Bryan Harsin calls out anonymous quote criticizing his tenure at Auburn

Previewing Auburn heading into the 2024 season under Hugh Freeze, Athlon Sports got a quote from an anonymous quote about where the program stands. The coach does not believe the Tigers will be at the top of the SEC but did mention how the roster is in a better spot at certain positions.

“They aren’t close to the top end of the league, but they are absolutely better than the Bryan Harsin rosters at offensive line and receiver, and probably defensive line, too,” a portion of the quote said.

Harsin found these comments on X and decided to call them out. He does not believe a coach would have time to discuss another team, with the primary focus being their own. Being anonymous did not sit well with the former Auburn head coach either.

“Coaches do not make these kind of comments,” Harsin said via X. “They focus on their programs & their problems only. If a coach wants to make a statement about another program he will not hide behind “Anonymous” he will say it publicly & with authority.”

For reference, Auburn ranked No. 8 in sacks allowed and ninth in average rushing yards in 2021 (Harsin’s lone full season), speaking to their offensive line.

The sacks allowed ranking fell into the bottom three the next season, while the Tigers drastically improved their rushing numbers due to Cadilac Williams taking over as the interim head coach.

At receiver, Kobe Hudson led the 2021 squad with 44 receptions, 580 yards, and four touchdowns. Ja’Varrius Johnson was the main man in 2022 but only put up 493 yards and a team-high three receiving touchdowns. Not the type of production you need out of a wide receiver to be competitive in the SEC.

Harsin does not like the comments but Freeze has certainly emphasized those two position groups to improve. Especially at wide receiver, where Auburn made huge splashes both in the NCAA transfer portal and in the recruiting world.

Cam Coleman is a name nearly every Auburn fan knows by now, with the true freshman having the potential to be special. Freeze is trying to make sure there is not too much pressure on Coleman or any other freshman despite high expectations.

“Well, we saw glimpses of it in camp,” Freeze said of Coleman potentially being a difference maker. “I’m very careful to say ‘he’s just a freshman.’ So I don’t want expectations to overwhelm him or Perry Thompson, because Perry’s going to get the same type of treatment.

“And that’s really why we brought in a Dre Lambert. So he’s experienced and now you have the combination of the really, really young talented guys and an older guy or two that have played significant snaps to maybe help bridge that gap.”