Pelton named new DL coach

Vanderbilt University

Hey everyone.

Former Auburn starter Mike Pelton, who played linebacker and defensive tackle from 1991-94, is expected to be named the Tigers’ new defensive line coach. He replaces Tracy Rocker, who left to take a job with the Tennessee Titans last month.

“I was fortunate to have Mike on my previous staff and I have known him for several years,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. “He’s a great coach, a tireless worker and an outstanding recruiter who has mentored some very good players, including NFL standouts Demarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora, both who are from Auburn. Mike is very familiar with the state and region, and he knows what it takes to coach and recruit in the Southeastern Conference. We look forward to having a member of the Auburn Family return home and join our staff.”

Pelton is no stranger to this area. He grew up in Goshen, attended Auburn and spent six seasons as an assistant at Troy. Pelton spent both seasons at Iowa State with Gene Chizik (2007, ’08), but headed for Shades Valley High when Chizik took the Auburn job. Pelton caught on at Vanderbilt before the 2010 season and landed at Southwestern Louisiana Louisiana-Lafayette in January.

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