Auburn will reset its coordinator duo for the fifth consecutive season as defensive coordinator Ron Roberts is expected to take a similar position with head coach Billy Napier at Florida, according to a report from 247Sports Matt Zenitz.

Roberts was previously a defensive coordinator for Napier at Louisiana from 2018-2019.

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze let go of offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery on Jan. 5. But that move had much more writing on the wall. Roberts’ departure comes as more of a surprise after Auburn’s defense had a generally strong 2023 season.

On Dec. 30, Auburn reportedly hired former Colorado defensive coordinator and Auburn alum Charles Kelly to join the staff. However, the school has not yet announced his hire or an official job title.

Anchored by a secondary with four NFL-bound defensive backs — Nehemiah Pritchett, DJ James, Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett — as well as a first-team All-SEC defensive tackle in Marcus Harris, Roberts guided Auburn’s defense to jump from 77th nationally in total defense in 2022 to 45th in 2023.

Frequently, it was Auburn’s defense that kept it in games despite a struggling offense.

The question with Roberts may reside more with how well he fits in Auburn’s coaching staff.

In October, cornerbacks coach Wes McGriff “stepped away” from his on-field coaching role due to a “personal issue.” Later, Freeze said McGriff had moved into a role working “with me on the accountability team of making sure our kids are accountable.”

On3 reported McGriff and Roberts had several “disagreements.”

A day after Auburn’s Music City Bowl loss, it was reported McGriff had accepted a job to join new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko’s staff.

There were rumors, albeit unconfirmed, that the origin of McGriff’s change in role came as a result of disagreements with Roberts.

Whether it be Kelly or someone else, Auburn’s next defensive coordinator will be its fifth in as many seasons. Whoever Auburn hires as its next offensive coordinator will be its seventh in the last seven seasons.

The hope for Freeze’s staff going forward is stability. Auburn hasn’t had much of it recently.

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