Coaching search update: The latest on Kiffin, long shot rumors
There has been plenty of talk over the last two weeks since Bryan Harsin’s dismissal as Auburn’s head coach. However, most of the chatter has been speculation, and no candidates have emerged as legitimate candidates.
That appears to be changing, as the College Football regular season is beginning to enter its final stretch.
Auburn Undercover’s Phillip Marshall released a rundown of all things happening within the athletic department as a whole, including the latest on the coaching search.
Marshall did not reveal too much of the search but gave a brief recap on what has happened over the last two weeks. Marshall addresses the legitimacy of Lane Kiffin’s potential to be named the next head coach, as well as shoots down a wild rumor involving an ACC head coach’s name that has recently been tied to the open job.
Here is what Marshall said Wednesday about the latest news within the coaching search:
Is Kiffin still in the mix?
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The hottest name of the last week has been Lane Kiffin and appears to still be the top target among outside names. If a deal is being worked out, athletic director John Cohen and president Dr. Christopher Roberts are keeping it close to the bill.
If Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is the leading candidate, as most believe, Cohen and McGlynn are not tipping their hand. There is growing belief that there could be a coach in the mix who has not been mentioned in speculation.
That's a new one
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A new name has emerged in the rumor mill, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. The rumor seems to be a long shot, as he has served as Clemson’s head coach since 2009, and has led the Tigers to two College Football Playoff titles. It’s a fun name, but not one to be considered a legit contender.
Rumors have circulated about Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. That seems like the longest of shots unless, for some reason, he is unhappy with his current situation. The smart money is on Kiffin, but the search is ongoing, which seems to indicate it is not anything like a done deal.
At the end of the day, it's Cohen's call
Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers
As with many College Football programs, boosters have been known to influence head coaching searches. Roberts says that he will stay in the loop, but will ultimately let the hire be up to Cohen. Cohen expects the same from boosters.
We asked someone familiar with Cohen how he would deal with former power brokers with strong opinions. Here is what he said: “John will be polite and listen to what they have to say, even consider what they have to say. And then he will do what he thinks is best. He won’t be pushed by anybody.”
