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Your #1 source for Auburn Sports content. The Auburn Express is your place to hear comprehensive commentary on Auburn Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Gymnastics. In the SEC, sports are king and The War Rapport delivers a unique sports commentary experience in spades. Show hosts, Ike Jones, Ceasear Walker, B Wil, and Mike G. chop it weekly about sports happenings around Auburn University and the SEC. Visit thewarrapport.com for more Auburn sports coverage and content.
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AUBURN ALERT 🚨 The Tigers’ coaching search just took another wild turn. With James Franklin reportedly out of the running, Auburn fans are asking the same question: who’s next?
In this episode of The Auburn Express, we break down the latest from John Cohen’s ultra-tight search to replace Hugh Freeze. From insider buzz to strategic timing around the Iron Bowl, this feels like the most organized coaching search Auburn has had in years.
Cohen hinted that the new coach’s hiring timeline “depends on where that coach is in their season.” That line alone could point to candidates with postseason potential — think Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State or Jon Sumrall at Kentucky. But there’s growing talk that defensive coordinator DJ Durkin may be the inside track if Auburn wants a fast, seamless transition.
We also dig into what this means for Auburn’s top talents like Cam Coleman and Duce Knight. Retaining stars is just as crucial as finding the right head coach. Cohen knows this, and it’s clear he’s working through contingencies. Whoever the next Auburn head coach is, expect it to happen fast — possibly within 24 hours of the Iron Bowl.
Don’t miss our full breakdown, including:00:00 Intro00:45 James Franklin officially out02:30 Cohen’s shortlist revealed04:20 Timeline hints for the new coach06:10 DJ Durkin and player retention talk08:30 Why this search feels different
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The Auburn Tigers could be facing a major turning point at quarterback heading into their matchup with Mercer. With Deuce Knight taking first-team reps and Ashton Daniels likely redshirting, the big question is whether DJ Durkin will hand the reins to the true freshman or stick with Jackson Arnold for one more start.
Mike G. and Caesear Walker break down the decision that could define Auburn’s immediate future. Is this staff ready to signal a new era with Deuce Knight? Or are they playing it too safe with Arnold in a game Auburn should easily win?
They dive into what Deuce Knight’s development has looked like under Derrick Nix, why the offense looked completely different with Ashton Daniels, and what fans can expect if Deuce gets the nod. The guys also discuss how this decision impacts Auburn’s locker room chemistry, future recruiting, and the overall direction of the program heading into the offseason.
Could benching Deuce risk losing one of Auburn’s most talented quarterbacks in years? Or does Durkin see something that the fans don’t? This episode lays it all out with honesty and insight only found on The Auburn Express.
Chapters:
00:00 – Can Auburn Start Deuce Knight vs Mercer?
02:00 – Why Ashton Daniels Should Redshirt
05:00 – What Deuce Knight Brings to the Offense
08:00 – Could Starting Arnold Hurt Team Morale?
12:00 – The Future of Auburn’s QB Room
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Heading into the Mercer game, buzz is building that the freshman phenom could see his first major action — or even get the start. Auburn’s offense has been searching for a true spark, and Knight’s arm talent and poise have turned heads inside the program all week.
This episode dives deep into why Auburn’s staff is seriously considering handing the keys to Deuce Knight now instead of waiting for 2025. Mike breaks down what Auburn’s offense could look like with Knight under center, how it changes the Iron Bowl prep, and why it’s bigger than just one game against Mercer.
The crew also looks at the timing. With John Cohen’s coaching search nearing its end, a young quarterback starting now could impact both Auburn’s short-term game plan and its long-term recruiting message. The combination of Knight’s energy and Cohen’s strategic vision could define Auburn football’s next chapter.
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BREAKING: Auburn Basketball goes toe-to-toe with the No. 1 team in the country, losing a 73–72 thriller to Houston. The Tigers were one shot and a few free throws away from a massive statement win, but the big story tonight was how good this team actually looked.
Auburn’s first real test of the season showed grit, fight, and legitimate March potential. Keyshawn Hall was the Tigers’ heartbeat before exiting with an injury late, dropping 20 points and grabbing 11 boards. Tahad Pettiford bounced back with 15 points and showed flashes of his big-game DNA, while Stephen Pearl made it clear postgame — “Moral victories are for losers.”
Free throws were the killer: Auburn went 21-of-33 from the line and missed twelve in a one-point loss. Still, this team looks physical, well-coached, and capable of taking down anyone. As they prep for Jackson State, Oregon, Michigan, and Purdue, it’s clear — Auburn’s ceiling is still rising.
⏱️ Chapters
0:00 Intro & Final Score
1:45 Keyshawn Hall Injury Update
3:10 Free Throw Breakdown
5:00 Tahad Pettiford’s Bounce Back
7:40 Stephen Pearl’s “No Moral Victories”
9:55 Auburn’s March Ceiling
12:30 What’s Next for the Tigers
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Auburn Basketball heads to Birmingham for its biggest test of the season: a showdown with the No. 1-ranked Houston Cougars inside Legacy Arena. Both teams are undefeated, both are looking for a national statement, and Stephen Pearl faces the toughest challenge of his young head-coaching career.
In this preview, Ike Jones breaks down:
🔶 How Auburn matches up with Houston’s elite defense
🔶 The ball-screen blitz Houston will throw at Tahad Pettiford & Caden Magwood
🔶 Why Keyshawn Hall’s touches will be heavily contested
🔶 The Sway vs. Tuggler matchup that could decide the game
🔶 Houston’s top scoring threats and how Auburn must defend them
🔶 Rebounding battles, turnover margins, and where Auburn can win the game
🔶 Bench players who could swing momentum for the Tigers
Plus: What Steven Pearl said in his pregame comments, statistical comparisons, and the key factors Auburn MUST execute to have a shot at the upset.
Drop your score predictions in the comments!
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The Auburn coaching search just got real. Reports confirm that James Franklin, Kenny Dillingham, and Eli Drinkwitz are among the names connected to Auburn’s open head coach position. Athletic Director John Cohen made it clear — the Tigers don’t want a long rebuild. The next hire has to win now, and that urgency is shaping every decision.
DJ Durkin’s name continues to gain traction, and for good reason. Auburn’s players have praised his attention to detail, structure, and teaching ability. Despite his uneven Maryland record, insiders believe Durkin’s true strength is as a defensive mind and motivator. If Auburn makes that hire, it could bring much-needed discipline and organization to both sides of the ball.
The panel debates what a successful Year One would look like for Auburn’s next coach. With talent like Ashton Daniels, Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons potentially returning, anything less than eight wins feels like a disappointment. The 2025 schedule isn’t forgiving — road trips to Alabama and Georgia, home matchups with LSU and Tennessee — but with the right staff and a consistent quarterback, Auburn should compete from day one.
John Cohen reportedly wants to name Auburn’s next head coach within 24 hours after the Iron Bowl. That timeline suggests the Tigers already have their top target identified. Auburn fans should buckle up — the next few weeks will shape the program’s future for years to come.
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Breaking down John Cohen’s comments on the Auburn football head coaching search—and why this round feels completely different. In his recent remarks, Cohen didn’t just sell the job; he confirmed what top coaching candidates already know: Auburn is loaded. Multiple coaches have reportedly told him the Tigers have “Top 10 talent” right now, a credit to the roster upgrades made under Hugh Freeze. The problem? The offense simply didn’t produce, and that cost Freeze his job.
Now, Auburn finds itself in a rare position of strength. The program is aligned, the finances are solid, and the facilities are elite. Coaches across the country see what Auburn has built—sold-out crowds even during losing seasons, a deep roster, and a hungry fan base. Cohen acknowledged all of that, emphasizing that the next hire must keep the roster intact. Losing stars like Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, or Jeremiah Cobb could derail momentum before it starts.
The next Auburn head coach must win the locker room first. Buy-in from the players isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for success. Cohen’s approach suggests Auburn learned from past mistakes. There’s no power struggle this time. There’s no confusion about who’s in charge. Auburn finally feels like a program ready to take that next step.
This episode dives deep into the roster, the culture shift, and why Auburn’s job is now one of the most attractive in college football.
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Auburn basketball’s Steven Pearl didn’t sugarcoat what’s coming. The Tigers are about to take on the number one team in the country — the Houston Cougars — and Pearl made it clear just how high the mountain is.
In this presser, Pearl breaks down what makes Houston the standard in college basketball. Their defense. Their relentless rebounding. Their energy that doesn’t quit for 40 minutes. He called them “the best defensive team in the country over the last decade,” and he’s not wrong. Auburn fans remember last year’s upset win — a comeback built on toughness, patience, and execution — but Pearl knows this time will be even tougher.
He praised Kelvin Sampson’s squad for setting the national tone, citing Houston’s elite rebounding, their on-ball defenders, and their ability to dictate pace. Pearl also talked about Auburn’s preparation, pointing out that his team can’t simulate Houston’s intensity, no matter how hard they try in practice. The challenge? Limiting second-chance points, staying composed offensively, and being ready to “play big boy basketball.”
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🚨 Auburn Football ALERT: The bye week didn’t stop the news train on the Plains. Auburn’s coaching search is officially on — and the rumors are flying. From James Franklin’s playoff résumé to Eli Drinkwitz’s SEC track record to Kenny Dillingham’s meteoric rise, the question isn’t if Auburn can land a big name… it’s which one fits the modern game.
Mike G breaks down what Auburn really needs in its next head coach: someone whose best years aren’t behind them. Hugh Freeze’s tenure proved that old success doesn’t translate to the new era of NIL, transfer portals, and high-octane offense. The next Auburn coach must understand 2025 football — dynamic quarterback play, explosive offenses, and adaptability. If your offense can’t put up 30+ a game against SEC competition, you’re not competing for championships.
John Cohen’s decision this time can’t miss. As Mike G explains, the program’s resources are elite — top 10 roster, top-tier facilities, and a fan base hungry for relevance. Big names are circling, and Cohen has made it clear that Auburn’s next move will be swift, likely within 24 hours of the Iron Bowl. Whoever takes this job will inherit one of college football’s most passionate programs, but also one of its toughest expectations: win now.
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Auburn fans are deep in another heated coaching conversation, and this one’s getting spicy. On this episode of The Auburn Express, the crew dives into what’s real and what’s noise surrounding the Tigers’ next head coach. James Franklin’s name keeps surfacing, but his track record in big games — 15–28 versus Top 25 opponents — is drawing serious skepticism from the Auburn faithful. Can he really solve Auburn’s biggest issues, or would that just be hitting reset on the same old problems?
Mike G takes a no-nonsense look at how Franklin’s tenure at Penn State mirrors Auburn’s own frustrations: good defense, inconsistent quarterback play, and a low offensive floor. Then the conversation shifts to Eli Drinkwitz at Missouri — a coach who’s earned respect for developing players and squeezing wins out of less talent. Could he translate that process into SEC West success, or is Auburn aiming higher?
The discussion also highlights John Cohen’s behind-the-scenes work, including his approach to player input during this search. Players want stability, and Cohen’s words suggest Auburn’s culture is holding strong, even through the turbulence.
This episode isn’t about wishful thinking — it’s about finding the right fit to win now. Auburn fans, get ready to face some hard truths about what it’s going to take to rebuild the program’s identity and finally break out of the “coaching rehab” cycle.
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BREAKING: Auburn’s coaching search is heating up, and two major names are at the center of the conversation—James Franklin and Kenny Dillingham. This episode dives deep into what each coach would bring to The Plains and why this hire will define Auburn’s future for the next decade.
James Franklin’s résumé shows consistency and discipline, but is his offense too dated for today’s SEC grind? He’s been great at keeping teams competitive, yet Auburn needs someone who can win big games, not just survive them. The concern? If Franklin couldn’t get past Michigan and Ohio State, how’s he going to consistently knock off Alabama and Georgia?
Then there’s Kenny Dillingham—the young, offensive-minded coach who’s making noise at Arizona State. He’s modern, flexible, and understands player strengths. Dillingham’s ability to adapt and recruit could ignite Auburn’s offense in a way it hasn’t seen since 2013. But can he handle the intensity and expectations of the SEC?
From Cam Coleman’s NFL-level talent to the future of DJ Durkin’s defense, Auburn’s next coach inherits a roster that’s ready to win now. Whoever takes the job needs to build an offense around elite playmakers and stop wasting five-star talent.
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Auburn’s coaching search is officially heating up. Reports surfaced that Penn State’s James Franklin interviewed for the Tigers’ head coaching position — and this could be the most telling move yet in John Cohen’s tenure as athletic director. In this week’s Auburn Express, the crew breaks down what Auburn truly needs in its next head coach: not another “offensive genius,” but a leader who can run a full organization from top to bottom.
Auburn has been burned before by chasing résumés instead of results that matter today. As Mike G. points out, past success doesn’t win games in 2025. The Tigers need someone with their best years ahead of them, not behind them — a coach who can build, develop, and demand excellence in every room of the complex. The conversation dives deep into what makes a modern SEC program thrive, and why Auburn’s next hire must be more CEO than play-caller.
The guys also unpack John Cohen’s interview comments, including his emphasis on finding a coach with an “edge” — a developer who pushes players to reach their ceiling. And with the offense loaded with talent like Cam Coleman, fans are right to demand results that match the investment.
Could Franklin be that guy? Or is Auburn setting itself up for another round of frustration? The conversation gets real about what Auburn fans should expect next — and what it’ll take to finally turn the corner on the Plains.
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Auburn fans—this is the one you’ve been waiting for. The Iron Bowl is looming, and this episode dives headfirst into what could define the next era of Auburn football. DJ Durkin has the Tigers looking hungry, and if Auburn can pull off a win over Alabama, the entire narrative around this program changes overnight.
We break down what’s on the line for the Tigers, why this Alabama team is beatable, and how a strong finish could solidify Durkin’s shot at the permanent job. The energy is shifting on The Plains, and it’s being fueled by the young guns—Deuce Knight, Cam Coleman, and Perry Thompson—who are ready to prove that the future is now.
From recruiting momentum to play-calling adjustments, this episode lays it out: Auburn doesn’t need a rebuild; it needs direction and belief. And if Deuce gets the nod, don’t be surprised if the offense looks electric against Mercer and beyond.
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The Auburn Express crew dives deep into the biggest question on The Plains — who should be Auburn’s next head coach and what happens if DJ Durkin isn’t part of that plan. With Hugh Freeze now out, the conversation turns to the real power players behind Auburn’s next move, and whether John Cohen will finally get this hire right.
This week’s episode gets into the gritty details:
Would Auburn back up the Brinks truck for Lincoln Riley — and would that even work?
Why DJ Durkin’s retention might be the most important decision Auburn makes this offseason.
Whether Kenny Dillingham or Jon Sumrall could actually stabilize the program.
And what the future looks like for quarterbacks Duce Knight and Jackson Arnold heading into spring.
The guys make it clear: Auburn needs a coach who can delegate, build a staff he trusts, and finally move away from micromanaging play callers. If Auburn learned anything from the Freeze and Harsin eras, it’s that trying to do everything yourself doesn’t work in 2025 college football.
They also touch on the dynamic inside the locker room, how the young defensive core has responded to Durkin, and what losing him could mean for Auburn’s retention and transfer portal outlook. Plus, they debate whether Jackson Arnold will stay loyal or hit the portal after losing his starting job to Ashton.
This is a no fluff, all facts conversation about the future of Auburn football.
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Auburn football is at a crossroads. The latest episode of The Auburn Express dives deep into the heart of the 2025 coaching search — and the conversation is as fiery as ever. From DJ Durkin’s impact on player retention to Lincoln Riley’s defensive issues, the crew lays out what Auburn fans need to know as the university eyes its next move.
The panel isn’t holding back. Could Auburn back up the Brinks truck to land a superstar coach? Would DJ Durkin’s presence convince key defensive players to stay? And what about Kenny Dillingham — could the young offensive mind be the one to finally balance Auburn’s offensive firepower with defensive consistency?
They also break down why Auburn’s next coach can’t afford to call plays in today’s college football world. The message is clear: you need staff you can trust. The conversation moves from strategy to culture, from recruiting to leadership — and it’s a must-watch for anyone invested in Auburn’s future.
Finally, the crew touches on Jackson Arnold’s mindset, his role in the quarterback room, and what his future could look like if Auburn chooses to move in a new direction. With transfers looming and recruiting heating up, every decision from here on out matters.
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Auburn’s coaching search has turned into one of the most fascinating stories in the SEC, and this week’s conversation with SEC Mike cuts through the noise. The Auburn job has been misunderstood by outsiders for years, but the reality is simple. Auburn has a top fifteen roster, serious NIL backing, fans who sell out a stadium even in the middle of bad football, and one of the best game day environments in the country. The only thing missing is competent leadership at the top. That is why this coaching search matters more than anything the program has faced in a decade.
SEC Mike laid out the profile Auburn should chase right now. Not a splash name. Not a savior. A real football coach who can manage the portal, build a staff, develop players, and keep the core of this roster together. Names like John Summerall and Kenny Dillingham came up, along with the question everyone is asking. Could D.J. Durkin play his way into the job? Or does Auburn need a clean break?
This coaching search is about winning now, not rebuilding.
Chapters
00:00 Coaching search overview
01:10 Freeze fallout and offensive shift
03:05 Play calling breakdown
05:20 What Auburn needs in a head coach
07:40 Roster retention strategy
10:30 Quarterback room future
12:45 Candidate names and early interviews
16:20 D.J. Durkin discussion
19:15 Auburn’s job value in the SEC
21:40 Final thoughts on next steps
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The Auburn football coaching search just took another interesting turn, and this episode breaks down everything that is actually happening behind the scenes. DJ Durkin is heading into his first home game as the interim coach, and it has the Mercer matchup feeling a lot more charged than anyone expected. With the push to start Deuce Knight and the energy inside Jordan Hare starting to build again, Auburn fans are watching this week closely.
The conversation digs into where Kenny Dillingham and Jon Sumrall sit in the current coaching landscape, along with how realistic each candidate really is. There is a lot of noise online, but some of it does not line up with what is happening inside the building. The truth is that Auburn is already working to retain key roster pieces, and players are getting steady communication from the people who matter. The future of the roster is a major factor in this search, and that is influencing everything.
We also break down the shift on offense against Kentucky and why it mattered. Auburn finally leaned into its receivers, and Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, Malcolm Simmons, and Eric Singleton showed why this group was recruited so heavily. The offense did enough to win. The defense had an off day, but there is confidence they will rebound.
This episode digs into what Auburn needs to do to move quickly when the portal opens and how postseason opportunities for certain candidates may influence the timing. There is a clear plan forming, and the next two weeks will be critical for Durkin and anyone hoping to make a case for the job.
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Auburn fans are living through one of the most unpredictable coaching searches the program has seen in years. In this breakdown, I dig into what the last two decades of Auburn football have taught us, how the offense fell apart under Hugh Freeze, why DJ Durkin suddenly looks like a real candidate, and what John Cohen’s next steps mean for roster retention. The conversations inside the building matter right now more than anything happening on the outside. Players are getting calls from every direction, the portal window is opening, and Auburn has no choice but to get this right quickly.
One of the biggest revelations from the transcript is how simple things became once Durkin took control. Kam Coleman finally got the ball. Receivers suddenly looked featured. The offense looked like it belonged in modern football instead of whatever Auburn had been limping through for half a season. If that continues through the next couple of games, it becomes impossible to ignore.
Cohen knows he doesn’t get two more attempts at this. He wants this hire locked in within 24 hours of the Iron Bowl, and the way he’s already meeting with players suggests he has a direction. The interesting part? Several reported candidates have asked whether Durkin would stay if they took the job. That alone tells you the staff situation is more complex than fans think.
Regardless of who takes over, you cannot blow up a roster this talented. Auburn’s recruiting foundation is stronger than most outsiders realize. The next coach inherits something stable, something promising, and something that can win fast if handled properly.
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Auburn heads into Mercer week with something rare on the schedule. A game that cannot be lost and a chance to make a smart move that pays off long after Saturday. The real story this week is not Mercer. It is the quarterback room and how Auburn handles Ashton Daniels, Deuce Knight, and Jackson Arnold. If Auburn wants to build momentum toward the Iron Bowl and keep this roster together, the strategy begins right now.
Mercer week is the perfect opportunity to set the tone. I talk about why Auburn should not burn a year of Ashton Daniels eligibility and why it is time to let the younger quarterbacks get real snaps that matter. Every quarterback has something at stake. Ashton Daniels can protect his future. Deuce Knight can show the staff why he is the next guy. Jackson Arnold can shake off that last rough moment and put something real on film again. Getting this right is part of building the future.
Roster retention is the biggest priority for Auburn right now. Fans who talk about blowing up the roster are out of touch with reality. You do not push out elite talent. You keep Cam Coleman. You keep Eric Singleton. You keep the offensive identity that finally looks like a real system. The players want stability. The coaches want continuity. And Auburn’s next head coach needs to inherit a roster that is ready to win. I talk through how this works, why DJ Durkin is in the middle of an evaluation with John Cohen, and what it means for the future of the program.
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Auburn Football fans, the coaching search is officially heating up. With names like Kenny Dillingham, John Summerall, and DJ Durkin leading the conversation, Auburn is once again at a crossroads. Can the Tigers return to national prominence in just one year with the right hire?
Today on The Auburn Express, I’m joined by national college football analyst Chris Marler to break down every angle of the search — from the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate to the real challenges that lie ahead for John Cohen.
We talk Auburn’s brutal 2026 schedule, why the Durkin audition might be real, and whether Kenny Dillingham’s offensive ties to Auburn make him the smart play. We also dive into how the Hugh Freeze era collapsed, what went wrong, and how Auburn can finally get it right.
🎧 Tune in for an honest, unfiltered conversation about where Auburn football goes next — and why the right coach could make the Plains electric again by 2026.
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So good to have you back Mike!