It's been a full 24 hours since the loudest Boom! reverberated in this coaching cycle, when Auburn dismissed Gus Malzahn hours after his Auburn team closed this COVID-19 pandemic season at 6-4 with a road win at Mississippi State.
Reminder: Malzahn gets $10.275 million – 50% of the $21.45 he is guaranteed by Auburn's decision to take its football program in a new direction – within 30 days of Auburn's move – or by Jan. 12, 2021.
But the Tigers job is rightfully seen as one of the most appealing landing spots in all of college football, despite having to battle yearly with in-state king Alabama and rival LSU, among others.
Auburn pays, it invests in its facilities, third-year athletics director Allen Greene is a bright, measured leader who was an athlete at Notre Dame and brings a unique perspective to the Plains; and, Auburn can easily recruit in-state, sits close to Atlanta and also historically dips into Florida's deep well for talent.
Plus, it's only been 10 years since Cam Newton won a title at Auburn and a mere seven years since Malzahn led the Tigers to a championship-game appearance opposite eventual winner Florida State.
So where does the search seem to be trending?
Multiple industry sources told FootballScoop.com that Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal is firmly at or near the top of the Tigers' wish-list. Cristobal's a Miami, Florida, native who played at 'The U' and later coached there, as well as on Nick Saban's Alabama staff. He's highly regarded for his organizational skills, program development and recruiting. He's helped Oregon raid California in its recruiting efforts since he joined the Ducks' staff in 2017 and ascended to the head coach role after the 2017 season.
However, sources indicated Oregon likewise had engaged Cristobal in discussions to keep him in Eugene, Oregon, and to not only revamp Cristobal's deal but also to make other commitments, including assistant coaches' salary pool. The thinking out West is that Crisotbal is likely to remain in Eugene. However, the folks out West might not understand just how much Auburn is willing to invest to win.
Who else?
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian remains a top candidate in multiple spots, including being of keen interest to Arizona and Auburn, per sources. Sarkisian's head coaching experience is a plus.
Billy Napier from Louisiana is another name getting consideration for the Auburn job. Napier's perhaps the most proven head coach on the rise, with the Cajuns redoubling their commitment to Napier & his staff as he spurned South Carolina's opening. Napier's past experience as an assistant at Alabama and Clemson, as well as his current success atop the Louisiana program, keep him a top candidate in multiple spots.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss. Kiffin's infused belief and hope back into Oxford, Mississippi, with a relentless, high-powered offense and an equally hard-charging social media presence. What Kiffin does to market his program, and how Kiffin engages his current players, as well as former Rebels now in the pros, gives Ole Miss a visibility it just has not often enjoyed. He's only in Year 1 in the Grove, but Kiffin's got major charisma and appeal to a number of programs. And also key, especially after noting that Malzahn buyout-money above: Kiffin's buyout from Ole Miss is only around $5 million. -- Lane was asked about the Auburn job. His response did not disappoint.
Hugh Freeze, Liberty. Freeze's two-year run at Liberty is strong, especially with his brief hiatus from college coaching following his unceremonious exit at Ole Miss. He's served his NCAA punishment, has Liberty garnering tons of national media attention and is stocking the FBS independent roster with talented signees and transfers, including quarterback Malik Willis – an Auburn transfer. It seems inevitable Freeze lands back in the SEC.
Internally, Kevin Steele, the Tigers' highly regarded defensive coordinator who three years ago was a finalist for the Tennessee job, has made a strong push to get the Auburn head job on a permanent basis. Steele is exceptionally well liked and well regarded by everyone at Auburn (players, coaches, administrators and boosters).
As this one progresses we'll keep you posted.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest coaching news.