Auburn football’s linebackers and defensive edge coach, Josh Aldridge, has announced that he is leaving the program to take on a new opportunity. In a tweet, Aldridge confirmed his departure, expressing gratitude for the chance to work with the Auburn players and emphasizing how their dedication played a role in his career advancement. According to reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Aldridge is set to become the new defensive coordinator at East Carolina University.
During his time at Auburn, Aldridge made significant contributions to the development of the team’s defensive unit, particularly the edge players. Under his guidance, the edge unit became one of the most reliable segments of the defense. Notable players from this group included sophomore Keldric Faulk, who finished the season with 45 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass breakup. Other defensive edge players, such as Jalen McLeod, Zykevious Walker, and Amaris Williams, also had solid performances in 2024. These accomplishments speak to Aldridge’s impact on the team and his ability to get the most out of his players.
Although East Carolina has not yet made an official announcement about Aldridge’s hiring, it is widely expected to be confirmed soon. His move to East Carolina marks a significant step in his coaching career, moving from an assistant role to a defensive coordinator position. Aldridge’s journey to this point has been closely linked to his previous work alongside Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, who he had worked with at Liberty University.
Aldridge’s coaching career began in 2013, and he has built a solid reputation along the way. He started as a graduate assistant at Lindenwood University before becoming the defensive line coach at Ouachita Baptist University. Aldridge then moved on to the University of West Georgia, where he served as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for four years. It was during his time at West Georgia that Aldridge’s coaching abilities began to garner attention, setting the stage for his future roles.
In 2018, Aldridge took on a larger responsibility as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University. In that role, he helped guide the team to a strong 12-2 record, with his defense allowing an average of just 20.2 points per game. This success led to further opportunities, and Aldridge joined Freeze’s staff at Liberty in 2019. Initially, he coached the linebackers, but in 2022, he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator. His performance at Liberty was recognized when he was nominated for the prestigious Broyles Award, which honors the nation’s top assistant coaches.
In addition to his work at Liberty, Aldridge also served as the interim head coach for Liberty’s team during their 2022 Boca Raton Bowl matchup against Toledo. Although Liberty lost the game 21-19, this brief stint as head coach provided him with valuable experience that would prepare him for future leadership roles in his coaching career. Shortly after the bowl game, he joined Freeze’s staff at Auburn, continuing the professional partnership they had built at Liberty.
Aldridge’s coaching philosophy and his ability to develop players are widely regarded as key factors in his success. His commitment to his players’ growth, both on and off the field, has been a defining characteristic throughout his career. His departure from Auburn is undoubtedly a loss for the program, but it also marks an exciting new chapter in his career as he takes on the defensive coordinator role at East Carolina.
His time at Auburn, although relatively short, was marked by notable success, especially in terms of defensive development. The Auburn defense, particularly the edge position, made significant strides under Aldridge’s tutelage. His focus on technique and his ability to motivate his players were instrumental in shaping the team’s defensive strategies. This success at Auburn further solidifies Aldridge’s reputation as a rising star in the coaching ranks.
As Aldridge prepares for his new role at East Carolina, his departure is a reminder of the constant turnover and reshuffling in college football coaching staff. Auburn will now need to find a suitable replacement who can continue the progress made on the defensive side of the ball. Aldridge’s impact on the Auburn defense, especially in the development of the edge players, will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
While the East Carolina announcement is still pending, it is clear that Aldridge’s move is a significant step forward in his career. His experience as a defensive coordinator, his success at Liberty, and his work at Auburn all make him a strong candidate for the role at East Carolina. The new position also offers Aldridge a chance to take on more responsibility and further prove his abilities as a coach at the highest levels of college football.
In conclusion, Josh Aldridge’s decision to leave Auburn for the defensive coordinator position at East Carolina marks an exciting new chapter in his coaching journey. His time at Auburn was successful, with notable achievements on the defensive side of the ball, especially with the edge unit. His journey from a graduate assistant to a defensive coordinator and now to a prominent position at East Carolina reflects his growth and potential in the coaching world. While Auburn will miss his contributions, Aldridge’s move offers him the chance to continue advancing his career in a leadership role.
