Chad Lunsford, a former Auburn staffer and Group of Five head coach, returns to the Tigers as the special teams coordinator. Coach Hugh Freeze believes Lunsford's experience and expertise will be invaluable to the program.
Former Auburn football staffer and Group of Five head coach Chad Lunsford has returned to Auburn , this time as the special teams coordinator, head coach Hugh Freeze announced Friday. Lunsford spent five seasons at Auburn from 2009-13, holding roles as director of player personnel and director of scouting, before leading Georgia Southern for nine seasons, including three as head coach.
'Chad has not only been a successful special teams coach, but has also been a college head coach and brings a lot to the table,' Freeze said. 'His experience and expertise will bolster our special teams. We are happy to welcome Chad and his family back to Auburn.' Lunsford most recently served as associate head coach at Florida Atlantic, where he coordinated special teams and coached tight ends for three seasons. He joined FAU in February of 2022 and was elevated to associate head coach in January of 2023, even serving as interim head coach for the final two games of the season. 'My family and I are super excited to be coming back to Auburn,' Lunsford said. 'We are very thankful to Coach Freeze and the Auburn family for this opportunity. We understand what an honor it is to be a part of Auburn University, the Auburn football program, and the Auburn community. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends back on the Plains. Auburn is a special place for us, and we are ready to get to work. War Eagle!' During his time at FAU, Lunsford oversaw a tight ends group with no prior collegiate starts. They contributed significantly to the program's first 1,000-yard rusher in three seasons, aiding in pass protection and securing 13 receptions. On special teams, he mentored a group that was equally inexperienced, including an Australian punter who not only played his first season of American football but also earned Freshman All-American recognition. Kicker Morgan Suarez ranked among the nation's leaders in field goal percentage, field goals per game, and points responsible for, while punter Riley Thompson averaged 45.4 yards per punt, ranking second among all Conference USA punters and No. 12 nationally. As units, the Owls ranked No. 14 in kickoff return defense and No. 21 in net punting. In 2023, the Owls were ranked No. 4 nationally in punt returns, a 28-spot leap, while the kick return unit moved up 36 spots. Punt returner LaJohntay Wester finished second nationally in punt return touchdowns and was a FWAA First Team All-American and Wester’s AAC Special Team Player of the Year and First Team AAC selection.
CHAD LUNSFORD AUBURN HUGH FREEZE SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR GEORGIA SOUTHERN FLORIDA ATLANTIC
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