Official Statements 2.11.22- President Jay Gouge, Coach Bryan Harsin

[IronMan70 3,277]

President Jay Gogue updates the Auburn Family on the football program review, Coach Bryan Harsin provides statement.

 

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Office of the President, 2/11/22

Dear Auburn Family,

I am pleased to report that the evaluation of concerns raised regarding our football program is complete. I am equally pleased to confirm that Bryan Harsin remains our head football coach. As an institution of higher education, Auburn will always take the action necessary to ensure the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. Recently, individuals raised concerns to my administration about the football program. The nature of these concerns compelled a factfinding review. To do nothing would have been an abdication of the university’s responsibilities.

Over the past week, my administration conducted that review. It included meetings and interviews with current and former football coaching and administrative staff, numerous players, university administrators and other individuals who offered perspective on the issues that had been raised. To be clear, this process, which was never individual- or outcome-specific, did not yield information that should change the status of our coaching staff or football program. All should understand that in matters such as these the roles of the university administration and the Board of Trustees are distinct and separate. To be very specific, the decisions made were mine alone as the president. The Board played no role in the fact-finding or the decision making process.

Specific to Coach Harsin, he was completely cooperative throughout this inquiry and is equally eager to consider and address any identified issues head-on. My most recent conversations with Coach Harsin have me as convinced as ever in his commitment to our student-athletes’ onand off-field success and his vision for our program. We are equally committed to providing him the necessary means to achieve that goal. Unfortunately, social media fueled wild speculation, substantial misinformation and unfair attacks on good Auburn people. A feeding frenzy resulted that was beyond anyone’s control. We regret the concern, anger, frustration or hurt that this caused any member of the Auburn family. 

I know the past week has been an incredibly trying time for Coach Harsin, his family and many others. Personal and intentional attacks have been publicly levied, almost all of them anonymous, without regard for their resulting, real-world ramifications. Auburn never has — and I hope never will — legitimize reckless rumors or innuendo with public comment. While Coach Harsin understands some level of public criticism comes with the job, what he and his family have endured this past week was beyond the pale. We regret the concern and anxiety this situation caused the Harsin family and the others involved. Let me be clear — our university, the administration and the entire Board of Trustees stand behind Coach Harsin and are ready to help him succeed as the leader of our football program.

It is my hope and expectation that the entire Auburn Family will join us in uniting behind Coach Harsin. With that support, I have no doubt that Auburn Football’s best days are ahead. Every man and woman who bleeds orange and blue is treasured at Auburn. While families quarrel and disagree from time to time, we end up remembering what brings us together as one – a love for our great university. Our university has never been stronger whether it be academics, student achievement, financial stability and, yes, athletics. We applaud everyone who provides dedication, loyalty and hard work to make Auburn the truly great university it is today.

President Jay Gogue

 

Statement from Auburn Head Football Coach Bryan Harsin.

This has been one of the hardest weeks of my career and it had nothing to do with my coaching ability. The personal attacks on me and my family went too far and were without justification. Their resolve through this experience has been incredible but also completely expected. We saw and felt the worst of the worst in some people. Fortunately, we also saw the best of the best in others and we will always be grateful for the support of so many through a very difficult time – our players, staff, the Auburn family, and many others. I know who I am as a husband, father and football coach and cooperated fully throughout this process.

I believe that every challenge in life is an opportunity to grow and learn. This is no different. Every day we’re not moving forward together is a step in the wrong direction. In order for us to take the Auburn program where we all want it to go we must, at all levels, commit to each other and this great university that we all love. I’m confident we can get there under the leadership of Dr. Gogue, incoming President Roberts, Allen Greene, and our Board of Trustees. I’m proud to be your head coach and appreciate the opportunity to lead the incredible group of young men in our locker room. War Eagle

Coach Bryan Harsin

 

link: President Jay Gogue updates the Auburn Family on the football program review, Coach Bryan

Edited February 12, 2022 by IronMan70

[W.E.D 11,070]

Should have been a press conference.  Would have come across much stronger

[maryland tiger 616]

Now let's get behind Coach Harsin and this team! Let's stop worrying about what may or may not happen and look for brighter days on the plains. 

[WDECT 7]

1 minute ago, maryland tiger said:

Now let's get behind Coach Harsin and this team! Let's stop worrying about what may or may not happen and look for brighter days on the plains. 

Yes.  WDE!  Let’s get Etheridge to stay

[Hank2020 3,222]

18 minutes ago, W.E.D said:

Should have been a press conference.  Would have come across much stronger

Press conference leaves openings for questions. I bet the way forward is no one will take questions at any time relating the investigation.

[gravejd 3,272]

Good of a statement as i could hope for. Hoping for the best here. 

[aucanucktiger 1,804]

President Gogue, you're missing the issue. Whomever (and it was not just you) was behind this due diligence investigation should not be called out for INITIATING the investigation - it's the amateurish, foreseeably harmful way it was handled. "Consulting" the Lightfoot firm instead of just turning it over to their internal investigation professionals? Auburn has had a media target on our backs for decades and many schools with no such burden hire media relation firms for damage control. Not anticipating the likelihood of a fever pitch media speculaion frenzy after last year's lie-riddled AU coaching search coverage? You and your good ole boys should be on the hotsest for how the investigation was utterly MISHANDLED. 

[happyeagle 25]

I hope that Coach Harsin and the football team are successful in the coming years.  In my opinion, there are several things that might help make this success possible.  I hate the idea of NIL but it is here to stay for at least the near future.  The wealthier Auburn fans need to step up to help our football staff recruit, sign and hold on to the best players Auburn can get.  It might also be wise for companies to make NIL deals for players that shows outstanding work ethic and game-readiness each week during the season..  Coach Harsin needs to hire an outstanding OC that can recruit lights out and coach the offense.  In addition, maybe the quarterbacks could get instructions from outside quarterback trainers over the Summer.  If possible, a highly trained sports psychology team could come to campus each year for a training session.with the entire football team.  Lastly, I believe Twitter, Facebook, etc. can be extremely toxic.  Many people need to think before they type.  It’s one thing to say you are disappointed or angry because Auburn loses a football game.  However, to belittle or humiliate a coach, player or their family members is entirely unacceptable in my opinion.  I have been an Auburn football fan for over 55 years and agree that sometimes we have been our own worst enemy.  However, this is not one of those times.  We have a real chance to be better in the future.  War Eagle!

[Warbird82 160]

1 hour ago, W.E.D said:

Should have been a press conference.  Would have come across much stronger

I disagree...a press conference would have fed the media fire more.  Best to put this to bed and move on.

[AuburnNTexas 7,191]

The statement said all of the right things especially on the personal attacks on Harsin and his family. A few things need to happen now if what some of what people said about Harsin not being personally involved enough with recruiting he will have to adjust. If NIL was reason behind losing players and recruits whether it was because Harsin did not believe in it or because some of the money men wanted him gone (We will never know for sure). If on Harsin whether he likes it or not he will need to embrace it the world has changed, if it was money men holding out I hope their love for Auburn is enough that they will start or continue helping with NIL. Along with us little guys with the NIL thing that has been setup.

I have tried to be honest in my evaluation of the team we will have on the field only based on players who are still here not looking at if others are joining via Portal.

D-Line we lost some backup but added a couple we should be good but could use a little more depth

Linebackers - We signed one stud HS and brought in a starter via Portal, we have Pappoe returning plus a few backups. If any of backups step up we should be good next year.

DB's - We lost some really good players who are going NFL route, graduating, or portal but had a really good group coming in -  a little worried because a McCreary is really hard to replace.

D-Coach - we lost Mason some loved him some didn't I started on the didn't side but as season wore on he won me over. Moved LB coach to DC the LB's gave him great reviews so time will tell.

O-Line - Some retreads from barely adequate O-Line, Council may be heathier, Zierer was improving if some of younger players step up we could be a little worse, about the same, or better.  I want to hear how individaul battle between D-Line and O-line go this spring to decide.

WR's - Lost 3 key player Kobe, Johnson, and Robinson added 3 HS - Probably will be a little worse but if either of Freshman step up could be better. I really Hope Landon King is moved to WR as big bodied possession receiver.

RB - Lost Worm (that is a double loss (one as RB and two as a leader). Picked up Alston I think is more traditional every down type back and has leadership abilities kept the big two so at least as good if not better.

QB- lost Bo picked up 3 - Hard to say if will be an improvement or not. It really depends if at least one of our 5 options steps up and takes over.

O-Coach - Still need an OC but Harsin will probably be true OC again time will tell. 

Record wise if we find a true WR1 and a QB steps up we could have a better record than last year. One key question if the players that stayed really love Harsin and go all out for him we could have a good season but we are playing in SEC west where everybody seems to be getting better.

Finally will Harsin find a way to get a great 2023 class that will dictate if he has any chance of staying? With all that has happened this past week it will be very difficult but if true he doesn't like recruiting then he must force himself or he will be gone sooner than later.

Edited February 11, 2022 by AuburnNTexas

[au302 2,669]

Two ways this goes.

1. Harsin digs in even more and last years version looks like a nice guy compared to what he'll be like this offseason in the complex. More resolved than ever in the Boise way, divided locker room, and we bottom out and win 2-3 games. He's fired in December and the recruiting class is struggling for top 30

2. He adapts a little. Gets to know players and asks everyone to unite going forward. Rest of malcontents leave by the summer, and the ones that remain are as pissed off and tough as ever. He utilizes resources (Bruce, NIL, boosters) and possibly wins 8. Gets another year and pushes for a top 15 class.

Unfortunately, option 1 looks way more likely than option two, but let's hope for option two. He can coach football, but as has been hashed out on here there's a lot more to that in the SEC

[ScotsAU 1,343]

Translation… The money isn’t there and we have no way to get rid of him for cause. So he’s staying for now. 

[autiger88 3,777]

3 minutes ago, ScotsAU said:

Translation… The money isn’t there and we have no way to get rid of him for cause. So he’s staying for now. 

No it's more like Gouge is not President much longer so he is gonna kick the can down the road to our next President and let him make the decisions.

[AUinMS9528 1,086]

10 minutes ago, ScotsAU said:

Translation… The money isn’t there and we have no way to get rid of him for cause. So he’s staying for now. 

 

5 minutes ago, autiger88 said:

No it's more like Gouge is not President much longer so he is gonna kick the can down the road to our next President and let him make the decisions.

You’re both right.   I also think ADAG’s contract will not be renewed, or canned before, so there will be a new Prez and new AD when it comes time to fire Harsin and hire a new coach.   

[aucom96 1,638]

1 hour ago, maryland tiger said:

Now let's get behind Coach Harsin and this team! Let's stop worrying about what may or may not happen and look for brighter days on the plains. 

I'm always behind Auburn, the head coach is just a temporary part of that. 

I do regret the circus this turned into. I wish I knew where it came from. I have really hated how Auburn athletics has become so closed-off and corporately sterile, but I can see episodes like this are why. I think Coach Harsin is completely in over his head here, but neither he nor his family deserved the ridiculousness of the past week. I hope the next time we have a coaching change, it's based on job results and not personal assassination. 

[LPTiger 5,193]

1 hour ago, aucanucktiger said:

President Gogue, you're missing the issue. Whomever (and it was not just you) was behind this due diligence investigation should not be called out for INITIATING the investigation - it's the amateurish, foreseeably harmful way it was handled. "Consulting" the Lightfoot firm instead of just turning it over to their internal investigation professionals? Auburn has had a media target on our backs for decades and many schools with no such burden hire media relation firms for damage control. Not anticipating the likelihood of a fever pitch media speculaion frenzy after last year's lie-riddled AU coaching search coverage? You and your good ole boys should be on the hotsest for how the investigation was utterly MISHANDLED. 

The reason for retaining an outside law firm is so that the investigation is protected from FOIA requests/discovery by the attorney-client privilege.   Outside counsel led investigations are almost always protected.  While it is possible to protect an internal review directed and overseen by in-house counsel, it is not worth the risk of the potential of a forced disclosure.   

[AU-24 3,112]

39 minutes ago, AuburnNTexas said:

The statement said all of the right things especially on the personal attacks on Harsin and his family. A few things need to happen now if what some of what people said about Harsin not being personally involved enough with recruiting he will have to adjust. If NIL was reason behind losing players and recruits whether it was because Harsin did not believe in it or because some of the money men wanted him gone (We will never know for sure). If on Harsin whether he likes it or not he will need to embrace it the world has changed, if it was money men holding out I hope their love for Auburn is enough that they will start or continue helping with NIL. Along with us little guys with the NIL thing that has been setup.

I have tried to be honest in my evaluation of the team we will have on the field only based on players who are still here not looking at if others are joining via Portal.

D-Line we lost some backup but added a couple we should be good but could use a little more depth

Linebackers - We signed one stud HS and brought in a starter via Portal, we have Pappoe returning plus a few backups. If any of backups step up we should be good next year.

DB's - We lost some really good players who are going NFL route, graduating, or portal but had a really good group coming in -  a little worried because a McCreary is really hard to replace.

D-Coach - we lost Mason some loved him some didn't I started on the didn't side but as season wore on he won me over. Moved LB coach to DC the LB's gave him great reviews so time will tell.

O-Line - Some retreads from barely adequate O-Line, Council may be heathier, Zierer was improving if some of younger players step up we could be a little worse, about the same, or better.  I want to hear how individaul battle between D-Line and O-line go this spring to decide.

WR's - Lost 3 key player Kobe, Johnson, and Robinson added 3 HS - Probably will be a little worse but if either of Freshman step up could be better. I really Hope Landon King is moved to WR as big bodied possession receiver.

RB - Lost Worm (that is a double loss (one as RB and two as a leader). Picked up Alston I think is more traditional every down type back and has leadership abilities kept the big two so at least as good if not better.

QB- lost Bo picked up 3 - Hard to say if will be an improvement or not. It really depends if at least one of our 5 options steps up and takes over.

O-Coach - Still need an OC but Harsin will probably be true OC again time will tell. 

Record wise if we find a true WR1 and a QB steps up we could have a better record than last year. One key question if the players that stayed really love Harsin and go all out for him we could have a good season but we are playing in SEC west where everybody seems to be getting better.

Finally will Harsin find a way to get a great 2023 class that will dictate if he has any chance of staying? With all that has happened this past week it will be very difficult but if true he doesn't like recruiting then he must force himself or he will be gone sooner than later.

could have a better record than last year.
So we could be better than 6-7? Great news!

[JuscAUse! 1,484]

55 minutes ago, ScotsAU said:

Translation… The money isn’t there and we have no way to get rid of him for cause. So he’s staying for now. 

And if you are right, NIL is a pipe dream cause AU boosters are too busy paying coaches not to coach. Hell, if AU was playing itself 10 times a year, we'd be lucky to go 7-3. We don't need enemies. 

[NWALA Tiger 3,535]

5 hours ago, W.E.D said:

Should have been a press conference.  Would have come across much stronger

I think it's quite telling in Gouge's statement he never mentioned his administration's absolute bungling of the investigation.  Only to sing Harsins praises and how Harsin has complete support of BoT etc... what a joke

[NWALA Tiger 3,535]

5 hours ago, Hank2020 said:

Press conference leaves openings for questions. I bet the way forward is no one will take questions at any time relating the investigation.

It would just be a dog and pony show with all participants ooooing over each other talking about how much each one loves AU

[MaxCohen216 514]

I feel like I've been kneeling at the toilet all night trying to puke, but couldn't.  And now that morning has come with no sleep, even though the nausea has subsided, I still want to puke.  For no particular reason.