John Cohen: Auburn is in a better place 'than I thought we were gonna be in two years ago'

In November 2022, John Cohen took over as Auburn athletics director. At the time, the Tigers’ football program was going through a transition after Bryan Harsin’s departure and eventually brought in Hugh Freeze as head coach.

As he approaches the two-year mark on The Plains, Cohen expressed confidence in where the football program stands. In fact, he told Paul Finebaum the Tigers are farther along than he thought they would be at this point.

Auburn enters Week 5 with a 2-2 record, with the losses coming to Cal and Arkansas. That’s the source of some frustration from the fan base as Freeze goes through his second year, but Cohen said he senses a different feel around the program than he did when he took over. As a result, he’s preaching the need for patience.

“One of the things that frustrates me, Paul, is I will hear people talk about all these issues and come up with all these reasons. We’re not where we want to be yet,” Cohen said. “But we’re big boys and girls, and we recognize we have this huge responsibility. It never comes as fast as we want it to.

“But I believe in the way we’re recruiting. I believe in what’s going on in our locker room right now. And I think we’re in a better position now, honestly, than I thought we were gonna be in two years ago.”

Auburn went 6-7 last year as Freeze took over the program, losing the Music City Bowl to Maryland. The Tigers were expected to take a step forward in 2024, but have had an up-and-down go as conference play gets fully underway.

The biggest question marks are currently at quarterback. Payton Thorne began the year as the starter, but Hank Brown took over under center last time out against Arkansas. After the 24-14 loss, Thorne is expected to return to his starting role against Oklahoma, according to Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson.

Another quarterback change might not be the only way to fix the offense, though, according to SEC legend Tim Tebow. He said the running game has to improve and allow Auburn to play complementary football.

“I actually believe more of this needs to come down to the running game,” Tebow said. “That’s your greatest strength right now on the offense. You try to get that offensive line to get a little push up front.”

“I think that you’ve got to find a way to give this offense hope. I would look for that more in getting it to your backs. Not just in your conventional power, inside zone. I think in screens and bubbles, getting it into their hands and try to make some plays early.”