Washington State has officially named former Auburn assistant Jeff Schmedding as the program’s next defensive coordinator.

Coach Jake Dickert announced the news on Thursday. Schmedding will serve as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, replacing the departed Brian Ward.

“I am excited to announce Jeff Schmedding as our defensive coordinator and linebackers coach,” Dickert said in a statement. “Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, and truly understands our region of the country. Jeff will put his stamp on our defense and I can’t wait to work alongside him in continuing the foundation of defensive football we have built here at WSU. I am excited to welcome Jeff and his family back to the Palouse.”

Schmedding most recently served as Auburn’s defensive coordinator in 2022. He was the defense’s linebackers coach and run game coordinator in 2021. Auburn ranked 21st nationally in rushing defense (by yards per carry) with Schmedding coordinating that aspect of the plan.

Before that, he was Boise State’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for two years.

He worked his way up from grad assistant to special teams coordinator and then defensive coordinator at Eastern Washington. He began his coaching career as a GA in 2004. He’d spend the next 15 years with the Eagles, during which time he coached safeties, linebackers, and special teams.

Eastern Washington won the FCS National Championship in 2010, and it made the title game again in 2018. That season, the Eagles’ defense ranked first in the FCS in defensive touchdowns scored and second in turnovers forced. Overall, EWU made 10 FCS Playoff appearances while Schmedding was with the program.