Golesh Fills Out Offensive Staff, But Recruiting Hits Keep Coming
The "transition tax" is real, and Auburn is paying it. As new head coach Alex Golesh works to install his signature up-tempo offense, he has finalized the lieutenants who will lead it. However, the instability of a coaching change has simultaneously led to an exodus of blue-chip talent.
Official: The New Offensive Minds
Monday confirmed what many expected: Golesh is betting on familiarity.
- Joel Gordon (Offensive Coordinator/QB): Golesh's right-hand man follows him to the Plains. His understanding of the veer-and-shoot scheme is second to none.
- Tyler Hudanick (OL/Run Game): A critical hire. Hudanick is tasked with rebuilding an offensive line that was often overwhelmed in SEC play.
- Larry Porter (RB): A savvy veteran addition who brings deep SEC recruiting ties, balancing the "new school" scheme with "old school" recruiting chops.
The Recruiting Bleed
While the staff room fills up, the commitment list is thinning out. The most painful blow came this weekend when 5-star safety Bralan Womack flipped his commitment to Mississippi State. Losing a top-tier in-state talent to a regional rival is a bitter pill for the new staff.
Adding to the concern, 4-star WR Jase Mathews has decommitted and is trending towards Ole Miss. On the current roster, young offensive lineman DeAndre Carter has officially entered the transfer portal, further depleting a unit that desperately needs depth.
The "Golesh" Challenge
This is the classic double-edged sword of a schematic overhaul. Golesh needs specific players for his system, which inevitably pushes current square pegs out of round holes. But losing elite defenders like Womack suggests that rival programs are successfully negatively recruiting against the uncertain "new era" at Auburn.