While “Big Kat” Bryant rightfully earned his attention and praise from UCF on Tuesday, former Auburn staffer Ross Newton also appeared in the school’s main headlines. The director of high school relations at the popular SEC university announced that he would follow Gus Malzahn’s footsteps to Central Florida. Newton, who was originally hired by Malzahn at Auburn in 2020, will act as the assistant to the head coach at UCF. He announced the news through Twitter yesterday, making sure to acknowledge his strong ties with Auburn.
As Newton stated on Twitter, “Thanks to Auburn and Coach Harsin for having me on staff. Auburn was great to us and we wish everyone the best. Next Chapter- Allison and I are super excited to join Coach Gus Malzahn and the UCF Football Family! In Orlando, I will be the Assistant to the Head Coach.”
Before joining Auburn in 2020, Newton originally served on the Samford coaching staff. The former graduate of the FCS university spent 14 years as the defensive line and linebackers coach at the school. Although coaching two position groups proved to be time consuming, Newton also acted as the Director of Recruiting, Camp Coordinator, and Pro Liaison at the program.
How UCF Has Changed Over the Offseason
Although Newton joining UCF is great news for the program, it’s not the first big hire of the offseason for the Knights. Dave Shumate, S.J. Tuohy, Devin Ducote, and Beth Burkett all fall into the same boat with Newton as new members of the football support staff. Meanwhile, Tim Harris Jr., GJ Kinne, Brian Blackmon, and Herb Hand all qualify as big name coaching hires under Gus Malzahn. With a new staff coming into form, Malzahn’s statement about UCF being a college football playoff contender in the near future might just hold up. UCF will have to go undefeated and get by the dreaded College Football Playoff committee for that to happen, but there’s always a chance. GO UCF!