Tag: Bryan Harsin

Former Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin to become Cal OC

Harsin coached the Tigers to a 9-12 record and recruited a pair of the worst recruiting classes in school history in his two seasons on the Plains.

Former Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin reportedly agreed on a deal to become the new offensive coordinator at Cal on Monday. Auburn’s head coach from 2020 to the middle of 2022, Harsin is widely considered the reason the Tigers program has fallen from grace over the past decade.

After an ultra-successful stint at Boise State which included five seasons of 10+ wins and appearances in multiple ‘New Years 6’ Bowls, Harsin took over Auburn’s program following the firing of Gus Malzahn. In two seasons on the Plains, Harsin coached the Tigers to a 9-12 record and recruited a pair of the worst recruiting classes in school history. He also oversaw the departure of nearly 40 players to the transfer portal, including Heisman Trophy finalist and current NFL Rookie of the Year candidate Bo Nix.

While the choatic tenure as Tigers head coach seemingly brought an end to the upward trajectory of Harsin’s promising coaching career, the 48-year-old will now get another opportunity at a Power 4 Program in hopes of returning to the head coaching ranks. He’ll join the staff of current Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox, who led his team to a bowl game in its first season in the BIG 10 this season.

With expectations high and the BIG 10 sending a trio of programs to the College Football Playoff this season, Harsin and the rest of the Golden Bears staff will look to make the program into a contender in the conference starting in 2025. Unfortunately for Tiger fans hoping to warm up their voice boxes with some “boo birds”, Cal is highly unlikely to play the Tigers again anytime soon after a home-and-home series between the two programs ended this season.

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Former Auburn coach appears to troll Tigers after Iron Bowl loss vs. Alabama

The former Auburn head coach trolled the Tigers after their Iron Bowl loss vs. Alabama.

In a social media post Monday morning, it appears that former Auburn Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin has trolled his program after their Iron Bowl loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The social media post was made on Harsin’s account, and appeared to show a picture of the former Auburn head coach wearing an Alabama “LANK” shirt after the Crimson Tide’s 28-14 win over the Tigers.

Harsin was the former head coach at Auburn during the 2021-22 seasons, and was fired by the Tigers midway through the 2022 season. As head coach of the Auburn program, Harsin compiled a combined 9-12 overall record, and lost his lone Iron Bowl vs. Alabama at home in 2021 by a final score of 24-22 in four overtimes.

Harsin did not coach in the 2022 Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa, as he was fired as head coach at Auburn prior to that seasons game, with Cadillac Williams serving as the interim.

The post on social media from Harsin can be found below:

Pittsburgh set to hire former Auburn AD Allen Greene for same role

Greene is set to return to the AD chair after stepping away from the role at Auburn in 2022.

Allen Greene stepped away from his role as Auburn’s athletic director over two years ago, and now he is ready to take the chair at another institution.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that Pittsburgh has hired Greene to become the university’s next athletic director. University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel confirmed the report on Friday morning.

In a press release from Pitt athletics, Gable says that Greene is “proven” and is ready to take charge of the athletics program.

“Pitt Athletics is the front porch of the University of Pittsburgh, serving as a crucial access point for so many across our campus, our region, our nation and the world. In Allen Greene, we have a proven national leader who exemplifies the Pitt way, and who has all of the experience and intangibles to elevate our athletics program in competition and in the classroom. In my conversations with Allen and with many others who know him well, it is clear that he will lead us successfully into the new world of intercollegiate athletics.”

Greene served as Auburn’s athletic director from 2018-22, coming to the Plains from Buffalo after serving as the leader of the Bulls’ athletic program in the three years prior. He departed from Auburn in August 2022 with three months remaining on his contract.

“The decision to step away from Auburn Athletics is not an easy one, but it is the right time for me to begin the next step in my professional journey,” Greene said following his departure. “I am very proud of the work that we have done together to move our athletics program forward. Christy and I want to thank the Auburn family for allowing us to be a part of something truly unique, and I wish Auburn nothing but the best in the years ahead. I’m confident we leave Auburn athletics stronger than when we arrived.”

The highlights of Greene’s career were the firing of former head football coach [autotag]Gus Malzahn[/autotag] in 2020 and the hiring of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] to replace him. He also hired [autotag]Johnnie Harris[/autotag] to lead the women’s basketball program in 2021, where she has built a 46-45 record in three seasons with two postseason appearances.

Greene heads to Pittsburgh after spending a short time at the University of  Tennessee, serving as Senior Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Operating Officer for the Volunteer’s athletic department. He will officially take over the role of AD at Pitt on Nov. 1.

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The best moments from Auburn’s 2021 win over Arkansas

Ahead of Auburn’s first SEC game in 2024, take a look back at some of the best images from its win over the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2021.

Auburn football is searching to start off its 2024 SEC conference schedule with a victory when it takes on the Arkansas Razorbacks in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers and Razorbacks have had plenty of classic matchups over the years, but Auburn has found ways to win on the road in Fayetteville during the recent course of this matchup. In fact, many times the team has showed pure domination despite what the scoreboard says.

One of those moments came when the two teams met in 2021, a matchup that the Tigers took 38-23. The [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] era on the Plains was one that was forgetful, but this matchup was one of the few games that his squad handled with ease.

Then quarterback of Auburn [autotag]Bo Nix[/autotag] went 21 for 26 in the game and threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for one as well. [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] also forced a fumble which the Tigers recovered.

As head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and his players prepare for the game, take a look back at some of the memorable moments from the 2021 contest in this photo gallery.

Where does Hugh Freeze stand in On3’s SEC head coach ‘pressure cooker’ rankings?

How hot is Hugh Freeze’s seat heading into year two? On3’s Jesse Simonton weighs in.

The second season of the [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] era is upon us, and the Auburn Tigers are looking to improve upon its 6-7 campaign in 2023.

Freeze is in a better position to succeed ahead of his second season than his predecessor, [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag], was entering his second season. Freeze is not a part of a coup to remove him from his position as head coach, and he is working hard to rebuild the program by bringing in top-notch talent and hiring the best coaching staff to develop the new pieces.

As the program appears to be trending upward, is there any chance that Freeze is on the hot seat ahead of the 2024 season? On3’s Jesse Simonton believes that Auburn fans should not worry.

Simonton recently dropped his SEC head coach “pressure cooker” rankings and has placed Freeze in the “medium” category. Simonton expects Auburn to trend upward this season with the addition of [autotag]DJ Durkin[/autotag], [autotag]Charles Kelly[/autotag], and [autotag]Derrick Nix[/autotag] to the coaching staff.

Despite a frustratingly inconsistent 6-7 season in Year 1 that resulted in a major staff overhaul, the Tigers are encouraged by the direction of Freeze’s program entering the 2024 season. He’s continued to upgrade the roster with strong recruiting efforts and he has a better group of assistants with SEC experience now (Charles Kelly, Derrick Nix, D.J. Durkin), too.

It also helps matters that Nick Saban is no longer the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Simonton says that Auburn will need to take advantage in order to keep improving.

But with Saban now gone from Alabama, Auburn fans do not want to see their program take any step backwards. There’s also pressure on Freeze to prove he made the right call by sticking with Payton Thorne at quarterback.

Joining Freeze in the “medium” category are Georgia‘s Kirby Smart, Kentucky‘s Mark Stoops, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and Tennessee‘s Josh Heupel. Arkansas’ Sam Pittman is on the hottest seat heading into the season, with Florida‘s Billy Napier next in line.

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Trovon Reed to join Gus Malzahn’s staff at UCF

Reed reunites with his former head coach in order to take on an on-field role.

One of Auburn’s top recruiters is leaving the program to take on an on-field role.

[autotag]Trovon Reed[/autotag], who played cornerback and wide receiver at Auburn and most recently served as Auburn’s Director of Football and Recruiting Relations, is heading to Orlando to become the next cornerbacks coach at UCF. The move will allow Reed to reunite with his college head coach, [autotag]Gus Malzahn[/autotag].

Reed joined Auburn’s athletic staff in 2021 and served as Director of Football and Recruiting Relations through both seasons of the [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] era, as well as the debut season for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. He was known as a popular figure among recruits due to his ability to build solid relationships with each one.

He now departs to UCF for his first on-field coaching role. He will join former Auburn players [autotag]Kam Martin[/autotag] and [autotag]Nate Craig-Myers[/autotag] as members of the Knights staff. Since becoming head coach in

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Zac Etheridge departs Auburn, expected to be hired at Houston

Etheridge resigns after spending three seasons on his alma mater’s staff.

The Auburn coaching staff continues to see shake-up as the offseason heats up.

Late Thursday, Auburn associate head coach and running backs coach Cadillac Williams announced his resignation from the staff to “explore other opportunities.” Early Friday, another alum followed suit.

[autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag], a former Auburn defensive back who spent three seasons on Auburn’s staff, also announced his resignation via X (formerly Twitter). Matt Zenitz of 247Sports has reported that Etheridge’s next move will be joining the staff at the University of Houston.

Auburn head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] released a statement Friday to show gratitude for Etheridge’s service to Auburn’s staff.

“Auburn football would like to thank Zac for his contributions to the program the last three years. He played a vital role in establishing the foundation of the future. Zac is a relentless recruiter and tireless worker who has a bright future in this profession. I look forward to watching his career develop and wish him nothing but the best.”

Etheridge joined Auburn’s staff in 2021 as part of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag]’s first staff. He was retained by Freeze and continued his role as defensive backs coach for the 2023 season. It was announced on Dec. 30 that Charles Kelly was hired to serve as co-defensive coordinator with an expected role working with defensive backs. Since then, both defensive backs coaches from the 2023 staff, [autotag]Wesley McGriff[/autotag] and Zac Etheridge, have both departed.

In addition to his on-field role, Etheridge was known as an elite recruiter. Etheridge played a role in Auburn landing four-star talent such as [autotag]Keldric Faulk[/autotag] and [autotag]Robert Woodyard[/autotag]. He was also the primary recruiter for current commits [autotag]Antonio Coleman[/autotag], [autotag]Kendarius Reddick[/autotag], and [autotag]JaKaleb Faulk[/autotag].

Etheridge’s departure is the fifth move of the offseason for Auburn’s coaching staff. Offensive coordinator [autotag]Philip Montgomery[/autotag], defensive coordinator [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag], defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff, and running backs coach Cadillac Williams have also departed the staff.

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Social media reacts to Cadillac Williams resigning from Auburn’s staff

Cadillac Williams has resigned from Auburn’s coaching staff.

A program legend has resigned from Auburn’s coaching staff. [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] resigned from his role as associate head coach and running backs coach late Thursday evening.

Playing at Auburn from 2001-04, Williams joined [autotag]Guz Malzahn[/autotag]’s coaching staff for the 2019 season and was retained by both [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. He served as Auburn’s interim head coach after Auburn fired Harsin during the 2022 season and led them to an emotional win over Texas A&M in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The move stunned Auburn fans, who took to social media to react to the news and wish Williams the best. Here is a look at some of the top reactions.

Cadillac Williams resigns from position as Auburn’s associate head coach

The former Auburn running back resigns after spending five seasons as an assistant coach under three different head coaches.

The latest move regarding Auburn’s coaching staff involves a program legend.

[autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag], who played for Auburn from 2001-04 and served as an assistant coach for his alma mater over the last five seasons, resigned from his position as associate head coach and running backs coach late Thursday evening.

Williams shared his reasoning for the move in a press release. He says that he is looking to pursue other opportunities.

“After taking time to pray and reflect, I have made the decision to resign from my position with Auburn football to pursue other opportunities. I love Auburn, the players and AU family with all my heart, but this decision is what is best for me, my wife and sons. I am extremely grateful for the coaching opportunity given to me first by Coach Malzahn and most recently by Coach Freeze. These past five years on the Plains have been nothing short of incredible. Auburn is and always will be a special part of my life.”

War Eagle!

Williams first joined Auburn’s football staff during the 2019 season under head coach [autotag]Gus Malzahn[/autotag], and would go on to serve on the staffs of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. Following the firing of Harsin during the 2022 season, Williams was named interim head coach. During his time as interim, Williams led the Tigers to a 2-2 record which included an emotional home win over Texas A&M.

Williams is also known as an effective recruiter, as he played a role in landing running backs [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag]. He was also the primary recruiter for offensive linemen [autotag]Clay Wedin[/autotag] and [autotag]Bradyn Joiner[/autotag].

Williams’ resignation marks the fourth assistant coach to leave the staff since the offseason began. Defensive coordinator [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag] is now a member of the staff at Florida while defensive backs coach [autotag]Wesley McGriff[/autotag] has joined Mike Elko’s staff at Texas A&M. Auburn has also parted ways with offensive coordinator [autotag]Philip Montgomery[/autotag].

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Amon Lane-Ganus officially signs with Auburn

Auburn’s first commit of the 2024 class is now an official member of the program.

Auburn’s first commit of the 2024 recruiting cycle is now a member of the roster.

[autotag]Amon Lane-Ganus[/autotag], a four-star defensive back from Moody, Alabama, has officially signed with Auburn. Lane-Ganus announced his commitment to the program in July 2022 and has honored his commitment through the firing of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] and the first season of the [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] era.

Lane-Ganus is the No. 22 recruit from the state of Alabama for the 2024 cycle and is the No. 21 overall cornerback. He is one of five defensive backs to sign with Auburn during the early signing period, joining [autotag]Laquon Robinson[/autotag], [autotag]Kensley Faustin[/autotag], [autotag]Jaylin Crawford[/autotag], and [autotag]Kaleb Harris[/autotag].

Stay up-to-date with the latest signing day news by checking out Auburn Wire’s early signing period tracker.

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