaving everything on the field. Coach Williams now plies his trade in Las Vegas. With that said, focus on what Nix brings to the table, rather than what Williams did.
Although comparison is a natural part of human existence, Nix and Williams will accomplish, win or lose, excel or fail, on their own merits. Plus, Nix deserves a bit of grace, considering he replaced a legendary player that worked in a vital position on the team. Each coach offers his own spin to the offense and how running backs fit in. Ironically, Williams played high school football after Nix, at the same place, Etowah High.
While Nix calls Alabama his home state, the fact that he spent sixteen years at Ole Miss speaks to his ability to handle and survive multiple coaching changes. Additionally, he proved his considerable worth in recruiting. Nix displays an uncanny ability to not only recruit various positions, but when he coaches at a large school, he will lock that area down.
If a blue-chip talent emerges, he will probably play where Nix coaches. In talent-rich Alabama, the ability to make parts of the state exclusively yours will go a long way in establishing Auburn as a national power.
