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The Tigers are in the throes of a four-game losing streak,
losing the past three by a combined 60 points. Harsin is done
after compiling a 9-12 record (4-9 Southeastern Conference).
"Auburn University has decided to make a change in the
leadership of the Auburn University football program," the
school said in a one-paragraph statement. "President Christopher
Roberts made the decision after a thorough review and evaluation
of all aspects of the football program. Auburn will begin an
immediate search for a coach that will return the Auburn program
to a place where it is consistently competing at the highest
levels and representing the winning tradition that is Auburn
football."
Running backs coach Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, a former
All-American at the school, was announced as interim head coach
for the remainder of the season.
The move comes the same day that Auburn is expected to announce
the hiring of John Cohen as its new athletic director.
Harsin reportedly is owed more than $15 million on the remainder
of his contract, half due in 30 days.
Auburn hired Harsin to replace Gus Malzahn after the 2020
season. Harsin compiled a 69-19 record as the head coach at
Boise State from 2014-20.
However, he was subjected to an internal inquiry in February.
Auburn looked into the reasons behind the departure of about 20
players to the transfer portal. Five assistant coaches also left
the Tigers, who finished 6-7 in Harsin's first season with the
program in 2021.
Since then, however, Auburn president Jay Gogue retired in May
and the school mutually parted ways with athletic director Allen
Greene in August.
Williams, 40, played running back for the Tigers from 2001-04,
helping the team go undefeated in his senior season. He is still
the second-leading rusher in school history, with his 3,831
yards trailing only the 4,303 of Bo Jackson.
Williams played in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(2005-10) and the St. Louis Rams (2011), and he was selected AP
Rookie of the Year in 2005 after rushing for 1,178 yards and six
touchdowns in 14 games. He was in his fourth season as Auburn's
running backs coach.
Auburn travels to Mississippi State this week. The only wins for
the Tigers (3-5, 1-4) this season were against Mercer, San Jose
State and Missouri, all in September.
--Field Level Media
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