Auburn's Bryan Harsin isolating after testing positive for COVID-19

The Auburn Tigers don't open the 2021 college football season until they host the Akron Zips on Sept. 4 but have already encountered a coronavirus-related setback. 

Per Nathan King of 247Sports, Auburn head football coach Bryan Harsin is currently away from the team after testing positive for the virus. 

"Yesterday I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus," Harsin explained Friday. "I am isolating at home while experiencing no symptoms. 

"I will continue to participate remotely in meetings and practice. Just like in a game, teams that handle adversity and make necessary adjustments are those that are most successful. I have full confidence in our coaching staff and team. I know they will continue to prepare with the same intensity and focus that they have since camp started." 

Assistant head coach and linebackers coach Jeff Schmedding will serve as interim head coach in Harsin's absence.

King reports that "several" Auburn players were following the program's self-isolation protocols as of Friday afternoon because of positive COVID-19 test results and subsequent contact tracing this week. 

The SEC is among governing bodies threatening to force teams to forfeit if they cannot field squads at any point this season because of COVID-19.