Travis Williams

Former Auburn defensive graduate assistant coach Travis Williams watches a practice. (Courtesy photo/File)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Former Auburn linebacker Travis Williams got an offer he couldn't refuse this week.

Williams has decided to return to his alma mater and serve as a defensive analyst, he confirmed Tuesday night to AL.com. His hiring was first reported by AUTigers.com.

"I'm excited to be back," Williams said. "Auburn is home and it was something I could not turn down. Coming back home and be on a great coaching staff is something I couldn't turn down."

Williams tallied 123 tackles, four interceptions and forced five fumbles during his four-year career with the Tigers. He was an All-SEC selection in 2004 and 2005, and was named to the Tigers' all-decade team as well.

Williams' work will be limited to the office and as a bridge builder between the defensive coaches and players off the field.

"I will be a good resource for those guys to talk to and bounce questions off of and get the input of someone who was actually there once before," Williams said.

Williams spent the last season as the defensive coordinator at Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.) High School, which won the Class 5A state championship in December.

The former linebacker served as a graduate assistant on Gene Chizik's staff in 2009 and 2010 before he coached linebackers at Northern Iowa in 2012. He produced several rap songs, including "Tiger Walk," which was a hit with Auburn fans, and is a favorite among former and current Auburn coaches as a motivational speaker.

Williams will serve under veteran defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, whose staff is made up of several veteran assistants.

"I want to continue to learn ball," Williams said. "There's 75-plus years in that defensive room. That's a bunch of knowledge you can pick up on. I want to be around a lot of great guys, who are great men first and great coaches. That's the great thing about that. Whatever coach (Gus) Malzahn wants me to do, to be a great mentor to the kids, I'll do it. I've been there, graduated from there. That's what I'm looking forward to: helping these young men."

Auburn hired legendary South Carolina high school coach Bobby Bentley as an offensive analyst Monday. Auburn has room for three more hires, including a director of high school relations, but Malzahn said last week he may not fill all of the remaining positions.

Williams is expected to start his new job next week. The Tigers kick off spring practices March 18.