AUBURN - Auburn’s head coach Gus Malzahn has confirmed that LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will be his team’s next defensive playcaller.

Coach Malzahn went on to praise Steele’s work ethic and character Wednesday but didn’t take further questions about the move.

57-year-old Kevin Steele just wrapped up his first season at LSU, coming by way of Alabama where he spent two years including one season as linebacker coach.

He earned $1,005,000 at his LSU defensive coordinator position with a contract that includes a $500,000 buyout.

His move to Auburn will feature a family reunion of sorts as his brother, Jeff Steele, is Auburn’s associate athletics director for facilities and operations.

Under Steele, LSU’s defense kept the Texas Tech Red Raiders to close to 20 points under its scoring average as the Tigers went on to win 56-27 in last night’s Texas Bowl.

Steele replaces Will Muschamp, who left after one season to become head coach at South Carolina.