Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin expected to return next season

Auburn has reportedly made a decision on head coach Bryan Harsin’s future, and it is one that may come as a surprise to those who have followed the situation.

Auburn is expected to announce on Friday that Harsin will return as the school’s head football coach next season, according to ESPN’s Chris Low and Pete Thamel.

Harsin had been viewed as having one foot out the door as Auburn investigated its football program. It looked like the school was trying to find a way to fire the 45-year-old coach with cause in order to avoid having to pay him around $18 million. Auburn even appeared to modify one of its policies this week to create an opening to fire Harsin with cause.

Auburn went 6-7 last season, which was the first under Harsin. They have seen numerous players enter the transfer portal this offseason. Both the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator recently left.

Programs often have elevated transfer numbers when transitioning to a new head coach, which Auburn is. It’s unclear whether the new coordinators left on their own, because of Harsin, or because they knew the future was clouded by an imminent investigation. Either way, Harsin will at least be back to start the 2022 season.