Auburn coach Bryan Harsin has come under fire over the last 24 hours after reports surfaced that his immediate future leading the Tigers is in doubt. Influential people outside and inside the program have taken exception with Harsin over myriad issues that have plagued the program, sources told CBS Sports. Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live reported on Thursday that officials are working to potentially fire Harsin “with cause” over the current state of the program. Meanwhile, John Talty of AL.com reports the “situation” is moving fast as the pressure mounts for Harsin to be ousted.
Among the issues at hand include a mass exodus of players through the transfer portal, a five-game losing streak to end a 6-7 season, the inability to recruit at an elite level and multiple coaching departures. Nearly two dozen Tigers have left the program during the offseason, including three-year starting quarterback and Auburn legacy Bo Nix, wide receiver Kobe Hudson, veteran running back Shaun Shivers, wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson and six defensive linemen.
Additionally, offensive coordinator Austin Davis, who was hired in mid-December to replace Mike Bobo, resigned on Monday due to personal issues. Former defensive coordinator Derek Mason, who spent seven years as Vanderbilt’s head coach and is widely regarded as a brilliant defensive mind, left to take the same gig at Oklahoma State. That can be considered a lateral move, at best. Harsin also fired wide receivers coach Cornelius Williams just four games into this first season.
“The noise is overwhelming,” said Brandon Marcello, 247Sports national reporter and Auburn insider.
Harsin addressed the situation in an interview with ESPN on Thursday, expressing his desire to remain at Auburn.
“I’m the Auburn…
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