AUBURN — Auburn softball has hired not one, but two people to replace Mickey Dean as head coach.

Athletics director John Cohen named Tennessee assistants Chris and Kate Malveaux as co-head coaches Wednesday. The duo is married.

"In meeting with Chris and Kate, it was obvious that their synergy was an indomitable force," Cohen said in a release. "Their contributions to Tennessee’s success over the past three seasons are undeniable. We’re so excited to welcome Chris, Kate and their family to Auburn."

While not typical, having co-head coaches isn't completely foreign in the SEC. Ralph and Karen Weekly led the Volunteers from 2002-2021. Ralph retired in June 2021, assuming the role of special advisor to the program while Karen became the full-time coach.

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The hires come 17 days after Auburn's season came to a close against Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional. Dean, who had previously announced his intention to retire at season's end, stepped down from his position following the game.

"We are incredibly humbled and excited to be a part of the Auburn Family! Kate and I are overly thankful to Karen Weekly and the entire Tennessee family for their sacrifices, opportunities, and guidance these past three years," Chris Malveaux said. "It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead this storied Auburn program into its next stage and are forever grateful for the trust of John Cohen and his incredible staff for believing in us. We can’t wait to get to work! WAR EAGLE!!"

With the help of Chris and Karen, the Vols have won 136 games over the last three seasons.

"Chris and I are both honored and humbled to lead this new era of Auburn Softball. Thank you to John Cohen and all of Auburn Athletics for their faith in us to take on this role and support the program in such an impactful way," Kate Malveaux said. "Also, thank you to Karen Weekly, the Lady Vol Softball staff, and student-athletes for the opportunity and support of not only us, but also our family. Auburn has proved that it can compete on the national stage, and we are excited to build, develop, and grow this program into a national powerhouse."

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rich_silva18.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn softball: AU hires Chris and Kate Malveaux as co-head coaches