Key Highlights
- Auburn’s latest coaching search is the third in five years after firing Hugh Freeze.
- The article argues that Auburn should return to its core values as stated in the Auburn Creed.
- John Cohen, the athletics director, has a background in baseball and is leading the search alone.
- Jon Sumrall from Tulane is considered a top target for the coaching position.
The Auburn Coaching Search: A Return to Core Values?
Auburn University’s football program finds itself at another crossroads, with John Cohen leading a search for a new head coach after firing Hugh Freeze. This marks the third time in five years that the Tigers are navigating through the tumultuous coaching carousel, each time seemingly searching for a savior who never quite fits.
The Auburn Creed, a 180-word declaration of values, has been central to the university’s identity and football program. However, it seems that somewhere along the line, the leadership stopped believing in their own people and started trusting outsiders. This search offers an opportunity for Auburn to return to its roots.
From Disappointment to Reflection
During Hugh Freeze’s tenure from 2017 to 2019, the team struggled with a 16-19 record despite building a roster that had potential. The failure of this hire led Auburn into another coaching search, which ultimately resulted in Bryan Harsin’s short-lived tenure.
Both Freeze and Harsin failed to live up to the values outlined in the Auburn Creed, particularly the emphasis on hard work, honesty, and practicality. These failures have left the program on pace for its first five consecutive losing seasons since the 1940s.
The Need for a Change
John Cohen, who grew up in Alabama and has a background in baseball coaching, is leading the search alone to identify top candidates. His approach is critical as he tries to find someone who embodies what Auburn stands for.
Cohen’s statement on Monday highlights his determination: “We’ve got to get this done for people who are at the top of that upper deck, the people who are on our streets, the people who are on the field. We’ve got to get it done.” This sentiment underscores the importance of the search and Auburn’s desire to return to its core values.
Potential Candidates
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is considered a top target for the coaching position, given his proven track record in building successful programs. He took over a Troy program with five wins in 2021 and quickly transformed it into one of the Sun Belt’s dominant forces, going 23-4 with two conference titles in just two years.
Other candidates include James Franklin from Penn State, who is currently exploring options after being contacted by several schools. Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham are also on the radar, though they may face challenges due to their current positions or financial considerations.
The Auburn Creed: A Guide for Success?
For all its chaos, Auburn’s identity has always been its secret weapon. In a world ruled by money and hypocrisy, the Auburn Creed offers a moral north star. It’s about hard work, humility, and practicality – values that have guided the program through some of its most successful moments, including winning three SEC championship games in the 2010s.
The key for Auburn is to find a coach who not only embodies these values but can also connect with the community.
Jon Sumrall’s connection with Alabama and his reputation as a grinder and relationship-builder make him an attractive candidate. His fiery personality could reignite the passion that has been lost on the Plains.
Auburn’s leadership must recognize that it is their own people who hold the answers. By following their creed, Auburn can return to its winning ways and continue to inspire those who believe in its values. The search for a new coach is not just about finding a savior; it’s about reaffirming what makes Auburn special.
