Auburn is now in Week 2 of the post-Hugh Freeze era, and athletic director John Cohen is in full search mode as he tries to find the right guy to lead the Tigers to success.
In an interview with Mike Gittens of "The War Rapport," Cohen says that while it is a grueling process, he believes that Auburn is well-suited to make the right decision.
“I feel like we’re in a great position. We’re going to go out and find the right coach for Auburn University, and I’m excited about that,” Cohen said.
There have been a variety of names suggested as potential replacements for Freeze. One viable candidate is the man who took over in Freeze’s absence: DJ Durkin. The Tigers’ defensive coordinator slid into the interim role with three games left in the regular season.
His debut as head coach at Auburn still resulted in a loss, but there was no denying that the Tigers looked more competitive than they had all season under Durkin’s leadership.
“I think one of the great things about DJ is this: every player who works with him knows that they’ve got to keep up with him. Because that guy works so hard,” Cohen said. “If you’re watching him in practice, film study or meetings, there’s nobody more prepared than DJ Durkin. He’s one of the best at what he does in the country. He’s an elite defensive mind, and he’s a great leader.”
A lot has been made about Auburn not being a top job, nationally, anymore, due to the fact that the Tigers are searching for their fourth head coach in the last five years. Cohen was quick to explain why Auburn is one of the best jobs in the nation, and that he’s hearing that from sitting head coaches.
“We know that this is a great job. We know this is a great university and athletic department. You hear the enthusiasm from sitting head coaches around the country talk about how great a job it is. ‘You guys have struggled. Not won a ton of games, but you're going to end up with 21 consecutive sellouts when the season is over,’” Cohen said.
“I think the average fan would be shocked to know who wants to coach these kids, and who wants to be in one of the best atmospheres in the history of college football, ” he later added.
The landscape surrounding college football is under constant turmoil. Auburn certainly has the talent to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff, but keeping that talent intact for the next coach – whoever it may be – is at the top of the list. Cohen has worked nonstop with third-party vendors to help financially support his student-athletes, and says that is a compelling factor in avoiding a complete roster overhaul.
“We’ve worked extremely hard in that area, and I think our fans will see as we go through this period of December and January, how important that really is,” Cohen said. “Because it’s a real separator. Those who have gone out and worked hard on these opportunities for your student athletes, you’re just going to provide revenue streams that are going to make a difference, and that’s been a focus for us.”
The Tigers have two games remaining on their schedule, with Mercer up next, followed by a home game against Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Cohen said that his goal is to have a coach in place within 24 hours after the Iron Bowl.
“Can that happen? Sure,” Cohen said. “Will it happen? It’s really going to depend on exactly who that candidate is.”
Cohen left fans with a parting message. One that should make them feel the right leader is in place to make the hire that could change the trajectory of Auburn football.
“We’re going to do what is necessary to bring in the right coach for Auburn University football,” Cohen said. “The price tag is what it is, but I think we have a very good pool of coaching candidates who want to be here more than they want the money.”
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