With Hugh Freeze recently dismissed and Auburn operating under an interim head coach, speculation is swirling about who will take over the program next. Here’s who our staff believes should lead the Tigers into the future:
Jackie Dominguez, Sports Editor: DJ Durkin
Though Auburn could succeed with several of the names being discussed, I believe DJ Durkin is the best fit. His vision for the team is clear, and his impact on the defense has already been significant. Durkin is familiar with the program and has earned the players’ respect — something a new outsider might disrupt. His defensive résumé at Texas A&M, Michigan, and Florida speaks for itself, and his aggressive style paired with Derrick Nix’s offensive play calling could be exactly what Auburn needs. While he hasn’t been a head coach before, everyone has to begin somewhere, and this could be the perfect opportunity for him to take that next step.
Reid Farris, Assistant Sports Editor: Jon Sumrall
I think Jon Sumrall should be Auburn’s next head coach as the program works to return to national prominence. Sumrall brings a tough, winning mindset and has proven he can flip a program quickly. At Troy, he took over a team coming off a 5–7 year and immediately went 12–2, then followed up with an 11–2 season — an incredible 23–4 stretch. His energy and ability to handle pressure make him a strong candidate for a demanding job like Auburn.
Rory Garvin, Sports Reporter: Kenny Dillingham
Since Gus Malzahn’s departure in 2020, Auburn has been searching for someone capable of restoring its championship-standard expectations. After Hugh Freeze’s exit, athletic director John Cohen should prioritize Kenny Dillingham. In just two years, he led Arizona State from the bottom of the Big 12 to the College Football Playoff — a place Auburn has yet to reach since its creation. Despite ASU being picked to finish last in the conference in 2024, Dillingham inspired his team to win the league and earn a first-round playoff bye. He also knows Auburn well, having served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2019, when the Tigers went 9–3 and Bo Nix won SEC Rookie of the Year. The main complication: Dillingham is a lifelong ASU fan and alum and has openly called it his “dream job.” Still, if Auburn has a shot at the 2024 AP Coach of the Year runner-up, it must pursue him.
William Halliday, Sports Writer: Alex Golesh
Golesh made a name for himself as Josh Heupel’s offensive coordinator at Tennessee, guiding an explosive offense that averaged 46 points per game in 2022 — the best in the nation — and helping develop Hendon Hooker into a Heisman contender. Since taking over at South Florida, he’s led the Bulls to bowl games in both seasons and amassed a 21–14 record. For an Auburn program that has consistently struggled to score in recent years, Golesh’s offensive creativity could be the jolt the Tigers need.
Cooper Desloge, Sports Writer: James Franklin
With Hugh Freeze’s firing and Auburn operating under an interim coach, the search for the Tigers’ next leader has intensified. Here’s a paraphrased look at each staff member’s pick for who should take over on the Plains:
I believe Auburn should—and likely will—hire James Franklin
Auburn cannot afford another misstep after two disappointing hires, and that’s why former Penn State head coach James Franklin is the ideal choice. He represents stability, proven success, and a safe, reliable option.
Unlike Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze, who both came from non–Power Four programs before arriving at Auburn, Franklin brings a long track record of winning at the highest level. Over 12 seasons at Penn State, he posted a 104–45 record, earned six double-digit-win seasons, secured multiple top-10 finishes, and claimed victories in the Fiesta, Cotton, and Rose Bowls. His most recent campaign saw the Nittany Lions win 13 games and reach the CFP semifinals.
In short, Franklin has consistently shown he can compete with — and beat — elite programs, something Auburn has struggled with in recent years. Hiring him would be a home-run move.
Braden Hensley, Sports Writer: John Gruden
John Gruden is an intriguing candidate due to his extensive NFL success and ability to connect with younger players. His coaching résumé includes stints with the Raiders (1998–2001, 2018–2021) and the Buccaneers (2002–2008), where he earned five division titles, a conference championship, and a Super Bowl victory in XXXVII.
His career stalled after his 2021 resignation following leaked emails containing discriminatory comments, which he and his legal team claim the NFL intentionally leaked.
Despite having no college coaching experience and being out of coaching since 2021, Gruden has stayed active through his YouTube channel, where he analyzes football and interviews current players such as Darren Waller, Jaxson Dart, and national champion quarterback Will Howard. His communication style and energy could resonate with recruits and transfers.
Though Auburn may hesitate given Freeze’s past off-field issues, Gruden has voiced strong interest in returning to coaching — and specifically to the SEC, saying, “I want to coach again… I would f—ing love it.” If Auburn is willing to overlook past controversies, Gruden could be a compelling option.
Tyler Cox, Sports Writer: James Franklin
James Franklin would be a strong fit for Auburn, even with his somewhat polarizing reputation. His 104–45 record at Penn State proves he’s a high-floor, high-competence coach who can win and recruit at an elite level. He already has SEC experience from his 24–15 run at Vanderbilt.
Auburn needs a proven leader from within the Power Four landscape — not another experiment with non–Power Four hires — and Franklin checks every box.
Lila Weitz, Sports Writer: Fran Brown
Fran Brown would be an excellent choice to lead Auburn. He has demonstrated an ability to recruit top-tier talent nationwide, drawing on his New Jersey roots to strengthen connections in the Northeast while also leveraging his experience as Georgia’s defensive backs coach in the SEC.
Now the head coach at Syracuse, he immediately revitalized the program to a 10–3 record and a Holiday Bowl win in 2024. This season’s dip was largely due to losing his starting quarterback, but Brown responded by securing two promising quarterback recruits and reinforcing his “D.A.R.T.” philosophy — being Detailed, Accountable, Relentless, and Tough.
Brown’s youth, energy, strong relationships with players, and relatively low buyout make him an appealing and cost-effective long-term investment. His recruiting ability could help Auburn pull talent away from ACC schools and build a sustainable foundation for success.
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