Embattled Auburn coach Bryan Harsin goes incognito to enter SEC coaches meeting
Amid speculation about his job status, Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin arrived Thursday in Birmingham, Alabama at the SEC headquarters for an SEC coaches meeting. While media crews gathered outside the two main entrances to the building, the coach was seen entering a side door while surrounded by state troopers.
Riding in a state trooper’s SUV, Harsin entered the building just after 9:30 a.m. CT Thursday, according to AL.com. Camera crews from local TV stations were stationed at the main entrance and on the third-floor skywalk of a parking garage looking toward the SEC headquarters.
The unmarked door nearly fooled the cameras, but ESPN’s Alex Scarborough spotted the vehicle and got images of the moment Bryan Harsin stepped out of the black SUV and inside the SEC coaches meeting.
While his future with Auburn remains uncertain after an internal investigation, which he has not complied with to this point, he continues to fulfill his job requirements as an SEC football coach. Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson provided an update on the situation yesterday.
More on Bryan Harsin
Justin Hokanson first reported last week that Harsin could be out as the Tigers coach after just one season. He finished 6-7 in his inaugural year, losing to Houston in the Birmingham Bowl.
Auburn lost several players to the transfer portal this offseason, including three-year starting quarterback Bo Nix. This, along with an 0-5 finish to the year, is a major reason why the Tigers are considering parting ways so early into his tenure.
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The Tigers also lost some assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and defensive coordinator Derek Mason. They hired Austin Davis to be their next offensive coordinator on Dec. 18, but he left the program on Jan. 31.
Auburn administrators have reportedly interviewed with some of the departing players and coaches. At the root of the inquiry, sources told ESPN, is the overall volatility in the program and Harsin’s treatment of players and assistant coaches.
Auburn president Jay Gogue addressed the rumors of Harsin’s future on Friday, stating that the Tigers are still working through the validity of various claims.
“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.”