Auburn's Coaching Search Intensifies as Season Nears End

In the two weeks since firing former head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn's coaching search has intensified significantly. The Tigers have reportedly engaged nearly a dozen candidates as athletic director John Cohen works to find a new head football coach for the program's future.

As the season approaches its final weeks, many are wondering who might be in the running to take over on The Plains. Auburn has explored a broad range of coaching profiles while keeping an eye on the timing of a possible run on big names. According to reports, the list of candidates includes interim coach D.J. Durkin, as well as Jon Sumrall, Clark Lea, Eli Drinkwitz, and others.

Notably, former Penn State coach James Franklin, who was previously perceived as a top target for multiple openings, including Auburn, is now not expected to be a factor in the Tigers' search. Franklin was fired from Penn State in October and has been linked to other job openings, but will apparently not be considered by Auburn.

As bowl season approaches, the university's pursuit of a new head coach is expected to intensify further. Auburn appears to be moving on from one of the cycle's most prominent free agents and will now focus on finding another candidate to lead the program forward.