Three weeks after Josh Aldridge departed Auburn to become East Carolina’s defensive coordinator, Auburn has reportedly found his replacement. According to reports, Roc Bellantoni is set to take over as Auburn’s outside linebackers/edge coach.
This will mark Bellantoni’s return to Auburn, where he previously served in the same position during the 2022 season. In that stint, he coached outside linebackers and managed special teams. However, his new role will exclude special teams responsibilities.
Auburn is expected to hire Roc Bellantoni as outside linebackers coach, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.
Set to be a return to Auburn for Bellantoni, who was FAU’s defensive coordinator the last two years. He previously worked at Auburn in 2021 and ‘22.… pic.twitter.com/gKHIYKvQGI
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 7, 2025
Most recently, Bellantoni worked as Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) defensive coordinator under head coach Tom Herman for the past two seasons. Before returning to FAU, his coaching career included time at Utah State, Washington State, Buffalo, Villanova, Eastern Illinois, and Drake.
Bellantoni’s most notable coaching success occurred at Eastern Illinois, where he held roles such as defensive line coach, defensive coordinator, and associate head coach. During his time there, he contributed to the program securing five Ohio Valley Conference Championships.
In an earlier stint as FAU’s defensive coordinator, Bellantoni coached defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who went on to become an NFL All-Pro. Hendrickson recently led the league in sacks for the 2024 season.
At Auburn, Bellantoni will oversee a talented group of outside linebackers, including Keyron Crawford, Chris Murray, Jamonta Waller, and incoming freshman Jared Smith.