OL assistant coach Joe Bernardi making name for himself with Auburn fans, OL recruits
Joe Bernardi isn’t a household name for most Auburn fans. Analysts usually aren’t.
With recruits, however, it’s a different story.
Bernardi, who joined the Auburn staff in January to work under offensive line coach Will Friend, is making his mark on the field and in the film and meeting rooms with players, yes.
But he’s also making a mark on the recruiting trail.
The former Fresno State offensive lineman has been building relationships and bonds with offensive line recruits in the 2023, 2024 and even 2025 classes. He’s relatable and a great coach, many recruits have said.
It’s a great combination to have.
AU assistant OL coach getting rave reviews from recruits
Offensive line recruit Clay Wedin is one of the recruits impressed with Bernardi.
Wedin, from Tampa, Fla., is committed to Michigan State, but continues to be recruited by Auburn and Bernardi. He is a big fan of Auburn’s offensive line assistant.
“Coach Bernardi is a really great coach,” Wedin told Auburn Live. “He’s a great recruiter, a great guy and definitely knows his stuff about the offensive line.”
Bradyn Joiner agrees.
Joiner, from Auburn High, committed to the Tigers shortly before Bernardi joined the staff. The two, however, communicate regularly and have built a strong bond over the past eight months.
“I talk to Coach Bernardi a lot,” Joiner said. “That’s my guy. He is cool on and off the field. Coach Bernardi brings a different vibe when he is coaching. He was a great pickup for the staff.
“Coach Bernardi is big on family. He treats me like family. He is just a great guy and coach overall.”
Will Friend believes future is bright for Bernardi
Auburn isn’t Bernardi’s first coaching opportunity. He’s been seasoned in the Pac 12 and SEC, having made coaching stops at Fresno State, Oregon, San Jose State and Tennessee. He was the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at San Jose State.
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His experience, knowledge of the game and relatable personality are big reasons Will Friend campaigned to hire Bernardi as an assistant.
“Joe is a really good football coach,” Friend said. “I’ve known Joe a long time. We coached against each other when I was at Georgia and he was at Tennessee, and also when I was at Colorado State and he was at Fresno and San Jose State.
“He’s been a really big help to me.”
Bernardi and former Auburn and NFL offensive lineman Kendall Simmons both have been big helps to Friend.
The two assistants/analysts, Friend said, have bright futures.
“Those two guys are really good at what they do,” Friend said. “They know football and people like them. Those guys are big plusses here at Auburn and they’re going to have really, really good careers in coaching.
“They’ll be very successful. They’re studs. I’m lucky with the offensive line staff that I have here. It’s a good group.”
