Auburn defensive coordinator Johnson fired
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Auburn, AL (SportsNetwork.com) - Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson was fired on Sunday, a day after the Tigers lost the highest-scoring Iron Bowl in history.
Johnson was in his second season leading the Auburn defense and has coached in the Southeastern Conference for almost two decades.
The Tigers (8-4) gave up 34 points in the second half of Saturday's 55-44 loss to Alabama and allowed Heisman Trophy hopeful Amari Cooper to gain an Iron Bowl-record 224 yards on 12 catches.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Auburn ranks 59th in the nation in total defense, including 85th in passing defense. The Tigers have given up 26.1 points per game.
"At this time I felt it was best for our program to make a change with our defensive coordinator," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement. "Ellis is a true professional and I would like to thank him for his contributions at Auburn."
Johnson said in a statement that he understands it's "part of the business."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I did think we were good in several areas, but overall it wasn't good enough," he said. "I'm disappointed for our players, but this is a results business. I want to thank coach Malzahn and Auburn for the opportunity the last two years."
Auburn still has a bowl game left to play this season.