Auburn Coaching Search: Potential Candidates

Auburn Unleashes High-Stakes Search for Next Head Coach Following Harsin’s Departure

Auburn, AL – November 1, 2022 – Auburn University has officially embarked on a high-profile quest for its next head football coach after parting ways with Bryan Harsin on Monday, October 31, 2022. The move immediately created one of the most coveted and scrutinized openings in college football’s elite Southeastern Conference (SEC), sending ripples of speculation across the nation regarding who will lead the Tigers.

Harsin’s dismissal came amidst a disappointing 3-5 start to his second season and a tumultuous tenure marked by inconsistent on-field performance and persistent internal strife. Hired in December 2020 from Boise State, Harsin posted a 9-12 overall record with the Tigers, failing to gain significant traction and falling short of the lofty expectations of the Auburn faithful. His departure, which followed mounting pressure and a 41-27 loss to Arkansas, left the program searching for stability and a renewed sense of direction.

The vacancy is not just another coaching job; it’s a coveted position at a “blue-blood” SEC program with significant resources, a passionate fan base, and a storied history that includes two national championships in the modern era. The next head coach will be tasked with reigniting a program that demands contention for SEC titles and Iron Bowl victories against fierce rival Alabama.

Immediately, the name dominating discussions was Lane Kiffin, then the head coach at Ole Miss. Kiffin, renowned for his innovative offensive schemes and colorful personality, had guided the Rebels to significant success, including a 7-1 start to their 2022 season. Despite recent reports suggesting he had just inked an extension with Ole Miss, the allure of Auburn’s resources and potential, coupled with Kiffin’s history of high-profile moves, fueled intense speculation about his candidacy. His aggressive offensive style was seen by many as a perfect fit for the competitive SEC.

Other prominent names also surfaced early in the rumor mill. James Franklin, who has consistently built Penn State into a Big Ten contender and is recognized for his recruiting prowess, was mentioned as a potential target. The prospect of luring Franklin away from Happy Valley would represent a significant coup for the Tigers. Former NFL coach Jon Gruden, a Super Bowl winner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a familiar face from “Monday Night Football,” also entered the conversation. Despite the controversies that led to his departure from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, his extensive coaching background and name recognition made him an intriguing, albeit long-shot, possibility for some segments of the fan base.

Auburn’s reported interest spanned a wide array of coaching profiles. Dan Lanning, the head coach at Oregon who had quickly elevated the Ducks program with his defensive acumen, and Matt Campbell, who had consistently overachieved at Iowa State with a reputation for player development, were both on the radar. Bill O’Brien, currently serving as the offensive coordinator for rival Alabama under Nick Saban, brought NFL head coaching experience with the Houston Texans and a deep familiarity with the SEC landscape.

The search also extended to more unconventional but highly compelling candidates. Deion Sanders, then making national headlines with his transformative work at Jackson State, was a name frequently discussed for his recruiting prowess and magnetic appeal, particularly as he was building “Coach Prime” into a household brand. Urban Meyer, a three-time national champion college coach at Florida and Ohio State, also came up, though his brief, controversial stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars raised questions about his immediate return to the sidelines. Internally, Auburn’s own defensive coordinator, Charles Kelly, was considered a potential interim or long-term option, while Jamey Chadwell, who had led Coastal Carolina to unexpected success with an innovative offensive system, was another intriguing, up-and-coming coach on the list.

The extensive list underscored the wide-open nature of Auburn’s search, highlighting the program’s desire to find a leader who can not only navigate the challenging SEC landscape but also restore the Tigers to national prominence. With early signing day approaching in December, the pressure will be immense for Auburn’s athletic director, John Cohen, to move swiftly and decisively in identifying the next leader to roam the sidelines at Jordan-Hare Stadium.