Tag: John Cohen

Auburn hires former Tennessee assistants to lead softball program

Chris and Kate Malveaux take over for Mickey Dean, who announced his retirement in March.

After a long coaching search, Auburn has found its next leader(s).

Auburn athletics director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] announced Wednesday that former Tennessee assistants [autotag]Chris Malveaux[/autotag] and [autotag]Kate Malveaux[/autotag] are making a move to Auburn to serve as assistant head coaches, taking over for the outgoing [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag], who announced his retirement in March.

“Chris and I are both honored and humbled to lead this new era of Auburn Softball. Thank you to John Cohen and all of Auburn Athletics for their faith in us to take on this role and support the program in such an impactful way,” Kate Malveaux said in a press release. “Also, thank you to Karen Weekly, the Lady Vol Softball staff, and student-athletes for the opportunity and support of not only us, but also our family. Auburn has proved that it can compete on the national stage, and we are excited to build, develop, and grow this program into a national powerhouse.”

Chris Malveaux served as the Lady Vols’ hitting coach for three seasons. Since 2022, Tennessee’s production at the plate has increased from a .280 team average in 2022 to a .317 team average in 2024. In 2023, Tennessee led the SEC in on-base percentage (.419), runs scored (419), RBI (377), and doubles (84). The top player under Malveaux’s leadership, Kiki Milloy, set a school record with 25 home runs in 2023, which led to All-America honors from the NFCA.

Tennessee finished top-five in eight hitting categories this season, including home runs. The Lady Vols collectively hit 37 home runs this season, which trailed only Georgia (44) for the SEC lead. Tennessee batters were also patient at the plate by forcing 87 walks and striking out just 81 times.

Kate Malveaux worked with base runners during her four seasons in Knoxville, where speed on the basepaths was a strong emphasis. They swiped 38 bases in 2024, third-highest among SEC programs. Tennessee finished top-four in stolen bases since 2021, including an SEC-high 95 stolen bases in 2021.

Together, Tennessee has won two-straight SEC championships.

A spouse duo serving as head coaches in SEC softball is nothing new. Tennessee was led by Ralph and Karen Weekly for 20 years before Ralph’s retirement in 2021. Neither of the Malveaux’s coached at Tennessee under Ralph’s leadership, but his wife Karen remains the Lady Vols’ head coach and has shared her experience of the situation.

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Examining Softball America’s top potential candidates for Auburn softball’s head coach vacancy

Several interesting names are included in Softball America’s hot board.

While most of the college softball world is focused on the upcoming Women’s College World Series at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Auburn softball fans are ready for athletics director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] to announce the program’s next head coach.

[autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag], the third head softball coach in Auburn history, announced during the season that he is retiring following an impressive 713-win, 18-year career with stops at Radford, James Madison, and Auburn. As Oklahoma and Texas prepare to enter the SEC later this year, it is as important as ever to field a talented, well-coached team to compete in a loaded conference.

Who will Auburn turn to to lead its softball program into a new era within the SEC? Brady Vernon of Softball America has laid out several candidates to fill what he calls the “biggest opening thus far.” The list includes a mix of experienced head coaches and several assistants that are ready to take the step forward.

One notable name is [autotag]Samantha Ricketts[/autotag] of Mississippi State. Ricketts, a former player under Patty Gasso at Oklahoma, has led Mississippi State to 159 wins since 2020, moving the Bulldogs to the upper epsilon of the SEC. In 2024, Mississippi State finished third in the SEC in hitting with an overall average of .297 and finished fourth in runs scored with 314. Vernon cites Ricketts’ connection to John Cohen during his days at Mississippi State as a valid reason to support this connection, citing Cohen’s hire of Ricketts in 2020.

Several up-and-comers have been named as well including Virginia Tech’s [autotag]Pete D’Amour[/autotag] and Duke‘s [autotag]Marissa Young[/autotag]. Young has built Duke’s program from the ground up by developing the Blue Devils into a Women’s College World Series contender in seven seasons. D’Amour has led Virginia Tech to five NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to the Super Regionals in five seasons.

The biggest name of all is Oklahoma State head coach [autotag]Kenny Gajewski[/autotag], who has won 360 games and has led the Cowgirls to three-straight Women’s College World Series appearances. Vernon labels Gajewski as the “home run hire” due to his ability to utilize the transfer portal, but the SEC’s addition of Oklahoma and Texas could alter his decision to flee Stillwater.

The Auburn opening is definitely one of the most attractive jobs out there currently, and Cohen has the ability to make the best hire. Who will it be? The race for Auburn softball’s next head coach will be a fun one to watch unfold.

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Auburn AD John Cohen given extension to 2029

Auburn University has extended its athletic director, John Cohen, for an extra two years through October of 2029

Auburn’s athletic program is looking to continue on its successful path across all of its teams. As of late, the Tigers have posted many accomplishments under their new leadership and will be hoping to have more luck in the near future.

Auburn athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] was given a two-year contract extension in his position, keeping him on the Plains until October 2029.

Cohen was hired on October 31, 2022, which was a big day in the athletics depart as former football coach Bryan Harsin was also fired from the university. He later made his first big decision in hiring current head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] to the job, making an early statement on the Plains.

The athletic director has been a huge leader in making upgrades happen around the Tigers’ facilities. The board of trustees recently approved a new videoboard that is set to be placed in the north end zone of Jordan-Hare Stadium. They also put the current renovations for Plainsman Park into motion.

Most notably, Cohen made a big push for Auburn’s recent declaration that the program was switching from Under Armour to Nike, which will become effective in July 2025.

Cohen’s contract salary agreement will remain the exact same with the extension, being at $1.4 million dollars each year, with a $125,000 increase each November.

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Auburn to officially make the switch from Under Armour to Nike

Auburn’s long-time deal with Under Armour will expire in 2025, paving the way for Nike to become the program’s official uniform provider.

After spending 18 seasons as Auburn’s official uniform and apparel provider, Under Armour will make one last run on the Plains in 2024.

Auburn Athletics announced Tuesday that its deal with Under Armour will end next summer, paving the way for Nike to become the program’s next provider of uniforms, shoes, and apparel. Auburn athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] is excited for the next chapter in Tigers’ athletics.

“We are excited to enter this new partnership with Nike, a brand that consistently champions athletes and sport around the world. We are appreciative of their strong support throughout this process. We believe that our 10-year agreement, beginning in July 2025, will continue to elevate Auburn and best serve our student-athletes and our university moving forward. We are also grateful to Kevin Plank and Under Armour for their 18 years of valued partnership in growing the Auburn brand and serving our student athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate this relationship throughout the final year ahead.”

Under Armour became Auburn’s official uniform outfitter in 2006, replacing Auburn’s deal with longtime provider, Russell Athletic. The original contract was for five years and was worth $10.6 million. In 2015, Auburn restructured its contract for 10 years and $78.1 million, plus $10 million in Under Armour stock.

Justin Hokanson of Auburn Live reports that Apple CEO and Auburn alum [autotag]Tim Cook[/autotag] played a major role in negotiations. [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] were also open to moving on from Under Armour in favor of Nike.

Auburn’s current contract with Under Armour will expire in the Summer of 2025, and Nike will become Auburn’s official uniform provider immediately following the final event of the 2024-25 athletic season.

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Auburn Board of Trustees approve new videoboard for Jordan-Hare Stadium

The new videoboard, which will be ready ahead of the 2025 football season, will replace the scoreboard in the north endzone of the stadium.

After 37 years of operation, the old scoreboard on the north end of Jordan-Hare Stadium is set to come down.

Auburn Board of Trustees recently approved plans to add a new video board to the north end of Jordan-Hare Stadium. According to a press release from Auburn Athletics, the project will break ground this summer and will be completed before the 2025 football season.

Not only will Jordan-Hare receive a new video board, but it will also allow the concourse in the north endzone to be expanded. The move will allow traffic to flow more freely within that end of the stadium and will provide more food and beverage options to fans in attendance.

Auburn athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] says that the new video board will enhance the fan experience, as well as provide an upgrade to the stadium aesthetic.

“We are appreciative of the Auburn Board of Trustees for its continued support of Auburn Athletics and the Auburn Family,” Cohen said. “This videoboard project will not only take a big step in our efforts to provide a better aesthetic balance between Jordan-Hare Stadium’s north and south end zones and an improved sound experience, but more importantly will continue to modernize the fan experience for our fan base. It will also give our south end zone patrons, including our student section, an opportunity to have an unimpeded and straight-ahead view of a state-of-the-art videoboard.”

The new video board will be slightly smaller than the one that occupies the south endzone of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The video board is projected to measure 154 feet wide and 47 feet tall for a total of 7,238 square feet. The south endzone video board measures 10,690 square feet. The video board will replace the scoreboard, which was installed in 1987.

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Renovations to Plainsman Park are given the green light

The home of Auburn baseball will see a series of upgrades over the next two seasons.

It has nearly been a year since plans to upgrade Plainsman Park were heavily discussed. Now, the time has come for those dreams to become a reality.

Auburn University announced Tuesday that the six-phase project will begin this summer, and will be completed prior to the 2025 season. Athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] looks forward to changing the game-day experience for fans of Auburn baseball.

“This renovation is a vital part of enhancing the Auburn baseball experience at Plainsman Park for our donors, fans, students, and most importantly our student-athletes,” Cohen said via press release. “The scope of these enhancements will touch all areas and help make the game-day experience uniquely Auburn. Coach Thompson has led the program to unprecedented heights, and this renovation is possible because of his stewardship. Without the support of the Board of Trustees and our incredible donors and loyal fan base, this project would not be possible. We are extremely appreciative of their commitment to the future of Auburn baseball.” 

Head coach [autotag]Butch Thompson[/autotag] said this project is coming at a vital time in Auburn baseball’s history.

“We’ve been to five of the last six regionals, three of the four super regionals in our program’s history, two College World Series, had a No. 1 overall draft pick, built a statue for the only Hall of Famer in the history of our great league, hosted back-to-back regionals for the first time ever, set consecutive attendance records and the list goes on. This project is a major brick in the wall and continues the momentum all parties of our program, including our coaches, staff, players, donors, and fan base, have helped create the last few years.”

Here’s a look at the changes that Plainsman Park will go under over the next two years.

Hugh Freeze named one of the most impactful hires of the offseason

He will put this to the test on Sept. 2 when the Tigers start the season.

After the Auburn Tigers moved on from Bryan Harsin during last season, the pressure was on the Athletics Director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] to nail Auburn’s next head coach.

He ultimately settled on [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and while he hasn’t coached a game yet, the early reports are promising on. He’s plucked several exciting players from the transfer portal and has the Tigers in the mix for several impressive recruits.

These moves caused Brad Crawford of 247Sports to name him his third most impactful coaching hire of the offseason and someone he expects to win quickly.

Look how quickly Freeze, a coach who has beaten Saban more than once as a head coach in the SEC, has altered the trajectory at Auburn in his infancy on The Plains. Not only have the Tigers formed a notable coaching staff around him, but Freeze landed an elite transfer class this cycle, including a rebuilt offensive front and several playmakers at the wide receiver position — not to mention grabbing Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne for help in that room. Freeze has won at every coaching stop and has done more with less at his last two jobs — Ole Miss and Liberty. He’ll get the best talent he’s ever had at Auburn and win very quickly as a result.

The Freeze era will officially start on Sept. 2 when the Tigers host UMass in Jordan-Hare Stadium to start the season. The game will start at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on ESPN.

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Lane Kiffin elected to stay at Ole Miss, and has zero regrets about it

Kiffin, who was at one time Auburn’s top target to fill its’ head coaching vacancy, says he isn’t second guessing his decision to stay at Ole Miss.

In an alternate universe, Auburn football could be preparing for the 2023 season under head coach [autotag]Lane Kiffin[/autotag].

The idea was heavily discussed following the dismissal of Bryan Harsin on Oct. 31 of last season, as it was believed that Kiffin was Auburn’s top target. Kiffin has brought Ole Miss back to relevancy and has a personality that makes most college football fans adore him. However, athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] decided to hire [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] as Auburn’s next head football coach.

The decision appears to be a great one, as Freeze has revamped Auburn’s recruiting situation and has brought a sense of confidence to the fan base. With the recent upswing at Auburn, is there any regret from the Kiffin base regarding his decision to stay at Ole Miss? According to Kiffin, he is fine with his decision.

Kiffin recently spoke to reporters at the annual SEC meetings in Destin, Florida this week about his commitment to the Rebels. He says that there’s one factor that made it easy to stay in Oxford, his daughter Landry.

“I have a daily reminder with a daughter who lives with me that I would have had to move away from – and not just live with me now, but she’s going to Ole Miss,” Kiffin said this week. “It makes that pretty easy.”

His decision to stay in Oxford as opposed to moving to Auburn has its backlash. Kiffin says that an old colleague has given him the business over his choice, even though it is playful in nature.

“[autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] interrupted my dinner two nights ago down here and said we could have been buddies again,” Kiffin said.

Kiffin is entering his fourth season as the head coach at Ole Miss, and his 12th season overall as a collegiate head coach. He carries an 85-47 overall record into the 2023 season.

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New Auburn athletic director John Cohen ponders renovation plans for school facilities

Cohen told the Montgomery Advertiser that the school could “create some improvement” in the north end zone of Jordan-Hare.

There could be some changes coming to the Plains in the near future.

Tigers athletic director John Cohen could be planning some new renovations to multiple facets of the school’s athletic stadiums and buildings, according to the Montgomery Advertiser’s Richard Silva. Cohen became the school’s new athletic director on Halloween last year.

Here is a little of what Cohen had to say about the school’s Jordan-Hare Stadium:

“I think even the most casual fan looks into our north end zone and sees that we have room for improvement there, and I think we’re gonna get there… It’s going to take a little time, but I think we can create some improvement in the north end zone.”

That wasn’t the only thing Cohen mentioned, however. He also turned to sports that play indoors like basketball and gymnastics, and mentioned that such sports have what he called “practice space challenges”. He also told the advertiser that sports like baseball and softball will be looked at as well.

Jordan-Hare Stadium was first opened in 1939 and has been renovated twice in 2004 and 2017. The school has had plans to renovate the north endzone of the stadium for some time now, but those plans were delayed in 2015 and then subsequently put on hold indefinitely.

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Williams ‘not upset’ about interim tag not being removed

Interim head coach Cadillac Williams says that he interviewed for the head coaching job at his alma mater, but is not bitter about the result.

By the end of the 2022 season, a bulk of Auburn’s fan base rallied for [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] to become the permanent head coach of the Tiger’s football program.

It is easy to see why. Williams led Auburn to a 2-2 record over the final four games. He brought energy to an exhausted roster, and developed Auburn’s running game to a new level. Auburn closed the season with two 100-yard rushers in each of its last three games. The Tigers rushed for 318 yards in the loss to Alabama, which is the most the Crimson Tide has allowed in the Nick Saban era.

Once the regular season concluded, athletic director [autotag]John Cohen[/autotag] and Auburn University President [autotag]Dr. Christopher Roberts[/autotag] elected to go with experience by hiring Hugh Freeze as Auburn football’s 31st head coach. Freeze is a 10-year head coaching veteran with stops at Arkansas State, Ole Miss and Liberty.

Following Freeze’s introductory press conference on Tuesday, Williams told reporters he interviewed for the open position with Cohen, but the job went to [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. Williams said he was miffed to learn he had been passed over for Freeze, but that he welcomes the idea of working alongside Auburn’s newest head coach.

“Like I told them whenever they brought me the news, honestly, they looked more disappointed than me,” Williams said Tuesday. “They were like, ‘I’m sorry.’ But I’m like, I’m disappointed, (but) I’m not upset; like, I was at peace about it. I had the opportunity to talk to coach Freeze last night, and I was sold, to be honest with you.”

Williams received good news on Monday night. He was named associate head coach in addition to his role as running backs coach. He is believed to be Freeze’s first hire. Freeze said Tuesday he was impressed with the way Williams led Auburn during the final four games of the season.

“What I witnessed was what I thought was one of the most outstanding jobs of leadership that I have ever witnessed in college football,” Freeze said. “Being in this profession, I know how hard it is to finish seasons, even when you are doing well, even when you are bowl eligible. Much less finishing a season with enthusiasm and passion and desire and excitement and having fun like I witnessed when I turned on the Auburn football games. To me, it was a direct reflection of Cadillac, his leadership, and how he led the staff, and those young men, I thought, was a brilliant job.”

Williams said in a “thank you note” Tuesday that his intent was to remain at Auburn and to play a key role on the next staff. After meeting with Freeze on Monday, Williams is buying into what Freeze brings to the program.

“I’m here to serve,” Williams said. “Like I said before, my seat doesn’t dictate my service, so I am looking forward to this opportunity. I’m excited about it, and I back coach Freeze and Auburn 100%.”

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