Well, of course some action would happen on the Auburn coaching front as soon as I leave town for Christmas.

Here's the (late) word about Gene Chizik's coaching staff:

James Willis, who served as a linebackers coach on Tommy Tuberville's staff, will remain as a defensive assistant. Here's the full release from Auburn sports information. Willis was instrumental in the Tigers' recruiting efforts for 2009. Keeping him on board was one move expected from Chizik.

Chizik also elected to keep strength and conditioning coach Kevin Yoxall, director of football operations Jimmy Perry, director of NFL relations Phillip Lolley and team chaplain Rev. Chette Williams. Perry and Lolley helped Chizik recruit the first week after he was hired. Yoxall continued the team's offseason strength and conditioning program as usual after Tuberville's departure.

Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels will not be a part of Chizik's staff, electing to stay with the Bulldogs, head coach Mark Richt told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday. Searels, who does not speak to the media, will reportedly receive a pay bump.