It's official: Auburn razes the Roof

It's official: Auburn razes the Roof

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By John Shryock - bio | email
Ted Roof is reportedly out at Auburn. Ted Roof is reportedly out at Auburn.
AUBURN, AL (WSFA) -

It's official. The Associated Press is reporting that Auburn and its defensive coordinator, Ted Roof, have severed their ties as Roof takes the same position at Central Florida.

Roof spoke for the first time since taking the job Thursday. Roof said he is officially done with the Tigers and will not be coaching when they play Virginia in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Dec. 31. It isn't immediately known who will take his place.

Roof came to Auburn from Minnesota in 2008, but under his care the team's defense had highs and lows. He helped push the defense to eighth best in the nation in 2010, culminating in an undefeated season and the University's first national championship since 1957.

The Tiger's defense during the 2011 season was set in stark contrast to the previous year, suffering from a loss of numerous graduating seniors and NFL draftees. The defense fell to near the bottom of the pile nationally. 

Auburn was 78th in total defense (406 yards per game) and 79th in scoring (29.3 ppg) a year after their national title run.

Roof rejoins UCF coach George O'Leary, who he coached under at Georgia Tech from 1995 to 2001. He's taking over a UCF defense that led Conference USA in several major defensive categories, but had trouble stopping teams late in games during a disappointing 5-7 season.

No official statement has been released by Auburn University.

Copyright 2011 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed.

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