And now the search begins. In the wake of Tommy Tuberville’s resignation Wednesday after 10 years as Auburn’s football coach, athletics director Jay Jacobs faces the urgent task of finding a replacement.
It could be a defining time in Jacobs’ career. He must move quickly but carefully.
In what coaches would Auburn have interest? What coaches would be interested in Auburn? There are few known facts, but what would a coaching search be without plenty of speculation.
Here are some possibilities:
Jimbo Fisher, offensive coordinator, “head coach in waiting” at Florida State. Fisher was Auburn’s quarterbacks coach for five seasons under Terry Bowden. He was offensive coordinator at Cincinnati and at LSU, under both Nick Saban and Les Miles. He is in his second season at Florida State. People close to him say he would choose Auburn if given the choice.
Paul Johnson, head coach at Georgia Tech. Johnson was a success at Navy and is 9-3 this season at Georgia Tech. He is the kind of tough, hard-nosed coach who would seem to fit at Auburn. Would he leave Georgia Tech after just one season?
Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator, “head coach in waiting” at Texas. Muchamp was Auburn’s defensive coordinator in 2006 and 2007. He was a graduate assistant at Auburn in 1995-96. Would he give up the promise of a future job at Texas to become a head coach in 2009?
Steve Spurrier, head coach at South Carolina. There is reason to believe Spurrier would listen if Auburn called.
Bobby Petrino, head coach at Arkansas. Petrino was Auburn’s offensive coordinator in 2002 before moving to Louisville. It was the trip by Auburn officials to see him in December 2003 that sparked the “jetgate” scandal. He left before the end of his first season with the Falcons to take the Arkansas job. Would he do it again? Would Auburn pay his very significant buyout? Doubtful.
Mike Leach, head coach at Texas Tech. The New York Times reports that Leach is the leading candidate. The New York Times is wrong. Leach is a long shot at best.
Those are some names that have been floating around. The next coach might come from that list. Or it might be someone whose name has not yet been connected with Auburn.
Time will tell.
