Early Impressions of Alex Golesh at Auburn: A Calculated, Competitive Fit
Alex Golesh is stepping into the Auburn spotlight with a reputation that precedes him - a relentless, detail-driven coach who eats, sleeps, and breathes football. Around coaching circles, he's known as a "football junkie," and when you look at his coaching lineage, it's easy to see why that label sticks.
The offensive systems he's been a part of - most recently at USF, and previously at Tennessee and Ole Miss - are lighting up the stat sheets this season. Three of the top six offenses in the country trace back to the same coaching tree Golesh grew from.
That’s not a coincidence - it’s a pattern.
From the jump, Golesh has made it clear he's not here to ease into the job. Word is, he came into his first team meeting with intensity, setting the tone with a no-nonsense approach that resonated with the players.
He’s not afraid to challenge guys, to push them, and that’s exactly what this Auburn roster - and its future recruits - seem to want. Parents of recruits have already taken note, pointing out that he coaches hard and demands more.
That kind of accountability is something Auburn fans have been craving.
Bringing back Kodi Burns to the staff is a savvy move. Burns knows the Auburn culture inside and out, and his presence helps bridge the gap between tradition and the new direction Golesh is steering this program toward.
Golesh may be new blood, but he’s not new to big-time football. His experience in the SEC and other power conferences gives him the kind of background you want when taking over a program with Auburn’s expectations.
The next big question: what will his staff look like? On offense, it looks like Golesh is sticking with familiarity, likely bringing several assistants with him from USF.
That continuity should help streamline the transition and keep the offensive identity intact. Defense, though, is where things get interesting.
Will DJ Durkin remain as defensive coordinator? If not, who steps into that critical role?
That decision could define how competitive Auburn becomes, especially in a league where defensive play still wins championships.
The next six weeks will be a whirlwind for Golesh and his staff. Between finalizing the coaching staff, hitting the recruiting trail hard, and evaluating the current roster, there’s no shortage of work to be done.
But those who know Golesh best say that’s where he thrives - in the grind. Auburn’s rebuild may be just getting started, but it’s clear the man at the helm isn’t wasting any time.
Veteran Leadership Still Shining Despite Tough Season
Auburn’s 2025 football season didn’t go the way anyone hoped. Another losing record, more frustration, and plenty of questions about the program’s direction. But if you’re looking for something to build on, start with the leadership from this year’s veteran core.
Even after the season wrapped, guys like Brandon Frazier, Jeremiah Wright, Dillon Wade, and Tate Johnson were still showing up - literally. Frazier was spotted limping into the football facility for a Sunday morning meeting, despite being done with his college career.
Wright, Wade, and Johnson were there too. They had no obligation to be, but they still showed up.
That says something about the culture they helped foster - and the pride they still carry for Auburn.
Then there’s Keldric Faulk. The numbers might not have popped the way he wanted this season, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin called him one of the best leaders he’s ever been around, and that’s not a label coaches throw around lightly. Faulk has been a tone-setter in the locker room, a guy others look to even when things aren’t going well.
It’s a shame he never got to play on a truly competitive Auburn team, but his leadership and talent will carry over to the next level. The NFL is calling, and he’ll be ready.
Auburn Hoops Facing Crucial Week After Strong Vegas Showing
While football transitions into a new era, Auburn basketball is already making noise.
The Tigers went 2-1 in Las Vegas, grabbing solid wins over Oregon and St. John's.
That’s the kind of momentum that can carry a team into December with confidence. But now comes the real test: a pair of high-level matchups that could shape how this team is viewed heading into SEC play.
First up is NC State on Wednesday night at Neville Arena. The Wolfpack are 5-2 and coached by Will Wade, a name SEC fans know well from his LSU days. NC State has already picked up wins over UAB, VCU, and Boise State, and while they’ve taken a couple of hits against Seton Hall and Texas, this is a team that can cause problems, especially with their physicality and tempo.
Then comes a trip west to face Arizona - and that’s a big one. The Wildcats have already knocked off Florida, UCLA, and defending national champ UConn.
They’re loaded with talent, and freshman forward Koa Peat is the real deal. He’s averaging over 15 points per game and dropped 30 in the opener against Florida.
Auburn will need to be locked in on both ends to have a shot in that environment.
These are the kinds of non-conference games that matter - not just for résumé-building, but for team growth. Auburn has a chance to stack quality wins, test its depth, and fine-tune rotations before the SEC grind begins. If they can come out of this week with another win or two, it’ll go a long way toward proving this group has the chops to make noise come March.
Bottom Line
Auburn football is entering a new chapter with Alex Golesh - a coach who brings energy, structure, and a proven offensive pedigree. The early signs suggest he’s not here to play it safe, and that’s exactly the kind of mindset needed to spark a turnaround.
Meanwhile, the leadership from this year’s senior class shouldn’t be overlooked. They’ve laid a foundation of pride and commitment that can’t be taught - only modeled.
And on the hardwood, Auburn basketball is already showing signs of being a team to watch. This week’s tests will reveal a lot, but the Tigers are clearly trending in the right direction.
It’s a busy time on the Plains - and that’s a good thing.