Shanna Rose | WV Sports Chat
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia running backs coach Larry Porter is returning to Auburn to lead the Tigers’ backfield, multiple outlets reported Thursday.
Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports first reported the move, which reunites Porter with the Tigers after his 2017–20 stint as tight ends coach and special teams coordinator.
Porter is a two-time Rivals national recruiter of the year and has coached under Mack Brown at North Carolina and Texas and under Les Miles at Oklahoma State and LSU. He was Memphis’ head coach from 2010–11, going 3–21.
He replaces Derrick Nix and inherits a unit anchored by Jeremiah Cobb, who finished the 2025 season 31 yards shy of 1,000 rushing.
Porter spent one injury-plagued season with the Mountaineers. This season WVU rushed for 1,927 yards and 22 touchdowns, though most production came from quarterbacks. Leading rusher Diore Hubbard — now in the portal — had 335 yards, while Cyncir Bowers was the only other back over 200.
The Mountaineers lost Jahiem White in the second game of the season and Tye Edwards a few weeks later.
Porter has a long track record of producing NFL-bound talent, including Omarion Hampton, T.J. Logan, Jacob Hester, Joseph Addai, and Trindon Holliday.
His departure leaves WVU looking for a new position coach for the second straight offseason.
Auburn still has one offensive staff opening. Porter was the Tigers’ second reported hire Thursday, following news that former Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks will coach safeties.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
