Auburn’s coaching seat is scorching hot once again, and the college football world is buzzing with speculation. After a disappointing 15-19 record over three seasons, Hugh Freeze’s tenure ended abruptly following a 10-3 home loss to Kentucky. But here’s where it gets controversial: Jordan-Hare Stadium, once a fortress, became a mere shadow of its former self under Freeze, with Auburn going just 2-9 in home SEC games. Is this a coaching curse, or is the program itself in need of a deeper reset?
This latest shake-up leaves the Southeastern Conference with yet another head coaching vacancy—the fourth this season alone, joining Arkansas, Florida, and LSU in the mid-season coaching carousel. With four conference games remaining, the pressure is on to find the right leader to reignite Auburn’s flame. And this is the part most people miss: the SEC’s coaching turnover isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about finding someone who can rebuild a culture and restore a program’s identity.
Enter David Pollack, who recently weighed in on potential candidates during his ‘See Ball Get Ball’ podcast. Pollack didn’t hold back, throwing out names like James Franklin, Jimbo Fisher, Eli Drinkwitz, Jon Sumrall, and Kenny Dillingham. But here’s the kicker: each of these candidates brings a unique set of strengths—and questions. Franklin, for instance, boasts six 10-win seasons and five top-10 finishes, yet his tenure at Penn State ended on a sour note. Would Auburn fans settle for ‘really good’ if it means stability? Jimbo Fisher’s 83-23 record at Florida State is impressive, but has his approach to building culture evolved? These are the questions that could make or break his candidacy.
Pollack also highlighted Eli Drinkwitz, whose 27-6 record in three SEC seasons at Missouri is hard to ignore. But is he ready for a program as demanding as Auburn? Meanwhile, Jon Sumrall, a native of Alabama with SEC playing experience and coaching success at Tulane, could be a sleeper pick. His decision to back out of the North Carolina job last year raises eyebrows—is Auburn the opportunity he’s been waiting for? And then there’s Kenny Dillingham, thriving at his alma mater, Arizona State. Would he leave for Auburn’s resources, or is loyalty to his roots too strong?
Here’s the real question: Can Auburn find a coach who not only wins games but also restores the program’s once-feared reputation? The SEC is no place for the faint of heart, and the Tigers need a leader who can navigate its brutal landscape. Who do you think is the best fit? And more importantly, what does Auburn need most—a proven winner, a culture builder, or a hometown hero? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
