Report: Bryan Harsin met with Auburn officials regarding investigation

Wednesday, Bryan Harsin returned from vacation. Then, he reportedly met with Auburn officials.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Chris Low reported Harsin spoke with officials regarding the inquiry into the program. Nothing major came out of the meeting, but Harsin attended the SEC coaches meetings on Thursday. He didn’t take questions as he entered or left.

Sources tell @clowespn and me that Bryan Harsin met with the officials running the Auburn inquiry on Wednesday upon returning from vacation. The meeting was considered generally benign and no clarity of next steps was given, other than Harsin attending SEC meetings Thursday.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 10, 2022

The meeting occurred upon Harsin’s return from his trip out of the country. It also happened one day after Auburn adopted a new policy called the “Employee Duty to Cooperate Policy,” which states university employees must cooperate with investigations. The policy took effect Feb. 8 — one day before Harsin came back to campus.

Speculation about Harsin’s future ramped up over the last couple weeks even though he just wrapped up his first season at the helm. Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson previously reported Harsin’s future was “in question.”

In Harsin’s first season with the Tigers after leaving Boise State, Auburn went 6-7, but lost five straight games to end the season. Auburn has seen multiple players transfer out and coaching turnover this offseason, including the departures of both coordinators this offseason and the resignation of the new OC. Mixed reactions have also come in from players about how the season went.

Auburn enacts new policy, effective immediately that could impact Bryan Harsin

In the wake of the evolving Bryan Harsin situation at Auburn, the university implemented a new policy this week.

Effective Feb. 8, Auburn enacted the “Employee Duty to Cooperate Policy,” stating university employees must cooperate with investigations. The new policy comes as rumors and questions swirl about Harsin’s future as Auburn head coach in the wake of accusations from players and a quiet National Signing Day.

“Employees have a duty to cooperate fully and truthfully with investigations, inquiries, and reviews relating to their university responsibilities and professional obligations,” Section VII of the policy states. “For example, employees must do the following: cooperate in sharing requested information and participating in interviews; produce all requested university documentation within their custody or command; disclose additional information relevant to the investigation or review; and maintain confidentiality as advised.

“Employees participating in an investigation or review are protected by applicable policies against retaliation. Employees shall be entitled to relevant legal protections in matters involving potential criminal conduct.”

The policy also could have an impact on Section 20 of Harsin’s contract, which allows for termination “for cause” if he doesn’t comply with a university rule or policy, according to Hokanson. Section 26 of the contract calls for a 30-day written notice of a breach.