Auburn hires LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele

According to an ESPN.com report by Chris Low, Auburn has come to an agreement “barring a late snag” with LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

Steele joined LSU from Alabama, where was Nick Saban’s linebackers coach.

Following its Birmingham Bowl win over Memphis, Auburn announced that it has hired Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator.

The search for Auburn’s newest defensive coordinator has reportedly ended.

Steele would be forced to pay a buyout to leave LSU, and he and Auburn would split the cost according to Ross Dellenger of The Advocate – Baton Rouge.

Steele earned $1,005,000 million in his first season as LSU’s defensive coordinator.

Previously, he has been a defensive coordinator in both the ACC at Clemson University from 2009 until early 2012 and SEC at Alabama in 2007. The two parties have been involved in a lawsuit over the contract for almost a year.

Steel replaces Will Muschamp, who was the nation’s highest-paid assistant in 2015 and left for the head coaching position at SC.

The hiring would make for a family reunion at Auburn. Under his watch, the Tiger defense allowed 347.2 yards per game, which ranks 27th nationally through games played as of December 29.

Steele had just completed his first season coaching the defense and linebackers at LSU, leading a unit that now ranks 10th in the country in total yards allowed (3767) and 44th in points allowed per game (24.0).

AL.com will update this story.