Copyright Essentially Sports
Auburn’s coaching carousel is spinning again after the Tigers coughed up $15.8 million just to reset the clock. Hugh Freeze’s tenure on The Plains has officially hit stop, and AD John Cohen has already started conversations for his replacement. This time around, a final candidate could be shaping up. Jon Sumrall, the 43-year-old mastermind resurrecting Tulane football. On November 11, On3 dropped a report from Pete Thamel which read, “Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall is a serious contender and a name to know for the Auburn opening.” That line sent Auburn into overdrive, wondering if Cohen would really shell out to bring this elite coach who knows how to win. ADVERTISEMENT Jon Sumrall, who’s making around $3 million annually and is locked in at Tulane through 2029, won’t come cheap. Tulane is a private school, meaning his buyout is anyone’s guess but it’s likely hefty. As Tulane AD David Harris said when announcing the HC’s extension, “The landscape of college athletics is constantly evolving, and Jon’s vision helps to position us to succeed in this rapidly changing environment.” What’s not a mystery is his resume. 38-10 overall, two conference titles, and a program on the rise. Now the question Auburn fans are asking is if the Tigers can afford another rebuild, or will Jon Sumrall’s Green Wave wash over the Plains next? The clock’s ticking, and John Cohen’s next move could define Auburn football for the next decade.
