One of the biggest “splashes” in Golesh’s inaugural staff was the hiring of Tim Banks as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach. Coming over from Tennessee, where he served as the primary DC, Banks brings a wealth of Power Five experience and a reputation for developing elite NFL-caliber defensive backs.
It was important to bring more SEC pedigree to this Alex Golesh staff. Auburn fans had begun to lament Auburn turning into the USF Tigers or the Auburn Bulls. Defense isn’t Golesh’s background. He needed to give DJ Durkin some addiitonal help with his defense. They landed on Banks as the guy.
Banks and Golesh are no strangers; they worked together during Tennessee’s historic 2022 run. His arrival at Auburn creates a “brain trust” on the defensive side of the ball, pairing his secondary expertise with Durkin’s front-seven dominance.
Banks is known for a “pressure-look” defense that disguises coverages. Having a coach of Banks’ caliber to lead the safeties is a massive win for the Tigers. Expect the Auburn secondary to play with a new level of swagger in 2026. They certainly need it.
Let’s not sugar coat it, Auburn’s secondary was not impressive last season. The passing defense ranked amongst the worst in the SEC last season. Now, the question is, “Is Banks the man to get it right?” They have a lot of work to do to keep this young talent on the roster and fill it out with some veteran leadership.
