Despite all the controversy, [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] isn’t backing down.
In an ESPN interview last Thursday, Harsin stood firm on his devotion to the Auburn Tigers after what was a tumultuous and controversial offseason that saw numerous transfers, an exodus of staff and whispers of a possible firing due to accusations of mistreatment. Harsin spoke on it during the interview, denying the allegations and stressing his commitment to the team.
“Everything we were going through — these players, this program, the attacks on my character and my family — was bulls—. Let’s be clear on that. We’re not folding our tent whatsoever. We’ll fight, and we’ll keep doing it. That’s not going to change. We’re fighting for the kids on this team. They’re worth fighting for.”
In the interview, Harsin claims he received support from multiple Auburn players during the inquiry into his first year with the team and that he never felt as if he was going to leave Auburn at any point during the offseason saga.
Harsin may not be backing down, but he still has quite the challenge ahead of him if he wishes to keep his job after the coming season. The Tigers don’t have a clear answer at quarterback, and after an exodus of defensive players to the NFL draft, Harsin will have to make the most of the players he has on that side of the ball in hopes that it will be able to slow down some of the SEC offenses it is set to face across the season. Getting Auburn bowl eligible will be a trial, but if Harsin can make it happen, he’ll certainly instill the Plains with a sense of confidence in his leadership going forward.
He’ll get to put his recruiting and coaching skills to the test once again when Auburn plays Mercer to kick off the 2022 season on Sept. 3.
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