Auburn Sports Report: January 12

Former Offensive Coordinator Rhett Lashlee (Photo: Auburn Athletics)

>>Late Wednesday evening, it was announced that the University of Connecticut had hired Auburn Offensive Coordinator Rhett Lashlee to the same position. Lashlee was Auburn’s offensive coordinator for the entire tenure of Gus Malzahn’s head coaching stint until this point. Lashlee contributed to Auburn’s most recent national championship runs, in 2010 as a Graduate Assistant, and again in 2013 as the offensive coordinator. Radio show host and former Auburn offensive lineman, Cole Cubelic, said via Twitter that he spoke with Lashlee Wednesday evening, and said that Lashlee wanted to further his development as a coach and to have the opportunity to run his offense. Malzahn released a quote following the announcement that seconded that statement. Malzahn also gave his gratitude to Lashlee for his work over the last four seasons as Auburn’s Offensive Coordinator. “I've known Rhett for two decades and he's a man of great character and integrity and this is another step towards his goal to become a head coach. I want to thank Rhett for all of his contributions and his friendship. I want to wish he and his wife Lauren all the best in this new endeavor." >> A day after accepting an invitation to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, it was announced that former Auburn defensive lineman Carl Lawson is not eligible to participate. Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, Phil Savage, released the following statement regarding Lawson’s eligibility to compete: “Initially back in December, we were informed by the NFL that Auburn DE Carl Lawson would be eligible for our game as a December graduate. Unfortunately, once he declared for the 2017 draft, it was determined that he will actually graduate in May, therefore, he cannot be invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.” Two other Tigers have accepted invites to the Senior Bowl, both on the defensive side of the ball. Safety Rudy Ford and Defensive Lineman Montravius Adams accepted their invites in November. It was also announced Wednesday that offensive lineman Alex Kozan will compete in the East-West Shrine Game January 21 in St. Petersburg, moving the total to four Tigers who have accepted invitations to participate in postseason all-star games. Linebacker TJ Neal has also accepted an invite to play in the College Gridiron Showcase. >> Auburn Women’s Basketball returns to the floor Thursday evening, to face the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville at 7 P.M. inside Memorial Gymnasium. Auburn enters the contest with a 12-5 record, 2-1 in SEC play. Auburn picked up a key win their last time out, defeating Ole Miss 83-60 Sunday in Auburn Arena. Brandy Montgomery led scoring with 25 points, and Janiah McKay earned her first career double-double after a 13 point, 13 assist performance. McKay’s points-assist double-double was the first since “Jet” Ouardad’s double-double against Samford in 2012. Vanderbilt has a 0-3 record in conference play entering the contest, and have lost five straight after beginning the season 10-1. The Commodores are coming off of a 70-68 loss to Georgia last Sunday, where four players scored in double-digits. Rachel Bell and Christa Reed lead Vanderbilt in points scored, with 12.0 and 10.5 points per contest respectively. Marqu’es Webb leads the team in rebounds with 9.1, 10.3 in conference play. Cierra Walker leads assists with 3.2 per game. Auburn looks to extend their winning streak over Vanderbilt to five games tonight at 7 P.M. in Nashville.