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Last week, Auburn athletic director John Cohen named interim head coach D.J. Durkin as a candidate for the permanent job to replace Hugh Freeze. More News: College Football Playoff Contender Has Heartbreaking Loss on Friday Night Unfortunately for Durkin, the former Maryland head coach missed out on an opportunity to impress administrators and boosters with a 45-38 loss to No. 16 Vanderbilt on Saturday. While the Tigers fought an impressive battle against Vandy, the fan base wants a coach who can win games against ranked SEC opponents. Taylor Jones of Auburn Wire thinks the Tigers should go after a “hot name” in the college football world this fall. TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Miami Hurricanes shakes hands with head coach Alex Golesh of the South Florida Bulls after a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. The Hurricanes defeated the Bulls 50-15. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Jones named USF head coach Alex Golesh as a person Auburn should show interest in for 2026. “Alex Golesh is a hot name to watch for this cycle as he has led the USF Bulls to 21 wins, including two bowl wins,” Jones wrote. “In year three, he is on pace to lead the Bulls to their highest win total since 2017, when USF won 10 games. His resume includes spending time with Josh Heupel at Tennessee and UCF as an offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. “He has found success everywhere he has coached, including Tennessee, where the Volunteers went from a 3-7 record to an Orange Bowl win in two seasons with Golesh on staff.” The Bulls are 7-2 overall and tied with Tulane, North Texas and East Carolina for second place in the American Conference. With the automatic bid for the Group of 5 College Football Playoff spot wide open in Week 12, Golesh has an opportunity to lead USF to the CFP. South Florida had an impressive start to the season, knocking off then-No. 25 Boise State 34-7 in Week 1 and taking down then-No. 13 Florida 18-16 in “The Swamp.” Golesh, 41, is 21-14 overall and 12-9 in AAC play in his three seasons with South Florida, his first stint as a head coach. He could be an intriguing target for Auburn if USF continues to stay in the CFP picture. For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
