The Auburn Tigers coaching search in 2020 ended with Bryan Harsin taking over the program, officially replacing Gus Malzahn on Dec. 22, 2020. Less than two years later, issues within the Auburn football program could result in a new coaching search.
Harsin’s fit in AUburn seemed strange at the time. The former Boise State quarterback spent the majority of his life in Boise, Idaho and landed his dream job in 2014. Despite not having any experience in the SEC, he jumped at the opportunity to coach the Tigers.
One year later, the situation in Auburn is deteriorating and it’s a bad look for both Harsin and university officials.
Evaluating the Bryan Harsin situation and Auburn’s investigation
Change is inevitable at every program and coaches aren’t going to be loved by everyone in the building. But the situation going on with the Auburn Tigers is troubling. Harsin accepted the job 14 months ago and already went through five coordinators, a seemingly unprecedented amount of turnover from an SEC school.
ESPN’s story details part of the problem, with Harsin reportedly alienating players and assistant coaches. There also seems to be recent evidence to validate those reports considering former Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Masey took a pay cut to leave the SEC program and join the Oklahoma State Cowboys. On top of that, offensive coordinator Austin Davis resigned less than two months after being hired by the program.
Auburn’s players also have issues with Harsin. The spring isn’t even over and 20 student-athletes have left the football program. Former receiver Kobe Hudson called Harson a dictator on Instagram and players have expressed frustration over Harsin not doing little things like taking an interest in asking about their families.
- Bryan Harsin buyout: $18.3 million
Burning relationships between assistant coaches and players is a big enough problem. But Auburn’s boosters and biggest supporters also don’t like that Harsin doesn’t embrace the program’s traditions, like skipping Bo Jackson’s charity golf tournament. SEC assistant coaches also told ESPN that Harsin “doesn’t work in recruiting” and believes his smarts will win games.
Auburn is now conducting an inquiry into Harsin’s tenure after just one season. With mounting pressure, even a massive buyout and the money already owed to Malzahn might not stop a coaching change.