Bryan Harsin explains decision to fire Auburn wide receivers coach

Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin revealed Monday his reason for firing receivers coach Cornelius Williams. The shocking news that Williams was fired just four games into his tenure with the Tigers came Sunday.

Auburn fought for a 34-24 comeback win against Georgia State on Saturday.

“It’s not ideal; I understand that,” Harsin said. “I don’t take that lightly. It impacts a lot of things. I’m aware of that. Like I said, it was what I felt like we needed to do over time that was going to be something I feel like can help us as we move forward in that room and at that position and for the future as we keep building this program.”

Harsin also benched starting quarterback Bo Nix in the game against the Panthers. LSU transfer TJ Finley entered to replace him and led Auburn to its first and only offensive touchdown of the day. He also completed the 2-point conversion as the Tigers reclaimed the lead.

Terms of Williams’ contract (Two years, $600k signed in January) are pretty standard. Williams is owed a buyout from Auburn of the remainder of his deal, but that figure can be mitigated if Williams takes another coaching job.

Eric Kiesau is set to take over as Auburn’s wide receivers coach, sources told On3 Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Kiesau has been an analyst on the Tigers staff after four seasons working under Harsin at Boise State, including as the OC last year.

Williams, who has spent the previous six years coaching wide receivers at Troy, was in his first season at Auburn. He won four Sun Belt championships and helped lead Troy to three bowl games as a player. He was also the passing game coordinator at his alma mater the last two seasons.

“First of all, he’s a good man and did a very good job for us,” Harsin said. “Showed up every day and worked. Very professional, and I felt like for us now moving forward in things, not just at the wide receiver position but for our staff and some of the things we feel we need to do and I feel we need to do and get changed. So, I appreciate everything he did for us while he was here, and I appreciate his family. He’s a good young coach and certainly looking forward to things that will happen for him in the future.”

The Tigers will look to shake off memories from last week as they take on LSU at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday. Bryan Harsin and company will hope a new receivers coach (and possibly a new quarterback) can be the spark they need.