Auburn Coaching Search 2025: Analysis of Top 10 Candidates
The Auburn Challenge: A High-Stakes Hire
Following the dismissal of Hugh Freeze after three seasons of mediocrity, Auburn finds itself in one of the most critical coaching searches in recent college football history. This is Auburn's third head coach in three years, following Bryan Harsin and now Freeze. The pressure is immense: Auburn fans, donors, and administrators have little patience for another failed tenure.
The Auburn job, despite its challenges, remains one of the top 15 coaching positions in college football. With excellent facilities, passionate fan support, and SEC Network money backing the program, Auburn can compete with virtually any program for the right candidate. However, the job comes with significant challenges: an SEC East that includes Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, plus high expectations and a demanding fanbase.
The Criteria for Auburn's Next Coach
Based on Auburn's recent struggles and the demands of the SEC, the next Auburn head coach must possess:
- SEC Experience: Familiarity with SEC recruiting, culture, and competition
- Recent Success: Proven ability to win at the Power 5 level
- Recruiting Acumen: Ability to attract elite talent to Auburn
- Cultural Fit: Understanding of Auburn's unique campus culture and traditions
- Stability: No red flags regarding compliance or off-field issues
- Offensive Innovation: Modern offensive philosophy that can compete with SEC offenses
Top 10 Candidates Analysis
1. Jon Sumrall (Tulane) - The Early Favorite
Current Position: Tulane Head Coach (2023-Present)
Record at Tulane: 11-2 (2023), 8-4 (2024 so far)
SEC Connection: Former Alabama assistant under Nick Saban (2018-2021)
Jon Sumrall has quickly emerged as Auburn's top target, and for good reason. The Alabama native turned Tulane into an AAC powerhouse, including a 12-2 record and Cotton Bowl appearance in 2023. Sumrall's success at a Group of Five program demonstrates his ability to win with less talent and resources—exactly what Auburn needs.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Alabama ties and understanding of the rivalry
- Proven head coaching success at multiple levels
- Strong recruiter in the Southeast
- Modern offensive philosophy
Obstacles:
- Tulane may match any offer to keep him
- Limited head coaching experience at the Power 5 level
2. Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State) - The Auburn Connection
Current Position: Arizona State Head Coach (2023-Present)
Record at Arizona State: 3-9 (2023), 7-5 (2024 so far)
Auburn Connection: Former Auburn Offensive Coordinator (2022)
Kenny Dillingham's candidacy is fascinating due to his brief stint as Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2022. The young, innovative offensive mind has shown improvement at Arizona State and has the advantage of knowing Auburn's culture, facilities, and fanbase.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Auburn experience and relationships with current players
- Modern offensive philosophy and play-calling ability
- Strong recruiting ties in the Southeast
- Age and potential for long-term success
Obstacles:
- Limited head coaching success at Power 5 level
- Questions about defense and special teams
3. James Franklin (Penn State) - The High-Profile Option
Current Position: Penn State Head Coach (2014-Present)
Record at Penn State: 100-38 overall
SEC Connection: Vanderbilt Head Coach (2011-2013), Kentucky assistant
James Franklin represents the home run hire for Auburn. The former Vanderbilt coach has proven his ability to compete at the highest level at Penn State, consistently finishing in the top 10. Franklin knows the SEC from his Vanderbilt days and has extensive recruiting connections throughout the Southeast.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Proven success at the highest level of college football
- SEC experience from Vanderbilt tenure
- Elite recruiter and program builder
- Strong national reputation
Obstacles:
- Penn State is a much better job currently than Auburn
- Franklin may not want to leave Penn State for a rebuild
- Massive financial buyout required
4. Brent Key (Georgia Tech) - The Regional Connection
Current Position: Georgia Tech Head Coach (2022-Present)
Record at Georgia Tech: 7-6 (2022), 7-5 (2023), 8-4 (2024 so far)
Alabama Connection: Former Alabama player and assistant
Brent Key has done an excellent job rebuilding Georgia Tech and knows the ACC/SEC recruiting landscape well. As a former Alabama player and assistant, Key understands the Iron Bowl rivalry and has connections throughout Alabama and Georgia recruiting circles.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Alabama ties and understanding of the rivalry
- Proven ability to rebuild struggling programs
- Strong regional recruiting connections
- Defensive background balanced with offensive innovation
Obstacles:
- Limited head coaching success at the highest level
- Georgia Tech may offer competitive extension
5. Clark Lea (Vanderbilt) - The SEC Competitor
Current Position: Vanderbilt Head Coach (2021-Present)
Record at Vanderbilt: 2-10 (2021), 5-7 (2022), 2-10 (2023), 7-2 (2024)
SEC Connection: Deep SEC knowledge as Vanderbilt head coach
Clark Lea has Vanderbilt competing at a high level in 2024 with a 7-2 record, including victories over ranked opponents. The former Notre Dame defensive coordinator knows the SEC landscape and has proven he can win with less resources—a crucial skill for Auburn's rebuild.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Current SEC success with limited resources
- Defensive expertise with modern offensive philosophy
- Strong recruiting connections in the Southeast
- Understanding of how to compete against Alabama and Georgia
Obstacles:
- Vanderbilt's 2024 success may lead to retention
- Limited head coaching track record beyond 2024
6. Lance Leipold (Kansas) - The Program Builder
Current Position: Kansas Head Coach (2021-Present)
Record at Kansas: 2-10 (2021), 5-7 (2022), 9-4 (2023), 6-4 (2024)
SEC Connection: No direct SEC experience
Lance Leipold has built Kansas into a competitive program in the Big 12, taking a team that was historically one of the worst in college football and making them bowl-eligible. His ability to rebuild struggling programs is exactly what Auburn needs.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Proven ability to rebuild struggling programs
- Excellent offensive mind and quarterback developer
- Strong culture and program building
- No SEC baggage or preconceptions
Obstacles:
- No SEC experience or knowledge
- Kansas may make competitive offer to retain him
7. Mike Elko (Texas A&M) - The Defensive Specialist
Current Position: Texas A&M Head Coach (2024-Present)
Record at Texas A&M: 7-3 (2024 so far)
SEC Connection: Deep SEC knowledge as A&M head coach
Mike Elko has done an impressive job in his first season at Texas A&M, revitalizing the Aggies' program with strong defense and efficient offense. His knowledge of SEC recruiting and competition is invaluable, and he's proven he can win in the toughest conference in America.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Current SEC success and knowledge
- Elite defensive coordinator background
- Strong recruiting relationships in Texas and the Southeast
- Ability to compete against Alabama and Texas
Obstacles:
- Just started at Texas A&M in 2024
- Texas A&M has more resources and may be a better job
8. Jimbo Fisher (Texas A&M, Former) - The Rebuild Candidate
Current Position: Unemployed (fired from Texas A&M after 2023 season)
Previous Record: 83-23 at Florida State, 45-25 at Texas A&M
SEC Connection: Extensive SEC experience at Texas A&M
Jimbo Fisher is a controversial but proven head coach with a national championship and multiple SEC West titles. His recent struggles at Texas A&M are concerning, but his ability to recruit elite talent and win at the highest level is undeniable.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Proven national championship coach
- Elite recruiter in the Southeast
- Deep SEC knowledge and experience
- Motivated to prove himself after Texas A&M struggles
Obstacles:
- Recent performance concerns at Texas A&M
- Questions about long-term commitment and energy
- High financial expectations
9. Matt Luke (Ole Miss, Former) - The Interim Option
Current Position: Offensive Coordinator, Texas A&M
Previous Head Coaching: Ole Miss (15-10, 2018-2019)
SEC Connection: Extensive SEC coaching experience
Matt Luke has served as interim head coach at Ole Miss and currently runs the offense at Texas A&M. His deep SEC knowledge and familiarity with Auburn make him a strong candidate if Auburn wants someone who can immediately connect with the culture and fanbase.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Deep SEC knowledge and relationships
- Current success as A&M offensive coordinator
- Understanding of Auburn culture and traditions
- Proven ability as interim head coach
Obstacles:
- Limited head coaching success beyond Ole Miss
- May prefer coordinator role over head coaching pressure
10. DJ Durkin (Current Interim) - The Internal Option
Current Position: Auburn Interim Head Coach (November 2025-Present)
Previous Experience: Maryland Head Coach, various coordinator roles
Auburn Connection: Current defensive coordinator, internal knowledge
DJ Durkin's performance as interim head coach will determine his candidacy. If he can guide Auburn through the final games of the season effectively and demonstrate strong leadership, he could earn the permanent position. His defensive expertise and current knowledge of Auburn's roster give him an advantage.
Why Auburn Will Hire Him:
- Current knowledge of Auburn players and culture
- Proven defensive coordinator experience
- Continuity for returning players
- Lower financial risk compared to external hires
Obstacles:
- Mixed track record as head coach at Maryland
- Limited recruiting connections in the Southeast
The Dark Horse Candidates
Beyond these top 10 candidates, several other coaches could emerge as viable options:
- Jamey Chadwell (Coastal Carolina/Liberty): Proven program builder at smaller schools
- Mike Norvell (Florida State): May be interested if Florida State struggles continue
- Lincoln Riley (USC): Long shot, but USC's recent struggles could make him available
- Chip Kelly (UCLA): Offensive innovation and West Coast success could translate to SEC
The Timeline and Decision Factors
Auburn's decision-making process will likely be completed by early December, with several key factors influencing the final choice:
1. Financial Considerations
Auburn will need to balance a competitive salary package with the budget constraints that come from paying off Hugh Freeze's contract and previous coaching settlements.
2. Recruiting Impact
The new coach must be able to immediately stabilize the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes, which have suffered from Auburn's recent struggles.
3. Cultural Fit
Auburn has a unique campus culture and fanbase expectations. The next coach must understand and embrace Auburn's traditions while bringing modern football concepts.
4. SEC Competitiveness
With Alabama, Georgia, and other SEC powers at peak performance, Auburn needs a coach who can immediately close the gap and compete for SEC titles.
Conclusion
Auburn's 2025 coaching search represents a critical moment for the program. After three years of mediocrity under Hugh Freeze, and two coaching changes in three years, Auburn needs stability and success immediately. The top candidates—Jon Sumrall, Kenny Dillingham, and James Franklin—represent different paths forward: the up-and-comer, the insider, and the established star.
Whoever Auburn hires will face immense pressure to win immediately, recruit at an elite level, and compete with Alabama's powerhouse program under Kalen DeBoer. The Auburn job remains one of college football's best, but it's also one of the most demanding. The next head coach will determine whether Auburn can return to SEC championship contention or face another extended period of rebuilding.
As Auburn navigates this crucial decision, the entire Tiger Nation watches with anticipation, hoping that the third time is the charm and that the next coach can restore Auburn's proud football tradition and competitiveness in the greatest conference in college football.
This article is based on verified data from ESPN, CBS Sports, SI.com, On3.com, and official athletics department announcements as of November 3, 2025.