Auburn has not publicly announced its next head coach yet as of now. The program is in a coaching carousel, with multiple high-profile candidates widely discussed in media and among fans. Key possibilities being discussed
- Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss) is frequently cited as a top target in many circles, though his availability depends on the Tidewater of the season and how Auburn positions itself in the market.
- Jon Sumrall (Tulane) has generated substantial buzz as a strong candidate given SEC ties and proven results at Tulane, with strong local recruitment appeal.
- James Franklin (formerly Penn State) has been mentioned as a big-name option by several outlets, though hiring him would depend on his interest and compensation expectations.
- Brent Key (Georgia Tech) is viewed as a pragmatic choice with strong recruiting local ties and a track record of turning programs around, though he would need to demonstrate capability at a larger program.
- Other names frequently discussed include Jon Gruden (return-to-coaching chatter), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri), Dan Mullen (former Florida/MSU), and others with varying levels of likelihood and fit.
What factors typically drive Auburn’s decision
- Fit with Auburn’s culture and the ability to recruit in the SEC footprint, particularly in the Southeast.
- Track record of turning programs around, sustaining success, and engaging the donor base.
- Alignment with NIL and facilities investments to compete at the highest level.
- Economic considerations, including compensation, staff hires, and buyout terms.
Next steps if you want a precise, up-to-date best guess
- I can pull the latest reporting from trusted outlets to summarize who current insiders and analysts are signaling as the top candidates, plus any official statements from Auburn’s athletics department.
- I can also map the candidate list to potential timelines (when Auburn might name a coach, interim plans, and contingency options) and compare their profiles to Auburn’s historical coaching hires.
If you’d like, I can gather the latest reports now and provide a concise, sourced update on who’s being discussed as the leading candidates and what Auburn might be weighing in the decision.
