Kodi Burns Named Associate Head Coach and Co-OC for Auburn Tigers
Auburn University has appointed Kodi Burns as the Associate Head Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator for the Auburn Tigers, along with serving as the Wide Receivers Coach. The announcement was made by head coach Alex Golesh, emphasizing Burns’s significant contributions to the program.
Kodi Burns: A Strong Return to Auburn Football
Kodi Burns, a former player and national champion with the Tigers, brings extensive coaching experience back to Auburn. His career includes 11 years at the collegiate level, with seven years in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and three years in the NFL.
Coaching Achievements
Burns’s coaching journey includes notable successes, particularly during his recent tenure at the University of South Florida (USF). In 2025, he was instrumental in leading USF to:
- Second-best total offense in the nation (501.7 yards per game)
- Fourth-best scoring offense in the country (43.0 points per game)
During this time, USF receivers achieved:
- 243 receptions
- 3,315 receiving yards
- 32 touchdowns
At USF, four receivers recorded over 20 receptions, 400 yards, and three touchdowns each. This performance underscores Burns’s effectiveness as an offensive strategist.
Previous Tenure and Notable Players
Burns previously worked at Auburn from 2016 to 2020, where he held several key positions, including:
- Co-Offensive Coordinator
- Passing Game Coordinator
- Wide Receivers Coach
Under his guidance, Auburn produced nine future NFL Draft picks and set several milestones, including:
- 3,000 rushing and 3,000 passing yards in the 2017 season
- Winning the SEC West
- Finishing ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll
Burns also helped receiver Ryan Davis set program records for receptions, both single-season (84) and career (178).
Impact at the NFL Level
After his success at Auburn, Burns joined the NFL, where he played a key role with the New Orleans Saints. He contributed to the development of standout receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, who together totaled nearly 300 receptions and over 4,000 yards in their first three years.
A Versatile Player Background
As a student-athlete, Burns was a versatile player for Auburn. He began as a quarterback, becoming the first true freshman starter since 1998, before shifting to wide receiver. Over his four years, he recorded nearly 2,300 total yards and 22 touchdowns.
Burns capped his collegiate playing career with a national championship in 2010, having scored the first touchdown in the BCS title game against Oregon.
Education and Early Career
A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Kodi Burns earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Auburn in 2011. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Arkansas State and Auburn, followed by coaching positions at Samford and Middle Tennessee before returning to Auburn.
With Burns’s return, the Auburn Tigers aim for a renewed competitive edge as they prepare for the upcoming football season. His wealth of experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to the coaching staff.
