Tim Banks enters his first season on the Auburn Tigers’ coaching staff with a talented and largely healthy safety group, but the opportunity also comes with significant pressure. Hired by new head coach Alex Golesh, Banks will be responsible for developing one of the most important position groups on Auburn’s defense while helping establish the identity of a program entering a new era.
Banks is reunited with Golesh after the two previously worked together at Tennessee. His arrival gives Auburn an experienced defensive coach, but it also places him under scrutiny after a disappointing final season coordinating Tennessee’s defense.
The expectations surrounding Auburn in Golesh’s first year are somewhat measured. The Tigers are not necessarily expected to compete for the College Football Playoff immediately, particularly with Golesh installing a new offensive system and bringing in play-caller Joel Gordon and quarterback Byrum Brown. However, Auburn is still expected to make meaningful progress and put itself in position to reach a bowl game.
That makes the defense particularly important. Auburn’s defense is expected to provide stability while the new offense finds its footing, meaning Banks will have little room for error with a safety room that appears to have plenty of talent and depth.
Auburn’s safety room enters camp in better shape
One of the biggest advantages Banks has compared with last season is the health of Auburn’s safeties. Several players dealt with injuries previously, but most of the group is now available and preparing for increased responsibilities.
AnQuon Fegans dealt with a minor undisclosed injury early in fall camp but has not been significantly limited. Kaleb Harris has also battled injuries during the past two seasons, although he is expected to increase his workload as camp progresses.
Champ Anthony provides another intriguing option. Although he is traditionally a free safety, Anthony appears increasingly likely to spend significant time at nickel. His return to full health is especially encouraging after he endured serious injuries during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Sylvester Smith-Reed is another player expected to contribute, although he has not yet been cleared for full-contact work. Meanwhile, Eric Winters has remained healthy and is embracing a leadership role during camp. His physical build and aggressive style give Auburn another versatile defender capable of setting the tone for the secondary.
With so many of Banks’ key players healthy, expectations naturally rise.
Banks must prove last season at Tennessee was an outlier
The biggest question surrounding Banks is whether Auburn can get the best version of him after his final season at Tennessee ended poorly.
The Volunteers’ defense experienced a dramatic decline in 2025. Tennessee finished 92nd nationally in scoring defense, allowing nearly 29 points per game. That was a stark contrast to 2024, when the Volunteers ranked seventh nationally and surrendered only 16.1 points per game.
That 2024 defense was widely regarded as one of the primary reasons Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff, making the following year’s regression particularly noticeable.
Banks now has an opportunity to put that disappointing season behind him. At Auburn, he will work with a safety group that has talent, experience and improved health, while defensive coordinator DJ Durkin will oversee the larger defensive operation.
If the secondary struggles, however, Banks will inevitably receive much of the criticism. Auburn’s safety unit performed well under T. J. Rushing last season, and Rushing has since moved to Arkansas. Banks therefore inherits a group that already had a strong foundation, increasing the expectation that he should maintain or improve its performance.
Auburn could be an important opportunity for Banks
The move to Auburn gives Banks a chance to rebuild his reputation. As a position coach, he will have fewer responsibilities than he did while overseeing Tennessee’s entire defense, potentially allowing him to concentrate on player development and maximizing the talent in his room.
For Golesh, the hiring represents an important gamble. If Banks turns Auburn’s safeties into a dependable strength, the Tigers could have the defensive foundation necessary to navigate a challenging SEC schedule while their new offense develops.
Ultimately, Banks’ first season on the Plains will be about more than simply coaching a talented group. It will be a test of whether he can translate his experience into consistent development and production—and prove that Tennessee’s defensive collapse in 2025 was an exception rather than a reflection of his coaching ability.
Leave a Reply