AUBURN, Alabama – Boise State Defensive Coordinator Jeff Schmedding will be the coach of Auburn’s internal linebacker and coordinator of the defense game. The school announced his hiring on Saturday and he follows the former Boise State coach Bryan Harsin to Auburn after also training Broncos internal and external linebackers in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
“When you look at the defenses that Coach Schmedding coordinated in Boise, they were of the caliber of the championship, so I know the work ethic and preparation he brings in every day,” said Harsin. “He is a veteran presence on this team that makes others around him better. The versatility he brings with the linebackers and connecting the attacking medium of our defense Auburn will complement Coach Mason’s vision as a whole. “
Before joining the Harsin team in Boise, Schmedding spent 15 seasons in East Washington as a graduate assistant, then coordinator of special teams and finally as a defensive coordinator. He also trained EWU linebackers, security guards and coins during his time with his alma mater.
After training Boise State’s external linebackers in 2019, he took over the internal linebackers for the 2020 campaign. Schmedding’s first season leading the defense was strong for the Broncos, who won the Mountain West championship with a record of 12-2 and 8-0 in conference game. Boise’s defense made an impressive year, finishing among the top 15 in the national ranking in sacks (37) and among the top 25 in the national ranking (20.6 ppg).
In 2019, Curtis Weaver junior of STUD was elected the 2019 Mountain West Defense Player of the Year, leading the conference and finishing fifth in bags (13.5). His 34 career bags are a Mountain West record as well. Weaver was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, junior defender Kekaula Kaniho was also nominated for the All-Mountain West First Team. Kaniho was nominated for the 2020 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List going into the fall. In addition, the Broncos had five other defensive players nominated for the 2019 Mountain West Second Team.
“I want to thank Coach Harsin for the opportunity to join his team at Auburn,” said Schmedding. “My family and I are very humble and honored to be part of a university as big as Auburn. I’m excited to get to work and make the Auburn family proud. “
Before arriving in Boise, Schmedding spent the 15 seasons (2004-18) in eastern Washington, helping to bring the Eagles to the National Football Championship Subdivision Championship (FCS) in 2010. EWU also made the game for the national title in 2018 – one of 10 performances in total FCS Playoff during Schmedding’s time with the program. In 2018, the Eagles’ defense was the first in the FCS in marked defensive touchdowns and the second in forced spins.
Schmedding served as the 2015-18 EWU’s defensive coordinator while training security guards and rovers. He spent seven seasons (2008-14) as coordinator of special teams for the Eagles, training linebackers (2008-09), safeties and nickels (2010-14) during that time. He started his career at EWU as a graduate assistant (2004-06), where he spent time with linebackers and high school before being promoted to a full-time position as a coach in 2007.
Schmedding obtained his bachelor’s degree in physical education and coaching in Eastern Washington in 2002. Born in Spokane, Wash., He graduated from University High School, where he was a prominent fighter and football player. He was runner-up in the state 3A Wrestling Championships in the 215 pound division. Schmedding and his wife, Kristine, have been married for almost 15 years and have two children, Jack and Blake.
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