Travaris Robinson returning to Auburn to coach corners

AUBURN – Former Auburn safety Travaris Robinson is returning to his alma mater to coach cornerbacks.

Robinson, who played at Auburn from 1999-2002 and served as a graduate assistant in 2006-07, spent the past four years coaching defensive backs at Florida under Will Muschamp, who was hired as defensive coordinator on Dec. 12.

"I'm very excited about returning to Auburn where I played, received my degree, and was a graduate assistant," Robinson said in a statement. "Auburn has provided me so many opportunities and I'm excited to be able to give back to a place that has meant so much to me. I have a lot of respect for coach Malzahn and I'm looking forward to working for him. My family and I are glad to be back home."

Robinson replaces Melvin Smith, who will not be retained after two years with Auburn. Smith is owed $325,000 annually through June 2016 less any compensation he earns during that period.

Auburn was 68th in pass defense (230.1) and finished tied with Ole Miss for the SEC lead and fifth nationally with 22 interceptions.

"I would also like to thank coach Melvin Smith for his hard work, professionalism and the positive example he has been for our players," Malzahn tweeted.

Sports Illustrated was the first to report the anticipated move, which became official less than an hour after Robinson helped coach Florida in the Birmingham Bowl.

A Miami native, Robinson, 33, helped Auburn win or share three-straight SEC West Division titles during his playing career. He earned Associated Press first-team All-SEC honors as a senior, tallying 92 total tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups.

"Travaris is one of the nation's best young coaches and recruiters, who is very familiar with Auburn and the Southeastern Conference," Malzahn said in a statement. "He was an outstanding player at Auburn and will be a tremendous asset for our staff and players. We're excited to have Travaris back at Auburn."

This season at Florida, Robinson tutored Vernon Hargreaves III, a first-team All-SEC selection and consensus All-American. The Gators defense finished the regular season ranked ninth nationally in total defense (311.0 yards), 14th in pass efficiency defense (107.57) and 23rd in pass defense (194.2).

Florida's defense ranked eighth in total defense and seventh in pass defense in 2013, second in pass efficiency defense in 2012 and seventh in pass defense and eighth in total defense in 2011.

Prior to his stint at Florida, Robinson served at Texas Tech (2010), Southern Miss (2009) and Western Kentucky (2008).

He played two seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.