Alex Golesh named next head coach of Auburn Tigers

USF will officially be entering into the coaching carousel. First reported by Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer, former South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh will be heading to Auburn to become the next coach of the Tigers. ESPN’s Pete Thamel later reported that the deal would be for six years, and Auburn confirmed the reports with an official announcement this morning.

Per USF’s CEO of Athletics, Rob Higgins, defensive line coach Kevin Patrick will be the Bulls’ interim coach for their bowl game appearance.

Alex Golesh Officially the Head Coach of Auburn

With the news official, USF CEO of Athletics released a statement discussing the news and what will happen going forward.

“Coach Golesh just informed our team that he has accepted the head coaching position at Auburn. Let me be the first to say we are truly excited for Alex, Alexis & their kids! We love Coach Golesh and are beyond grateful for what he has done for our program. Rest assured, we did everything within reason over the last few months to try and keep them here. We will be cheering them on always! Here’s the best part … we’re not only fired up for the Golesh’s, but we are also really fired up for USF! It’s okay for both to be true! Bulls Nation, our next head coach will build upon what Coach Golesh and his staff have helped start. We will all help take our USF Football program to championship heights as quickly as possible together! The search for our next leader is already underway. This is the best college football coaching job in the country! We thankfully don’t have to get ready right now, because we have always stayed ready for every scenario, including this one. This new chapter will be our best chapter. All Gas. No Brakes!!!! LFGB”

For Auburn, Golesh is a good hire. Between his recruiting ability and offensive scheme, the former Tennessee offensive coordinator has helped turn around USF’s program in the three years he has been the head coach there. Under Golesh, the Bulls were nationally ranked this season and in a prime position to reach the American Conference title game before their loss to Navy. Additionally, he has overseen the development of Byrum Brown into a star quarterback and has helped multiple wideouts blossom into standout players.

The biggest question for Golesh heading into the SEC would be his ability to close out big games. An issue in his first two seasons, USF faltered down the stretch against both Memphis and Navy, while also having to overcome a very slow start against North Texas.

No Doom or Gloom for USF

As for USF, losing Golseh is a significant loss. As mentioned above, he has helped turn the program around during his three years with the school. His offense has become a big staple of the team’s identity, while he has also helped to establish a great player-led culture. It will be hard to replace Golesh, and the players who may end up following him to the SEC.

However, the Bulls are still in a very good position as a program with Golesh departing. Their new on-campus stadium is set to arrive in 2027, the financial investment in the program is increasing, and the Tampa area is very appealing. USF, in its ever-improving position as a program, would be a very appealing spot for a wide variety of coaches. The key, as always, would be to hire the right candidate.

USF’s search will likely commence immediately, especially with signing day around the corner. It will be fascinating to see who USF targets and looks to bring in to lead the Bulls. One name that keeps circulating is FIU Panthers head coach Willie Simmons, who would objectively be a great person to take the reins from Golesh.

Things will move very fast going forward, and The League Winners will have you covered! Stay tuned for further updates on all things USF and CFB!