As a high school senior in 2007 at Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Burns accounted for 2,738 yards and 36 touchdowns, rushing and passing. He was named All-State by the Arkansas Activities Association and was ranked as the nation's #8 "Dual-Threat" quarterback by Rivals.com.[2]
Burns was recruited heavily by Tommy Tuberville while he was the coach at Auburn and by Gus Malzahn while he was at Arkansas.
Malzahn would later be his coach at Auburn and on his coaching staff at Arkansas State.
College career
Burns was a key part of Tommy Tuberville's offense in 2007. In the 2007 Chick-fil-A Bowl, Burns ran for a 10-yard touchdown to win in OT for a 23–20 win. After the game Burns was projected by the media and fans to be the starter in 2008, because 2007 was Brandon Cox's senior year. Burns started seven games at quarterback for the Tigers in 2008. He was moved to wide receiver prior to the 2009 season.[3]
Burns ran for a touchdown in the wildcat against Arkansas State; Auburn won the game 56–26. Against Ole Miss, Burns was in the wildcat and threw a touchdown pass to Cam Newton. Burns also had a key reception in the National Championship Game against Oregon. Newton found Burns on a long 35 yard touchdown pass, where Burns put Auburn up 7–3 which led to Auburn's win 22–19.
Gus Malzahn was hired to be the Auburn head coach after Auburn went 3-9 (0-8), the worst since a 3-8 1998 season. Burns returned to his alma mater as a graduate assistant on Malzahn's staff.
Samford
On May 12, 2014, it was announced that Burns would coach running backs at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
On January 4, 2016, it was announced that Burns would be coaching the running backs at Arizona State University.[5]
Auburn (second stint)
On February 15, 2016, it was announced that Burns had been hired on as Gus Malzahn's WR coach at Auburn University, replacing
Dameyune Craig nearly 24 hours after Craig's official departure to Louisiana State University (LSU).
On December 13, 2020, it was announced that Auburn head coach Malzahn was being fired, along with his entire staff (including Burns).
Tennessee
On February 8, 2021, Burns was hired as the wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee.
New Orleans Saints
On February 21, 2022, Burns was hired for his first NFL coaching role, becoming the wide receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints.[6] On January 16, 2024, it was announced that Saints head coach Dennis Allen had released three offensive staff members (including Burns).[7]
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