Auburn hires Alex Golesh as head football coach on six-year deal
On November 30, 2025, Auburn University announced the hiring of Alex Golesh as the 33rd head coach of its football program, replacing Hugh Freeze who was fired earlier in the month after a 15-19 record over two-plus seasons. Golesh, aged 41, agreed to a six-year deal and brings a proven track record of offensive innovation and program turnarounds.
Key Highlights from the Announcement
- Background and Success at South Florida (USF): Golesh served as USF's head coach for three seasons (2023–2025), compiling a 23-15 record. His first year marked the largest single-season turnaround in USF history, improving from 1-11 to 7-6, including a 45-0 bowl shutout over Syracuse—the largest in NCAA bowl history. In 2025, USF finished 9-3, their best season since 2017, with top recruiting classes in the American Athletic Conference for 2024 and 2025.
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- Prior Coaching Experience: Before USF, Golesh was offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Tennessee (2021–2022), where the Volunteers led the SEC in total offense (525.5 yards per game in 2022) and points per game (46.1). He also held similar roles at UCF (2020) and has coached 14 bowl teams, developing NFL talents like Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt, and Velus Jones Jr.
- Auburn's Expectations: Athletic Director John Cohen praised Golesh's "player development prowess, ability to shape creative and explosive offenses, and relentless approach to building winning programs." Golesh emphasized a "player-driven" culture, stating, "Auburn has won, can win, and will win championships. Let’s get to work." Auburn, coming off a 5-7 season, hopes Golesh can end five straight losing campaigns and leverage a talented roster.
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Recent Rumors and ContextJust days before the Auburn hire, reports linked Golesh to the Arkansas Razorbacks job. On November 26, a local radio report claimed he had accepted the position, but Golesh addressed it post-USF's November 29 win over Rice, calling it "untrue" and a distraction. He requested time to process options with his family, noting USF's administration's commitment to the program. CBS Sports later clarified Arkansas viewed him as a top target but he delayed decisions until after USF's finale.
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This hire positions Golesh as a rising star in college football, recognized on lists like CBS Sports' "Top 15 Coaches Under 40" (2023) and ESPN's "30 Coaches Who Will Define the Next Decade" (2024). Auburn fans and analysts see his SEC experience as a strong fit for revitalizing the Tigers.Key Details abaout Alex GoleshNew Position: Head Football Coach at Auburn University (SEC).
Contract: Golesh is reportedly signing a six-year deal with Auburn, averaging around $7.4 million annually.
Success at USF: He led a significant turnaround for the Bulls, compiling a 23-15 record over three seasons, including a breakout 9-3 regular season this year. USF's offense was ranked among the top in the nation.
Coaching Carousel Drama: Golesh had previously been heavily linked to the head coaching vacancy at the University of Arkansas this past week, but ultimately chose to accept the job at Auburn.
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“Auburn will win championships again” Golesh’s bold promise on day one
This hire positions Golesh as a rising star in college football, recognized on lists like CBS Sports' "Top 15 Coaches Under 40" (2023) and ESPN's "30 Coaches Who Will Define the Next Decade" (2024). Auburn fans and analysts see his SEC experience as a strong fit for revitalizing the Tigers.Key Details abaout Alex GoleshNew Position: Head Football Coach at Auburn University (SEC).
The man who broke Syracuse 45-0 is coming to haunt the SEC
Previous Position: Head Football Coach at the University of South Florida (USF).Contract: Golesh is reportedly signing a six-year deal with Auburn, averaging around $7.4 million annually.
Success at USF: He led a significant turnaround for the Bulls, compiling a 23-15 record over three seasons, including a breakout 9-3 regular season this year. USF's offense was ranked among the top in the nation.
Coaching Carousel Drama: Golesh had previously been heavily linked to the head coaching vacancy at the University of Arkansas this past week, but ultimately chose to accept the job at Auburn.
Read more:Bucky Irving Returns from Injury: Buccaneers RB Activated for Week 13 Clash vs. Cardinals