Paul Finebaum gives update on Bryan Harsin, Auburn situation

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin had big shoes to fill following Gus Malzahn down on The Plains. After seven seasons at Boise State, his first season with the Tigers started out fine before it was capped by a five game losing streak to end the year. It only got worse following the season with accusations and allegations about Harsin’s leadership in the program.

That dysfunction nearly cost him his job. Now, Harsin may be walking on thin ice this season. Paul Finebaum spoke on the subject on the ‘McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning’ radio show. During SEC Spring Meetings, he said Auburn’s head coach was seldom seen or heard from.

“I only laid eyes on Bryan Harsin one time the entire trip” said Finebaum. “He couldn’t have been quieter. I barely heard his name down there.”

For Harsin to restore some faith in his leadership, he will need to lead the Tigers to a bounceback year. In Finebaum’s eyes, the first few games, specifically at home against Penn State, will be the measuring point.

“I think his season comes down to a couple of very important, early season games,” he said. “For the second year in a row, I do believe the Penn State game is the bellwether. If he can get out of that game and rack up some wins then I think he can develop some momentum before the season starts to become unwieldy.”

Playing in the SEC can be an unforgiving venture. Playing in the SEC West is even more so. Auburn did start at 6-2 but lost five games in conference play to Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and South Carolina. To Finebaum, that’s what makes the start of the season so important for the Tigers. To avoid another year under .500, they’ll need to start well before they get to the “murderers’ row” of their SEC slate.

“He can’t afford an early season loss to someone unexpected. He can’t afford a bad start,” said Finebaum. “If you start to do the math, there’s Georgia, Alabama and a couple of other games on the schedule that he’s unlikely to win.”

Wins and losses may be what ultimately determines who will be Auburn’s head coach moving forward. Contrary to their recent answers, Finebaum says a rift still remains between Harsin and those involved with the program.

“I still don’t think much has changed. With all the (noise) that there’s a new atmosphere down there and a new enthusiasm, I don’t think that’s true,” he said. “I think the same situation exists and he better win or that group that wanted him out last December will ultimately get him out this year.”

Harsin may only have one season of grace left to get Auburn back on track. His work will start on September 3rd when they open against Mercer at Jordan-Hare Stadium.