Auburn has chosen to retain Bryan Harsin as coach of the Tigers program after a whirlwind couple of weeks that put his job status in limbo after just one year on the Plains, the school announced on Friday. Harsin’s status has been the subject of wild speculation after multiple reports surfaced that powerful people inside and outside of the athletic department were unhappy with his overall performance in leading the program.
“I am pleased to report that the evaluation of concerns raised regarding our football program is complete,” said president Jay Gogue. “I am equally pleased to confirm that Bryan Harsin remains our head football coach.”
Gogue detailed what went on during the review process.
“Over the past week, my administration conducted that review,” he said. “It included meetings and interviews with current and former football coaching and administrative staff, numerous players, university administrators and other individuals who offered perspective on the issues that had been raised. To be clear, this process, which was never individual- or outcome-specific, did not yield information that should change the status of our coaching staff or football program. All should understand that in matters such as these the roles of the university administration and the Board of Trustees are distinct and separate. To be very specific, the decisions made were mine alone as the president. The Board played no role in the fact-finding or the decision-making process.”
The disappointing SEC debut for the one-time up-and-coming coach in the 2021 season included in a five-game losing streak to end the season, culminating with a 17-13 Birmingham Bowl loss to Houston. It was the main part of what’s been a chaotic 14-month stint marred by on-field shortcomings and…
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