ESPN releases initial hot board, targets for Auburn after Bryan Harsin firing
Auburn is entering a new era, as Bryan Harsin has been fired from his post as the head coach of the Tigers.
It came after a 41-27 loss to Arkansas and seeing Auburn’s overall record drop to 3-5 in 2022. Now, for the second time in as many years, there will be a coaching search on the Plains.
Originally, Harsin was hired to replace Gus Malzhan, who was fired by Auburn after the 2020 season. Of course, Harsin did not have quite the success of his predecessor, finishing with a 9-12 overall record.
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Now, the attention will turn to who replaces Harsin, and there are plenty of tremendous candidates for the Tigers to choose from. Here’s who ESPN has atop the list of potential candidates for Auburn moving forward.
Auburn coaching candidates, per ESPN:
- HC Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels
- HC Hugh Freeze, Liberty Flames
- OC Jeff Grimes, Baylor Bears
- HC Deion Sanders, Jackson State Tigers
- Matt Rhule, former Temple, Baylor and Carolina Panthers HC
- Bill Clark, former UAB HC
- DC Kevin Steele, Miami Hurricanes
- OC Bill O’Brien, Alabama Crimson Tide
- HC Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina
As you can see, ESPN has Lane Kiffin and Hugh Freeze atop Auburn’s wishlist, two coaches with experience leading SEC programs. Additionally, the wild card of Deion Sanders would be fascinating to see with the Tigers, but one has to wonder if he’s willing to leave the empire he’s building with Jackson State.
Nevertheless, the Auburn head coaching search will be one of the most interesting to follow moving forward, as the Tigers can’t afford to swing and miss again this time around.
More on Bryan Harsin firing, potential candidates
Even before Bryan Harsin’s firing was reported, candidates to take over were being discussed by college football insiders. FOX’s Bruce Feldman said Ole Miss‘ Lane Kiffin and Liberty‘s Hugh Freeze would be involved. He even mentioned Deion Sanders as a potential candidate and one that makes sense.
As for Harsin himself, he has already been linked with a job back out west, with Arizona State having an opening. He would be going up against some other top names but still has an impressive resume and a Pac-12 program could use some SEC experience. Additionally, Harsin has also been mentioned at multiple other openings across the country.