Auburn Appoints South Florida’s Golesh as New Head Coach

Auburn University has announced the appointment of Alex Golesh as the new head football coach. This decision comes after a challenging period for the program, which has witnessed five consecutive losing seasons. Golesh, previously the head coach at the University of South Florida (USF), brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers.

Auburn’s New Era Begins with Golesh

Golesh has signed a six-year contract with Auburn, as confirmed by sources. Throughout his three seasons at USF, he achieved a record of 23 wins and 15 losses, including a remarkable 9-3 season recently—his team’s best performance since 2017.

Statement from Golesh

In his introductory statement, Golesh expressed excitement about joining Auburn. “Auburn football is one of the proudest, most tradition-rich programs in all of college football,” he stated. He emphasized a commitment to a player-driven program and a determination to work hard for championships.

Coaching Background and Achievements

• Golesh’s overall record at USF: 23-15.
• Best season at USF: 9-3, highlighting significant improvement.
• Previous roles include offensive coordinator at Tennessee (2021-2022).

Under Golesh, the Bulls showcased an impressive offense, ranking second in total yards and fourth in scoring across the FBS. His tenure at USF began with a daunting challenge; his predecessor left the team at a low point with only four wins in three years. Golesh reversed this trend, leading the team to bowl eligibility in each of his first three years.

Auburn’s Recent Struggles

The Tigers have faced difficulties, particularly under former coaches Hugh Freeze and Bryan Harsin. Freeze was dismissed following a disappointing 4-5 start this season, leaving Auburn with a record of 15-19 over two-plus years. The team finished this season at 5-7 overall.

Future Plans and Coaching Staff

Auburn athletic director John Cohen praised Golesh for his player development skills and innovative offensive strategies. Several staff members from USF, including offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, are expected to join him at Auburn, promising a dynamic approach on the field.

Looking Ahead

As Auburn embarks on this new journey, Golesh’s task will be to restore the program’s competitive edge within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His successful track record at USF and commitment to building a champion-level program offers hope for Auburn fans as they look to rebound from recent challenges.

Meanwhile, the search for Golesh’s successor at USF is already underway, as announced by the university’s athletics CEO, Rob Higgins. He emphasized that the Bulls aim to continue improving upon the foundation Golesh and his staff have laid.