Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin tests positive for COVID-19

Auburn’s first-year head coach Bryan Harsin has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a school press release. The release reports that Harsin tested positive for the virus on Thursday. He is currently isolated from the team and experiencing no symptoms.

“As we have navigated through the pandemic, contingency plans have been in place should a situation like this arise,” Harsin said in the press release, which was made public by On3’s Matt Zenitz. “I have full confidence in our coaching staff and team. I know they will continue to prepare with the same intensity and focus that they have since camp started.”

Assistant head coach and linebackers coach Jeff Schmedding will serve as the acting head coach in Harsin’s absence. Harsin plans to remain a part of daily activities through remote meetings.

Auburn has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the SEC although the school’s medical staff endorses vaccines. Bryan Harsin told reporters during SEC media days that the COVID-19 vaccine was a personal decision and would not be mandated.

Vaccination rates around the SEC

Ole Miss became the first team in the country to reach 100-percent vaccination earlier this month. Head coach Lane Kiffin said that no player was forced into receiving the shots, but all players, coaches and personnel made the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Kiffin and the Ole Miss staff presented each player and their family with information from team doctors, as well as outside doctors who detailed the benefits.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban reported that his team is close to 100-percent, with just one player left unvaccinated.

How is the SEC approaching vaccinations

The SEC has been very upfront that it supports widespread vaccination efforts. Commissioner Greg Sankey has said on the record that the conference will not mandate vaccinations, but the SEC’s medical task force recommends that student-athletes get vaccinated.

Institutions are providing vaccination education and conference policies make it easier for a vaccinated athlete to stay on the field. Vanderbilt, a private school, is the only school in the SEC requiring all athletes receive vaccinations.

The NCAA unveiled its COVID-19 protocols for the fall last week. During competition season, vaccinated athletes will not be tested unless symptomatic or if a risk assessment shows the athlete has been in close contact with COVID-19.

Unvaccinated players will have to take a PCR test at least once a week during the season. Another PCR test will be taken within three days of competition that same week.