Auburn's football program is once again at a crossroads, with outgoing players reflecting on the hope that this coaching change will finally steer the team back on track. Enter Alex Golesh, stepping into a challenging role after five consecutive losing seasons. Optimism is in the air, and for good reason-Auburn's trajectory has nowhere to go but up.
Key players like Keldric Faulk, Keyron Crawford, and Connor Lew won't be around to see Golesh's impact firsthand, but there's a palpable sense of anticipation about what he might achieve. "I would love to be part of this team still," said edge rusher Keyron Crawford during Tuesday's pro day, capturing the sentiment of many.
While former coach Hugh Freeze was respected for his off-the-field relationships, his tenure ultimately faltered due to lackluster offensive performances. Faulk, a projected first-round pick, sees shades of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin in Golesh, who is now entering his third season at Auburn.
"Coach Golesh is a Durkin-type of mind," Faulk shared. "He's only going to put the best players on the field - it doesn't matter who you are and where you came from."
Faulk's first encounter with Golesh was spontaneous, taking place in the training room rather than an office, which left a strong impression. "He's there, showing his face around the building, making sure everybody knows he's here and behind everybody," Faulk noted.
Golesh brings a fresh energy and intensity to the program, contrasting with Freeze's approach. His vision for an adaptable offense is a breath of fresh air.
"Golesh is changing the culture around here," Crawford observed. "How he speaks, how he interacts with his players, it's different."
The Tigers are eager to move past the notion of being "close" to success, a term that became a sore spot during Freeze's time. Despite past struggles, there's an acknowledgment that Auburn has the pieces in place to succeed. As these players embark on their NFL journeys, they'll be watching closely, hopeful that Golesh is the catalyst for the turnaround they've been waiting for.