Auburn Brings in Chad Lunsford as Special Teams Coordinator
In a significant move to strengthen its coaching staff, Auburn has hired Chad Lunsford as the new special teams coordinator. Lunsford, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in collegiate football, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to the Tigers. His return to Auburn marks a homecoming of sorts, as he previously served on the Tigers’ staff from 2009 to 2012.
This hire reflects Auburn’s commitment to bolstering its special teams unit, a critical aspect of the game often overlooked but essential for success in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Chad Lunsford has spent over two decades in college football, carving out a reputation as a versatile and effective coach. Most recently, he held roles at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Georgia Southern, where he contributed to the development of successful special teams units and helped elevate overall team performance.
At Georgia Southern, Lunsford served as the head coach from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he led the Eagles to three bowl appearances, showcasing his ability to lead a program and achieve results. Under his leadership, Georgia Southern also earned recognition for its disciplined and well-executed special teams play, which was often a decisive factor in close games.
Lunsford’s stint at Florida Atlantic allowed him to further refine his coaching skills, focusing on player development and game strategy. His ability to adapt and excel in various roles has made him a sought-after coach in college football circles.
Lunsford is no stranger to Auburn. From 2009 to 2012, he was part of the Tigers’ staff, contributing as Director of Scouting and an assistant coach. His tenure coincided with one of Auburn’s most celebrated eras, which included the 2010 national championship season led by Cam Newton.
During his time at Auburn, Lunsford played a role in talent evaluation, player development, and game preparation. His familiarity with the program, combined with his expanded experience since then, makes him an ideal candidate to rejoin the Tigers in this pivotal role.
Special teams are often referred to as the “third phase” of football, alongside offense and defense, and they can significantly influence the outcome of games. A well-executed punt, a timely field goal, or a dynamic kickoff return can shift momentum and determine the final score. Conversely, lapses in special teams execution can be costly, leading to missed opportunities and giving opponents a competitive edge.
Auburn’s special teams performance has been a mixed bag in recent years, with room for improvement in areas like kickoff coverage, punt returns, and field goal consistency. Bringing in a coach like Chad Lunsford, who has a history of maximizing the potential of his special teams units, signals a clear intent to address these issues and elevate Auburn’s performance in this critical area.
Lunsford’s return to Auburn is expected to have an immediate impact. His ability to teach fundamentals, motivate players, and implement effective strategies will be crucial as the Tigers aim to compete at the highest level in the SEC.
Lunsford’s coaching philosophy emphasizes attention to detail, discipline, and situational awareness—qualities that are essential for special teams success. His experience as a head coach at Georgia Southern also gives him a unique perspective on managing games and understanding how special teams can influence overall team performance.
Additionally, Lunsford’s recruiting connections and ability to identify and develop talent will benefit Auburn as it seeks to build depth and versatility in its special teams personnel.
Auburn’s decision to bring in Chad Lunsford reflects Head Coach Hugh Freeze’s broader vision for the program. Freeze, who took over the reins at Auburn in late 2022, has emphasized the importance of assembling a top-tier coaching staff to restore the Tigers to prominence in the SEC.
By investing in proven coaching talent like Lunsford, Auburn is positioning itself to compete more effectively in all facets of the game. The addition of Lunsford also reinforces the program’s commitment to building a winning culture and achieving sustained.
The hiring of Chad Lunsford as Auburn’s special teams coordinator is a significant step forward for the program. With his extensive experience, proven track record, and deep ties to Auburn, Lunsford is poised to make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ special teams performance.
As Auburn prepares for the 2025 season, fans can expect to see a renewed focus on execution and discipline in special teams play. Under Lunsford’s guidance, the Tigers aim to turn this often-overlooked phase of the game into a competitive advantage, one that could prove decisive in the fiercely competitive SEC.
Welcome back to Auburn, Coach Lunsford! The Tiger family is excited to see what the future holds under your leadership.