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Report: ASU RBs coach Burns leaves for Auburn

Arizona State running backs coach Kodi Burns – hired just last month – reportedly is returning to Auburn, where he won a national championship during his college playing days.

SI.com reported the departure Monday morning.

Burns, 27, likely will coach receivers for coach Gus Malzahn, a position he played in college. Along with ASU offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, Burns worked in a support role under Malzahn in 2013. Malzahn and ASU coach Todd Graham are close friends.

With the start of spring practice less than a month away, Graham has two openings on his staff. He is expected to hire a defensive line coach (vacated after Jackie Shipp left for Missouri) soon.