Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff still has a role within the team while he steps away from an on-field role temporarily due to “personal issues.”

First Freeze was asked Monday for an update on McGriff, and he confirmed the initial reports from last week.

AL.com confirmed a report last week that McGriff was stepping away from the team temporarily.

“He was just in my office working with me and the accountability team making sure the kids are accountable,” Freeze said Monday. “He’s dealing with a personal issue. I think he’ll get through it just fine.”

Freeze was then asked about what McGriff’s role is now, seeing as he is still in the building.

“He’s chief of accountability and in-house recruiting right now,” Freeze said. It’s been remarkable to see him, the conversation he’s having with these kids. He’s got a gift to talk straight to them and they listen to him and accountability and doing things the right way. I’ve been really impressed and he’s helped me immensely.”

The situation appears fluid and the exact personal issue is unknown, nor how long McGriff’s role will remain off the field.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]