The Auburn Tigers have found their man to lead the football team into its future.
On Sunday, Auburn hired South Florida head coach Alex Golesh to take over its football program. The school released the news regarding Golesh in a statement on Sunday morning.
“I want to thank President Roberts and John Cohen for the opportunity to lead the Auburn program,” Golesh said in the school’s statement.
“Auburn Football is one of the proudest, most tradition-rich programs in all of college football and my family and I could not be more excited to join the Auburn Family. This will be a player-driven program, and no one will outwork our staff. Auburn has won, can win and will win championships. Let’s get to work.”
ESPN college football reporter Pete Thamel reported on Sunday morning that Golesh’s deal is a six-year contract.
“Widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in college football, Alex Golesh has been named Auburn Football’s head coach, Athletics Director John Cohen announced Sunday,” according to the school’s statement.
“The 33rd head coach in program history, Golesh comes to The Plains following three highly successful seasons leading the South Florida program from 2023-25,” according to the Auburn statement.
“Golesh engineered a rapid rebuild of the USF program, and under his leadership the Bulls recorded 23 wins over the last three seasons including a 9-3 mark in 2025. Prior to Golesh’s arrival in Tampa, the Bulls had won just four games over the prior three seasons.
“‘We are thrilled to announce Alex Golesh as the 33rd head coach of Auburn Football,’ Cohen said. ‘He has produced wins and record-setting results throughout his entire career, including over the last three seasons at USF.
“‘Alex is known nationally for his player development prowess, ability to shape creative and explosive offenses, and his relentless approach to building winning programs,'” the school’s statement said.
“‘I was also struck by his coaching experience on both sides of the ball. In our conversations, he showed the determination and edge that this program demands of its head coach,'” Cohen said, according to the school. “‘I want to welcome Alex, his wife Alexis and children Corbin and Barrett to the Auburn Family.'”
Golesh will now start working on building his staff at Auburn. It also will give the Tigers a guy who comes in with a winning pedigree to help Auburn right its ship.
Sunday’s news comes on the heels of Auburn losing a thrilling Iron Bowl to Alabama 27-20. Golesh will get his first head coaching experience in the Iron Bowl next season.
Editor’s note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available. Check back to College Football Backers for the latest updates.
Cody Croy
Writer
Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive linemen Qua Russaw and James Smith have announced their commitment to Ohio State, per Hayes Fawcett. The pair visited Ohio State together last week. The Buckeyes now have 11 transfer portal additions and 30 departures during this cycle. Qua Russaw, a redshirt junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. […]
Jason Berry
Writer
The Fiesta Bowl semifinal sets the stage for a compelling clash as the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels face the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes with a national championship berth on the line. How They Got There Both teams arrive in Arizona after navigating the first two rounds of the playoffs. Ole Miss opened its postseason […]
Cody Croy
Writer
The Buckeyes are wasting no time following the loss to Miami. The off-season has begun, and former LSU and Georgia assistant Cortez Hankton is set to step into a role with Ohio State as the wide receivers coach. Hankton will replace Brian Hartline, who left the team to become the next head coach at USF. […]
