It now appears increasingly clear that Jeff Brohm can be removed from Auburn’s list of realistic coaching options. Although his name had been floated early in the process, the Louisville head coach was always seen as someone unlikely to walk away from a program and a city that have shaped so much of his personal and professional life. With new reports indicating that Brohm and Louisville are in the process of finalizing a long term contract extension, Auburn’s leadership can confidently shift its focus elsewhere.
That shift raises an important question: where does Auburn turn next. The Tigers job ranks among the more attractive openings nationally, even in a hiring cycle that features numerous prominent programs looking for new head coaches. It is a position with strong resources, major exposure, and the potential for quick success, which means the decision makers involved will be evaluating a crowded and competitive field of candidates. Several names have already begun to circulate as likely targets.
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Jon Sumrall, head coach at Tulane
Sumrall is the name most consistently and prominently linked to the Auburn vacancy, and the connection is easy to understand. He has worked within the SEC as an assistant coach, he delivered major on field success during his time at Troy, and he built a strong reputation as a dynamic recruiter. Throughout his first four years as a head coach, Sumrall is positioned to average double digit wins per season, an achievement that places him among the most promising young leaders in the sport. He has already become a top candidate for multiple high level jobs, and Auburn would be wise to prioritize him at the top of its list.
2. Alex Golesh, head coach at South Florida
Golesh might be higher on Auburn’s internal wish list than many observers currently assume. Still only 41 years old, he previously served as the architect behind Josh Heupel’s up tempo offenses at both UCF and Tennessee. Now at USF, he is demonstrating that he can operate a full program successfully on his own. With South Florida pushing for a spot in the College Football Playoff, he has gained national attention, making it harder for USF to retain him long term. His work developing quarterback Byrum Brown adds further appeal and strengthens his candidacy.
3. Brent Key, head coach at Georgia Tech
Kenny Dillingham, head coach at Arizona State
Clark Lea, head coach at Vanderbilt
These three coaches can be grouped together because each is currently leading his alma mater, a circumstance that generally makes any departure a significant challenge. If one of the three were to show real openness to leaving, Dillingham is likely the most movable candidate. He already has a history with Auburn, and if he enjoyed his previous experience on the Plains, he might be willing to consider a return. Still, it is far more likely that all three coaches use Auburn’s interest as leverage for contract extensions at their current schools rather than pursuing the opening seriously.
Additional names that could draw consideration include Ryan Silverfield of Memphis, Charles Huff of Southern Mississippi, Jamey Chadwell of Liberty, James Franklin, the former Penn State head coach, and Houston’s Willie Fritz. Each brings a different profile and level of experience, and Auburn’s search could easily expand to include several of them as the process unfolds.