WATCH: Charles Barkley blasts Auburn boosters in defense of Bryan Harsin

Former Auburn basketball star Charles Barkley has never been shy about voicing his opinion on an endless number of topics. He’s going to say whatever he wants to say with a refreshing amount of honesty and candor and that’s exactly why so many people love him. The man formerly known as the “Round Mound of Rebound” during his playing days recently joined “The Next Round” podcast to defend Auburn’s head football coach, Bryan Harsin, after he found himself in the middle of controversy this offseason.

“I’m a Bryan Harsin fan. And this is to all the Auburn people. Leave that man alone and let him do his freaking job. He’s only been there a year. Just leave the man alone and let him do his job. I’m very excited. Y’all know I love me some Bruce Pearl. His son, Steven, and our entire coaching staff. I love our coaches. And then, I love our AD, Allen Greene. If they let Allen [Greene], Bruce [Pearl], and Bryan Harsin do their job, I feel really good about Auburn moving forward. And for the people who keep bothering this man…Man, I wish somebody would slap the hell out of them,” Barkley said on Wednesday.

On3’s Jesse Simonton ranked Harsin 12th among SEC coaches

On3’s Jesse Simonton gave his thoughts on Bryan Harsin around a month ago, ranking him 12th amongst SEC head coaches. “Harsin is a solid coach in a sour situation. He is not a good fit at Auburn, and despite surviving a coup this offseason, he’s ultimately going to lose that fight — likely sooner than later. The former Boise State head coach doesn’t have the recruiting chops compared to the rest of the coaches on this list, and he’s also churned through assistants with the Tigers — already on his third offensive coordinator before Year 2.”

Harsin and the Auburn Tigers begin their 2022-2023 season on Sept. 3 against the Mercer Bears. Kickoff for that one is slated for 7:00 PM EST. The game will be televised on the SEC Network and ESPN+.

On3’s Jesse Simonton also contributed to this article.