AUBURN, Alabama – Mississippi State's Melvin Smith was hired as Auburn's sixth assistant coach today, and is bringing to the Tigers a reputation of producing defensive backs who can intercept the football.

Smith, who will coach cornerbacks, is the fourth defensive assistant added to Gus Malzahn's staff. He was a semifinalist in 2011 for the Frank Broyles Award, which goes to the nation's top assistant coach.

Smith's defensive backs have helped Mississippi State to 16 interceptions in 2012. By comparison, Auburn had two. State's 2009 secondary intercepted 17 passes.

One his players, Jonathan Banks, won the 2012 Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back. Banks has four interceptions this season. Teammate Darius Slay is tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions.

"Melvin is an outstanding secondary coach and is one of the top recruiters in the Southeastern Conference," Malzahn said in a statement. "He has a reputation for his ability to develop players and his 31-year coaching resume speaks for itself. We’re excited to have Melvin join our staff."

Smith said, "I've admired Gus’ work from afar and have always loved his offenses...This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family."

Malzahn's new coaching staff is comprised of Smith, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, secondary coach Charlie Harbison, defensive line coach Rodney Garner, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.

Auburn has three coaching spots open, likely all on offense and special teams.

Smith's hiring is the second headline from Auburn this Christmas. Earlier, the school announced it had signed junior college offensive lineman

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