AUBURN, Ala. – In his fourth season at Auburn and third as special teams coordinator, Larry Porter believes stability benefits the Tigers' players and coaches.
"I think continuity and chemistry is critical to success because there's a familiarity on both sides," Porter said. "That's what's so exciting about going into this spring.
"I'm very comfortable with this staff and with our players. Expectations are there. The standard is there, so now it's a matter of continuing to be demanding, and keep reinforcing the little things that put us in position to be successful."
Whether it's not having a punt blocked in more than a decade or converting an NCAA record 304 consecutive extra points, Auburn's special teams unit prides itself on contributing to winning.
"It's about the little things. It's about the details. It's about the effort, it's about the physicality, it's the fundamentals and technique," he said. "We know those are the things that are going to bring about success."
Special teams can often be a player's first opportunity to earn playing time.
"What we tell guys all the time is if you're good enough, you're old enough," said Porter, who also coaches Auburn's tight ends and H-backs. "Regardless of where you are. We don't allow an older guy to sit there and hold a position just because he's older. You must earn it each and every season."
Ongoing competition, Porter says, deters complacency.
"It keeps them on edge, it forces them to continue to pursue ways to get better," he said. "It's all about finding ways to continue to keep them focused and locked in."
Auburn's special teams unit returns placekicker Anders Carlson, who earned SEC special teams player of the week honors for kicking four field goals of 40-plus yards in Auburn's Iron Bowl win.
"Every time you take the field there's an opportunity to get better," Porter said. "You can never take anything for granted regardless of how much experience they have. We're always setting new goals and pushing these guys to continue to improve. We'll consistently be that way as we try to pursue excellence within this program."
Auburn will audition new kick returner candidates during spring practice to replace
Noah Igbinoghene, who returned a kick 96 yards for a touchdown in the Outback Bowl.
"As coaches, we're looking to see who steps into that role," Porter said. "With Noah leaving, that presents an opportunity for whoever wants it. We are looking forward to how it brings out the best in those guys."
Like Auburn's offensive and defensive coordinators, Larry Porter brings head coaching experience to the Tigers' staff meetings, having led his alma mater, Memphis, in 2010-11. And like Chad Morris and Kevin Steele, he's found a home on the Plains.
"When you take the field, you're going to always have an opportunity to win," said Porter, a two-time Rivals.com national recruiter of the year. "At Auburn, I love the fact that, from our administration to our head coach to our fans, we expect to win championships here. You must continue to work and find ways to get better and grow.
"The family aspect. Whether you're in this building or out in the community, people love Auburn. They support us, and that's a great feeling."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer