Auburn fires Harsin; top candidates emerge

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn University officially fired head football coach Bryan Harsin on Sunday, Oct. 22, less than two full seasons after he was hired in December 2020. The decision comes amidst a disappointing 3-5 start to the 2022 season and a tumultuous tenure that saw the Tigers finish with an overall record of 9-12 and a mere 4-9 in Southeastern Conference play under Harsin.

The move marks a significant turnover for the prominent SEC program, as Auburn now embarks on a search for its fourth head coach in five years. Running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, a beloved former Auburn standout, was immediately elevated to interim head coach to lead the team through the remainder of the season.

Harsin’s tenure was plagued by inconsistency on the field and an unsettled atmosphere off it. His hiring was seen as an unconventional choice, bringing an accomplished coach from Boise State with no prior SEC experience to one of college football’s most demanding jobs. After a 6-7 finish in his inaugural 2021 season, which included a four-game losing streak and a Birmingham Bowl loss, Harsin faced intense scrutiny during a turbulent offseason in February 2022. Rumors about his job security swirled, accompanied by significant player transfers and staff departures, creating an early indication of internal friction. The team’s continued struggles in 2022, including lopsided losses to LSU, Ole Miss, and Arkansas, ultimately sealed his fate.

The financial implications of the coaching change are substantial. Harsin’s buyout is reportedly over $15 million, adding to a growing list of significant expenditures for coaching transitions. Just two years prior, Auburn paid former head coach Gus Malzahn a buyout of $21.45 million when he was dismissed in December 2020. These costly changes underscore the immense pressure and high expectations that define the Auburn football program, which boasts a national championship (2010), multiple Heisman Trophy winners, and a history of competing for SEC titles.

The university’s Board of Trustees, along with newly appointed Athletic Director John Cohen and President Dr. Christopher B. Roberts, will now lead an intensive coaching search. Cohen, who began his role just days before Harsin’s dismissal on Oct. 18, faces his first major challenge in identifying a leader who can navigate the fiercely competitive SEC landscape, excel in recruiting – particularly in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal – and unite a passionate booster base.

The rumor mill is already buzzing with potential candidates for one of college football’s most scrutinized positions. Among the prominent names reportedly being considered are:

* **Jimbo Fisher:** The current head coach at Texas A&M, a national championship winner at Florida State, brings SEC experience but also a substantial contract and buyout that could present a challenge.
* **James Franklin:** Penn State’s head coach, known for consistent success in the Big Ten and strong recruiting, has been a frequent subject of SEC coaching rumors.
* **Lane Kiffin:** The head coach at Ole Miss, celebrated for his innovative offensive schemes and engaging personality, with significant SEC experience both as a head coach and offensive coordinator.
* **Hugh Freeze:** Currently at Liberty, Freeze has a track record of success, including a previous stint in the SEC at Ole Miss, though his past controversies could be a factor in Auburn’s decision-making.
* **Matt Campbell:** The head coach at Iowa State, consistently overachieves with his program in the Big 12, known for building strong cultures.
* **Jonathan Smith:** Oregon State’s head coach, who has steadily rebuilt the Beavers into a competitive Pac-12 team, demonstrating a strong program-building ability.
* **Deion Sanders:** The high-profile head coach at Jackson State, who has transformed the FCS program and garnered national attention for his recruiting prowess, charisma, and ability to attract top talent.

Auburn’s history reflects a program unafraid to make swift, expensive changes in pursuit of championship contention. The next hire will be expected to restore stability and lead the Tigers back to the elite status their fan base and financial commitments demand.