While the Auburn Tigers football program is enjoying the open week, there is still plenty of work to be done on and off the field. Given the performance on the recruiting trails and on the gridiron, many believed that this week would be an ample opportunity to make a change.
However, as of Wednesday morning, it hasn’t happened and it doesn’t appear as though it will. It will be business as usual for Bryan Harsin and his staff. Recent reports seem to indicate that the administration is waiting on the hiring of a new athletic director before making any decisions on the future of the second-year head coach. But who could this new AD be?
In an update on the coaching carousel, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg provided a name with SEC ties that could be the choice for the Tigers in his latest hot seat buzz (subscription required).
Utah State athletic director John Hartwell (an Alabama native who led Troy’s athletic department and spent about a decade as an Ole Miss administrator) is considered a leading candidate, according to sources.
Back in late August following Allen Greene stepping down from his position as the athletic director, Pete Thamel highlighted Hartwell as one of seven potential candidates for the job. Hartwell even said he was interested in an interview in August.
“To be associated with that job is flattering, and I think it is one of the very best jobs in the entire country so if they called, I would absolutely listen.” – Hartwell on Auburn per AL.com
John Hartwell has held the athletic director position at Utah State since 2015. Prior to joining the Aggies, he held the same title for Troy from 2012 to 2015. Hartwell served as the Senior Executive Associate Athletics Director for Ole Miss from 2003 to 2012. During his tenure with the Rebels, Hugh Freeze served as the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator from 2006 to 2007, he returned as head coach in 2012.
I am just spitballing here, but Freeze and Hartwell could be a package if the administration goes with the Alabama native as their next athletic director. Or perhaps Hartwell pulls a Danny White and brings his head coach with him. It worked for Tennessee.
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