Harsin To Stay At Auburn Amid Rumors, Controversy

AUBURN, AL — Amid a week of rumors and controversy surrounding Auburn head football coach Bryan Harsin and his future at the school, Auburn officials announced the university is keeping the second-year coach.

"I am pleased to report that the evaluation of concerns raised regarding our football program is complete," Auburn president Jay Gouge said Friday in a news release. "I am equally pleased to confirm that Bryan Harsin remains our head football coach. As an institution of higher education, Auburn will always take the action necessary to ensure the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff."

Harsin was on vacation in Mexico when rumors broke about an alleged inappropriate relationship with an Auburn staff member and negative comments from former players about his coaching style. Social media was the main culprit in the spread of the rumors, which brought sports pundits to question the security of Harsin's job.

Harsin attended the SEC coaches meeting in Birmingham Thursday and did not talk to reporters who were waiting outside the SEC headquarters following the meeting. Harsin did, however, issue a statement Friday afternoon:

"This has been one of the hardest weeks of my career and it had nothing to do with my coaching ability," Harsin said. "The personal attacks on me and my family went too far and were without justification. Their resolve through this experience has been incredible but also completely expected. We saw and felt the worst of the worst in some people. Fortunately, we also saw the best of the best in others and we will always be grateful for the support of so many through a very difficult time — our players, staff, the Auburn family, and many others."

Harsin added, "I know who I am as a husband, father and football coach and cooperated fully throughout this process. I believe that every challenge in life is an opportunity to grow and learn. This is no different. Every day we’re not moving forward together is a step in the wrong direction. In order for us to take the Auburn program where we all want it to go we must, at all levels, commit to each other and this great university that we all love. I’m confident we can get there under the leadership of Dr. Gogue, incoming President Roberts, Allen Greene, and our Board of Trustees. I’m proud to be your head coach and appreciate the opportunity to lead the incredible group of young men in our locker room."

Harsin posted a 6-7 record in his first year at Auburn, and lost several players to the transfer portal after the season ended, including his starting quarterback, Bo Nix. As well, defensive coordinator Derek Mason left for the same position at Oklahoma State and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was fired by Harsin in November. Bobo's replacement, Austin Davis, quit just six weeks after being hired.

If Auburn fired Harsin without cause, the school would have owed him more than $18 million.