CBS News: Due to Unforeseen Circumstances, Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward Part-Ways with Auburn Tigers football. See details
As of January 19, 2025, there is no official information confirming that Brian Ward has parted ways with the Auburn Tigers football program. In fact, Brian Ward is currently serving as the defensive coordinator for Arizona State University.
Previously, Ward held the position of defensive coordinator at Washington State University, where he led one of the elite defenses in the Pac-12 during the 2022 season. Under his guidance, the Cougars ranked third in the conference and 33rd nationally, allowing just 22.4 points per game.
Before his tenure at Washington State, Ward served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Nevada. During the 2021 season, his defense allowed 24.4 points per game, a 7.5-point improvement from 2019. The Wolf Pack also improved from 48th in turnovers gained in 2019 to eighth in 2021 under his leadership.
Ward’s coaching career includes a four-year stint at Syracuse University, where he was hired as defensive coordinator in 2016 and added the role of linebackers coach in 2017. His defenses were nationally relevant, leading the nation in turnovers forced in 2018 and finishing in the top 15 in third-down defense. However, in November 2019, following a 58-27 loss to Boston College, Syracuse head coach Dino Babers announced that Ward had been relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator.
Given the lack of official announcements or credible reports, the claim that Brian Ward has parted ways with the Auburn Tigers football program appears to be unfounded.