I feel like we are at a cross road on the edge of a cliff. Over the years, and especially in the last decade or so, Auburn football has been mired in bad PR. JetGate, Bobby Lowder/Accreditation issue, Cam Newton recruitment (yes, we were cleared, but still was a black eye), and the Harsin investigation just to name a few.
Look at the last 2 coaching searches we've had. Before Gus was hired we talked to Kirby. I've always heard he wanted more control than AU was willing to give him. Seems to have worked out pretty well for UGA. Before Harsin was hired you heard the names of Cristobal, Napier, Tony Elliott, and Venables. I don't know how close we were to hiring any of them, but none of them are at AU and all accepted positions at other schools a year later.
Now look at recruiting. I know it's still early, but according to rivals.com we are currently ranked 67th with 4 commitments. Ole Miss is 66th and East Caroline is 68th. We are the only team in the top 100 with only 4 commitments. I read an article this morning (and I don't remember who it was from) that we have offered scholarships to 33 defensive lineman and haven't received a commitment from a single one. 33! If that's true we are truly in a bad, bad place.
Take off your orange and blue glasses and try and look at Auburn Football from a national perspective. We don't have a great reputation as being a great place to be the head football coach. With NIL, the transfer portal, and other SEC programs on the rise, we're at a pivotal point and if we're not careful we could be be totally blown away into oblivion. I'm not saying I have all the answers, but I am concerned with where the football program is, and where it is going.
I've often said it's hard to be an AU Football fan. It's definitely a roller coaster ride of emotions, but I will always cheer for the Tigers no matter what.