Derrick Nix Comments On Auburn Offense Heading Into 2024 Season

Hugh Freeze and Derrick Nix have worked together on the same staff for a long while. While Hugh Freeze was hired in 2012 as the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, Nix had already been there since 2008. Nix got his start in Oxford after being hired away from Southern Miss, where he was the 2nd all time leading rusher in that program's history.

His career was unfortunately sidelined by a kidney condition that ended his NFL prospects, but he immediately went into coaching as a GA for Southern Miss. In 2008 he was hired by Houston Nutt as their running backs coach, and would work his way up over time to be Lane Kiffin's wide receivers coach before Hugh Freeze again asked Nix to join his staff.

In an interview at the conclusion of fall camp, Nix was asked about his offense. He started with a question about the running backs, who he said have been "really consistent." He also mentioned that the group has been getting more consistent in all three phases of playing the position, pass protection, catching from the backfield, and running the ball. He mentioned Jarquez Hunter as a leader in the room, with Damari Alston following closely behind.

The conversation moved to the quarterbacks next, discussing Payton Thorne, who Nix called an "extension of the coaching staff." He continued that his leadership and understanding of the offense, specifically changing protections, are much better now than before. Hank Brown also received a brief mention following his announcement as the sole backup to Thorne. Nix said Brown had great arm talent, and was much more consistent on the field than previously.

The interview wrapped up with Nix saying the biggest difference between this season's team and last is the attention to detail, focusing on efficiency in the passing game, and taking care of the ball.

The first chance to see the fruits of this work will be on August 31st against Alabama A&M, at 6:30 CT in Jordan Hare Stadium.