Auburn has officially welcomed Brian VanGorder as its defensive coordinator, hiring a coach with both NFL and SEC experience.

VanGorder has coached six years in the NFL, including the last four as the defensive coordinator of the Falcons. He was also Georgia's defensive coordinator from 2001-04 and was named the winner of the Frank Broyles Award that goes to college football's top assistant coach in 2003.

"From the beginning of this process, I had one person in mind, and that was Brian," said Auburn coach Gene Chizik in a statement.

Auburn has been looking for a defensive coordinator since Ted Roof left for Central Florida in early December. Turns out, Chizik was waiting for the end of the Falcons' season to name the replacement.

VanGorder said he's ready to return to the SEC.