Details emerge on Bryan Harsin contract, possible buyout

The Auburn Tigers have a decision to make regarding head coach Bryan Harsin. After closing the season out with five losses, subtractions via the transfer portal have really hurt the program, as did a weak national signing day on Wednesday.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Auburn officials “are seeking information” to potentially fire Harsin with cause. This would save the school a ton of buyout money after having to go through the same process with Gus Malzhan just over a year ago.

Thamel also laid out exactly how much the Tigers would be paying Harsin if they do decide to let him go. It’s fair to say the head coach could be in for a nice payday.

“As Auburn officials decide Bryan Harsin’s future, worth noting that he’s owed $18.3 million of his remaining salary,” Thamel said via Twitter. “Of that money, half of that ($9.15 million) would be due in 30 days. The other half in quarterly payments over the next year, starting on July 15.”

When Auburn decided to let go of Malzhan, the former head coach was owed $21.5 million according to Thamel. If Harsin is let go as well, that would be around $40 million paid out to coaches to not coach the Tigers. Considering assistants as well, the number continues to grow.

New Auburn president speaks on Bryan Harsin situation

With the future of Harsin in doubt, Auburn president Jay Gogue spoke on the situation. He said they are trying to determine what is true and not and will give an update when they see necessary.

“There have been a lot of rumors and speculation about our football program. I just want you to know we’re involved in trying to separate fact from fiction,” Gogue said of Harsin’s future, via ESPN’s Chris Low. “We’ll keep you posted and make the appropriate decision at the right time.”

Harsin has only been on the Plains for a season now, finishing with a 6-7 record after a Birmingham Bowl loss to Houston. The last losing season in Auburn was 2012, where Gene Chizik was subsequently fired in favor of Malzhan.

From his coaching staff to recruiting and even working the transfer portal, there have been issues for Auburn. Harsin has had trouble keeping an offensive and defensive coordinator locked down, while no new high school prospects signed on Wednesday’s national signing day.

As for the portal, nearly 20 players have entered and left, including three-year starting quarterback Bo Nix. If Auburn decides they do want to keep Harsin, some damage control will have to come into effect immediately.