According to Opelika-Auburn News editor Justin Lee, the grades are in on the worst Auburn football coaching change in history, and the evaluation isn’t a surprise – Bryan Harsin taking over for Gus Malzahn was (clearly) given the crown (of thorns).
“The test is over,” Lee said in response to a posting attempting to blame Malzahn for his departure from the program, before adding, “The grades are in.” We’ve seen the results of our decisions. The coaching transition from Malzahn to Harsin was the worst in Auburn football history. We have the right to speak it!”
Lee would liken Malzahn’s abrupt departure to Georgia’s dismissal of Mark Richt in 2015, when one commenter suggested the former was removed because he might have garnered favor following a hypothetical 2021 Iron Bowl; too much favor to be fired.
“Possibly and plausibly, and silly if so,” Lee said before adding, “Georgia fired Mark Richt after 9 regular-season wins.” Set the expectations, even if they are lofty, and see if he meets them. Shifting the goal posts or keeping them hidden is how two losing seasons are produced.”
Bryan Harsin may return after being fired from Auburn football.
Harsin could sneak his way back into the college football mix after being linked to the New Mexico job left vacant by the dismissal of Danny Gonzales.
“The candidate pool may be competitive with several Mountain West schools concurrently seeking new head coaches, including Boise State and San Diego State,” Roger Holien, editor-in-chief of Mountain West Wire, “Potential names in the mix include Gary Patterson, Bryan Harsin, Bronco Mendenhall, Matt Wells, Ken Niumatalolo, Jason Eck, Brent Vigen, and Brennan Marion.”
With New Mexico on the horizon for 2024, Harsin’s return to the Plains could be just around the corner. If he can replicate what the Lobos’ main adversary, New Mexico State, did, well…
Let’s not even get into that.
