Auburn’s Coaching Search: Top Candidates Emerge

AUBURN, Ala. (November 16, 2022) – Auburn University’s quest for its next permanent head football coach is reaching a critical juncture, with a pool of prominent candidates and rising stars vying for one of college football’s most coveted positions. The Tigers have been without a permanent leader since Bryan Harsin’s dismissal on October 24, and interim head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has since rallied the team and the fanbase, adding a unique dimension to the high-stakes search.

The firing of Harsin, who posted a 9-12 record during his tenure amidst on-field struggles and off-field scrutiny, plunged Auburn into a renewed search for stability and success in the intensely competitive Southeastern Conference. With new athletic director John Cohen, who officially began his role on October 31, at the helm of the process, the Tigers are looking to make a splash hire that can ignite the program.

Among the names circulating prominently, **Lane Kiffin**, currently the head coach at Ole Miss, remains a strong contender. Kiffin, known for his innovative offensive schemes and social media savvy, has guided the Rebels to consistent success, including a New Year’s Six bowl appearance. Despite signing a lucrative contract extension with Ole Miss in late 2021, reportedly worth over $7 million annually through 2025, sources familiar with coaching searches often highlight the allure of the Auburn job and the possibility of a substantial offer that could tempt even established SEC coaches.

Another top candidate drawing significant attention is **Hugh Freeze**, the current head coach at Liberty University. Freeze boasts a proven track record, particularly from his successful stint at Ole Miss from 2012-2016, where he achieved notable victories, including two against Nick Saban’s Alabama. His strong offensive mind and recruiting prowess are attractive, though his past departure from Ole Miss amidst NCAA violations and personal conduct issues is expected to be a thorough component of Auburn’s due diligence.

**Deion Sanders**, affectionately known as “Coach Prime,” has generated considerable buzz. His remarkable turnaround of the Jackson State program, transforming it into an FCS powerhouse and a national recruiting draw, showcases his ability to command attention and inspire. The leap from FCS to the SEC presents a unique challenge, but Sanders’ charismatic leadership and immediate impact on every program he touches make him a captivating prospect for the Plains.

While these three appear to be at the forefront of the discussions, other notable figures are also being considered. **James Franklin**, the respected head coach at Penn State, has consistently kept the Nittany Lions competitive in the Big Ten. Though he signed a substantial 10-year, $70 million extension in November 2021, linking him to Happy Valley for the foreseeable future, his name frequently surfaces in top-tier coaching searches.

**Kenny Dillingham**, the offensive coordinator at Oregon, is a rising star in the coaching ranks and has emerged as an intriguing dark horse. The 32-year-old coordinator has overseen a dynamic Ducks offense under Dan Lanning, and his strong ties to new Auburn AD John Cohen, stemming from their time together at Memphis, could give him an edge as a potential first-time head coach.

Veteran coach **Bill O’Brien**, currently the offensive coordinator at Alabama, is also reportedly in the mix. O’Brien brings extensive experience from both the NFL, where he served as head coach of the Houston Texans, and college football, including a successful tenure as head coach at Penn State during a challenging period. His background offers a blend of professional and collegiate leadership that could appeal to Auburn’s leadership.

Meanwhile, some names initially linked to the Auburn vacancy have since moved on. Matt Rhule, the former Carolina Panthers head coach, recently accepted the head coaching position at the University of Nebraska. Similarly, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, another coach who had garnered interest, signed an extension to remain with the Ducks, effectively removing him from Auburn’s immediate considerations.

As Auburn approaches the pivotal decision, the stakes are incredibly high for a program eager to return to national prominence. The eventual choice will reflect Athletic Director John Cohen’s vision for the future of Tigers football, with the fervent fanbase eagerly awaiting the announcement that will shape the next era on the Plains.