AUBURN, Alabama -- Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has been named Auburn's defensive coordinator.

The Falcons confirmed the hiring this afternoon.

He had been with the Falcons for four seasons. He was also linebackers coach with Atlanta and Jacksonville in the NFL. He was Georgia's defensive coordinator from 2001-04 and the head coach at Georgia Southern in 2006. Other coaching stops have included Central Florida and Central Michigan.

VanGorder received the Frank Boyles as college football's assistant coach of the Year in 2003 for his work at Georgia.

He's 52. The Falcons' season ended over the weekend.

Auburn needs a defensive coordinator to replace Ted Roof, who left the team in December. Gene Chizik filled in as defensive coordinator in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Chizik is also looking for an offensive coordinator.

Brian VanGorder coaching career

2008-2011 -- Defensive Coordinator // Atlanta Falcons

2007 -- Linebackers // Atlanta Falcons

2006 -- Head Coach // Georgia Southern

2005 -- Linebackers // Jaguars

2001-2004 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Georgia

2000 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Central Michigan

1998-1999 -- Defensive Coordinator // Central Michigan

1997 -- Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator // Central Florida

1995-1996 -- Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator // Central Florida

1992-1994 -- Head Coach // Wayne State

1989-1991 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Grand Valley State

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