This article originally appeared with The Red & Black on July 13, 2015 and can be found here.

HOOVER, Ala.–The Auburn Tigers made a splash in late December by hiring former Florida head coach Will Muschamp as their defensive coordinator. Although the former Georgia defensive back had a rough go of things in Gainesville, Florida, Muschamp is already winning over his new players at Auburn.

“He’s intense,” said senior cornerback Jonathan Jones. “He has a standard and he’s not going to waver from it. Every day he brings the same energy. He has high expectations for each player and he holds you accountable.”

Muschamp is known for his fiery attitude that made him one of the top assistants while at Texas and at Auburn previously. When Tigers defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson was relieved of his duties in November, the reunion seemed like a perfect match for both sides. A new coordinator isn’t anything intimidating for Auburn’s seniors; the Tigers are now on their third defensive coordinator since 2011.

The biggest adjustment for the players won’t be a new coach, but a new defensive style. Johnson’s defenses relied heavily on outside pressure, which could be dangerous if the blitzing players didn’t make a play. Muschamp focuses more on his players in the box making plays, leaving the secondary with coverage as its primary focus.

Auburn’s new face on defense has kept things simple in improving his new unit. Muschamp has worked closely with each player’s statistics from spring practice, showing each individual their strengths and weaknesses. Muschamp has also been candid in his player assessments, leaving his thoughts on each person perfectly clear. With the job of revamping a defense that struggled down the stretch in 2014, he has little time to waste.

Compliments have never been attributed much with Muschamp, but senior linebacker Kris Frost sees that as a positive. Frost already knows that encouragement from the new coordinator means he’s truly made a great play.

“It’s not just about getting after your players,” Frost said. “Coach Muschamp really understands about when to praise us. That’s what we love so much about him. It’s become more about making great plays to excite your coach and your team. It’s great for us.”

Muschamp’s defenses were never the issue while coaching Flordia, which has to excite Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. Auburn’s high-paced spread offense is difficult for the team’s defensive coordinators to match. Fast offenses means little time for defenders to recoup, which can leave the opposing offense with a better matchup. Every situation is different, but Muschamp has the resume to show he’s up to building defenses wherever he goes.

Malzahn also holds the advantage of having a former Southeastern Conference head coach on his staff, which offers him a confidant in crucial situations.

“The fact that he’s been a head coach in this league is very unique,” Malzahn said. “I’ve already used him at times to get his advice on some things and really help me. He’s a true professional.”

With the season under two months away, Muschamp has time to put the finishing touches on his latest defense. Auburn needs its new coordinator to be ready for the task, because surviving in the SEC West division is no simple task. Ted Roof failed to do it, Brian VanGorder was ousted along with the rest of Gene Chizik’s coaching staff, and Johnson was the latest Auburn defensive coordinator to be escorted out.

The challenge is something that Muschamp’s players believe he is up for. Muschamp maintains high standards of all players, causing each to step up their game if they want starting time. This technique could lead to a big season for the Tigers.

“He can have a big impact,” Jones said. “It always starts with the head. He has these high demands from us, and if you don’t meet those demands, you aren’t going to play.”