Overview
- Auburn officially announced five initial hires: defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joel Gordon, offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick, defensive assistant Brad Wilson, and general manager Andrew Warsaw.
- Golesh said his hiring standard is bringing in "elite" coaches, with multiple trusted USF staffers joining and additional roles nearing completion.
- Gordon’s hire was formally confirmed, with Golesh touting his quarterback development and play-calling after their top‑two national offense at USF in 2025.
- The new staff closed 18 signees in a 72‑hour push on early signing day, lifting Auburn’s 2026 class to No. 41 in 247Sports’ rankings, including several flips from prior commitments.
- Golesh has held extensive one‑on‑one meetings to gauge retention ahead of the Jan. 2 transfer portal window, as reports indicate QB Jackson Arnold is preparing to enter the portal.