Rob Aurich is SDSU’s new defensive coordinator. Head coach Sean Lewis elevated him to the position last Friday. 

Aurich’s task is leading an Aztec defense that struggled down the stretch in 2024. Expectations should be tempered as a result, but due to the program’s legacy, anything short of dominance is looked down upon. 

Over the first seven games last year, the Aztecs gave up an average of 23.57 points per game. At the time, SDSU ranked 66th in that category. As the Red and Black entered its contest with Boise State that week, there was minimal buzz surrounding the group.  Considering their production after switching schemes in all three phases, leading SDSU to a 3-4 record, and coming off a contest where it held Washington State to 29 points, there should have been more.  

No matter how unrealistic, the belief in what Aurich can achieve in his new position has been shaped by the exploits of the coaches before him. Below are nine reasons Lewis made a terrific choice to carry the mantle of these expectations next season. Aurich spoke to EVT earlier this week and gave details about the defense he will lead. 

Cream of the Crop

According to sources, one of the candidates Aurich beat out for the position was former Rutgers head coach and Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash. Ash spent a few years on The Mesa under head coach Chuck Long. His inclusion among the potential replacements for Eric Schmidt shows the attractiveness of the coaching at SDSU. It also highlights the job Aurich did in presenting his vision.

Aurich explained that he meticulously planned every aspect, from the offseason installs to adjustments to some of the issues SDSU had in 2024. He walked away from his lengthy meeting with Lewis impressed because the Aztecs head coach knew exactly what he wanted in his defensive leader. Others under consideration might have had better resumes, but none could match Aurich’s recent success. 

“I don’t know if it was,” Aurich replied on Tuesday when asked if winning a national coaching search was impressive. “I can tell you one thing. No one had a more recent track record of a two-year rebuild than me.”

Recent rebuild experience

Before Lewis’ hire, cracks in SDSU’s defensive reputation were already emerging. The first half of 2022, poor tackling in 2023, and challenges covering slot receivers during both years raised questions about the 3-3-5’s viability.

The Aztecs’ last dominant defensive season was in 2021. Most of the starters on that squad spent time in the NFL. After that year, Segun Alubi described the scheme as closer to a 4-2-5 than anything else. 

Aurich is inheriting a rebuild. His success in turning around the University of Idaho’s defense makes him an ideal person for the job. Football constantly evolves, and Aurich has experience scheming against the latest changes. In 2022, the Vandals’ defense went on the road and held Washington State to only 24 points. Under Aurich’s care, U of I improved each season. It is a process he needs to duplicate with the Aztecs. 

Energy level matches Sean Lewis

Lewis’ energy is second to none. He coaches with tremendous vigor. His enthusiasm is palpable. Lewis’ personality provided a noticeable contrast with Eric Schmidt’s disposition. Schmidt was more laid back during practices and interviews. 

There is no wrong way to coach, but Aurich’s personality fits better with Lewis’. He described his mood to work as SDSU’s DC as “jacked.” Recruits and athletes in his room have called him “a character.” Last year, he could be heard around the Fowler Athletic Center interacting with the players in an energetic and playful manner.

How this synergy in approach works out remains to be seen, but continuity of styles between the team’s leaders could have a positive impact. At a minimum, Aurich has been a breath of fresh air to those around him. His elevation will allow that aspect to touch more people around the building. 

Embraces the benefits of Aztec Fast Offense

When asked why he was selected for the position, Aurich mentioned that he fully embraced Lewis’ philosophy and the advantages it brings to the defensive side of the ball. Like Lewis’ offense, Aurich wants the defense to be simple, allowing his athletes to play “extremely fast.” 

SDSU’s defensive coordinator went on to say that many people view the tempo of Lewis’ offense as a challenge to the defensive side of the ball. He sees it as the opposite and is excited to build an approach that complements the aggressiveness of the special teams and offense. 

“We have to be razor sharp with our installs,” Aurich explained when asked how SDSU’s offense benefits its defense. “Because the offense tests you in so many ways in practice, our installs have to be tight.” 

Aurich also identified developing a “three-deep” as a goal to adapt to the extra plays the offense generates when it is going well. Lewis’ offense is unique. Its strength is that it breaks with convention. 

Like Air Force’s triple option, it is impossible for the opposition to recreate when executed at a high level. Aurich’s desire to maximize the advantages SDSU’s offense brings to his defense makes it more likely that cohesiveness will be achieved. 

Same goal but a different approach to getting there

The Aztecs’ approach is built on the assumption that its opposition will need to take risks to keep up with SDSU’s high-scoring offense. With their attack struggling in 2024, the defense’s potential was not always evident because opposing offenses could play it safe. 

While the system’s success failed to materialize consistently last year, it was taught in practices, the film room, and in off-season training. Aurich’s familiarity with what happened last year means the Red and Black are not starting over. 

When asked what he shared in common with Schmidt, Aurich pointed to a shared vision of excellence in the 4-2-5. They also both appreciate the defensive legacy on The Mesa. Together, they taught these to the athletes. It’s invaluable that Aurich has this experience to draw from as he takes over. 

Aurich emphasized that while he shares the same goal as his predecessor, his process for achieving it will be different. Schematically, there will be more variety on the back end. Aurich will use his defensive backs in man, zone, and quarters, making the Aztecs harder to scheme against. 

He also plans to retool the teaching of the defense. This offseason, Aurich will emphasize the techniques needed for success in his version of the 4-2-5. At the end of last year, Trey White spoke about his teammates not putting into practice what the coaches were teaching them. Aurich must ensure that his staff’s pedagogy is not the reason for the mishaps.

Focus on Fundamentals

Continuity with the staff allows Aurich to focus on fundamentals. The fact that SDSU will not be rebuilding from the ground floor allows Aurich to pursue excellence in the basics.

Aurich noted tackling and situational awareness as focal points for growth. Modern offenses are designed to put playmakers in space and force defenses to tackle in the open field. No scheme can prevent this. As Lewis described following the Utah State game, the Aztecs must be elite at their one-on-one opportunities. This factor will determine a defense’s success. 

Schmidt’s installation of a new system made focusing on nuances challenging. Since Aurich was present for year one, there is a better chance this fine-tuning will occur.

Development Driven

“Ready-made” is the term Lewis used to describe the athletes typically unavailable to SDSU from the high school ranks. This makes development the key to building a competitive roster. 

When asked what he missed most about being a defensive coordinator last season, Aurich cited the growth of Trey White, Brady Nassar, and the other EDGEs in his room as the most rewarding aspect of his job. He said he looks forward to extending his influence to more position groups.

Motivation for working the long hours needed to be successful in the industry varies among coaches. Aurich’s “why” is watching athletes reach new heights in their trade, which bodes well for the areas he oversees.

With the change in coaching duties, Aurich will no longer be the EDGE position coach. His switch to guiding the linebackers means he must hire someone to lead his former room. 

“A proven track record of development, where you can see a history of developing all-conference players,” Aurich replied when asked what he wants in his new assistant. 

Talent Evaluator

Four of the transfers SDSU has officially brought into the program are from Northern Colorado, Northwestern State, Grand Valley State, and Utah Tech. These schools compete at lower levels than the Aztecs, preventing these additions from generating buzz like the Florida State QB transfer did last offseason. 

Aurich explained that, with the transfer portal, prep athletes who would have ended up on FBS rosters in the past are now landing at FCS, DII, and JUCO institutions. Schools like SDSU give the ones who prove themselves a shot at a bigger stage.

Niles King is one of the recently signed prospects. He starred in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. It takes talent to properly evaluate if a DII athlete can have an immediate impact as he steps up in competition. King has the size to play field EDGE, but does the explosive dominance of his film have more to do with him or those he is playing against? 

Aurich’s experience leading an FCS defense helps him in this capacity. While SDSU looks for prospective athletes with specific size and speed ratios, many elite college players do not fit the NFL mold. Aurich said that above everything, he is looking for “impactful” defenders who are “violent on contact.”

The fruit of Lewis’ decision will not be fully known for a few years, but Aurich’s hire could potentially make an immediate impact. The University of New Mexico recently hired Jason Eck to lead its program. Aurich served under Eck at Idaho. Since Eck’s departure, a flood of Vandals have hit the portal. Many of them have announced offers from SDSU. 

Faith of the Players

Intangibles win football games as much as measurables. The quality in which an athlete participates in winter conditioning, film study, and takes care of his body away from the field impacts victories on it. Aurich’s promotion decisively improves this quality for the Aztecs. 

White, Tano Letuli, and Chris Johnson made headlines by committing to the Aztecs instead of transferring. This decision gave them clout with the community, their teammates, the coaches, and the administration. They used it to approach Lewis and voice their support for Aurich. This trio was not alone. 

Many of SDSU’s defense leaders united behind him. Since his elevation, linebacker Brady Anderson has announced his return to The Mesa. Anderson told EVT he was closely monitoring who Lewis hired to lead the defense. Safety Josh Hunter left the program after Aurich’s hire, but sources suggest that it had more to do with Deshawn McCuin’s petitioning the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility than anything else.

Aurich said he holds what the athletes did on his behalf “close to his heart.” It is easy to see him and the players who politicked for him competing to prove each other right. 

Time will ultimately determine the merits of Sean Lewis’ decision to hire Rob Aurich as defensive coordinator. Without the benefit of hindsight, it appears to be a terrific hire. With most of its impact players also returning for 2025, SDSU is off to a strong start this offseason. 

Paul Garrison

My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.