AUBURN, Ala. — Alex Golesh has taken on the monumental task of leading the Auburn Tigers football program, and his guiding principle is clear: "Be Who You Say You Are." This mantra serves as a compass for Golesh as he embarks on a journey to restore a team that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
The Auburn Tigers have struggled with five consecutive seasons of losing records, alongside a streak of six defeats in the Iron Bowl, which has left the Auburn community feeling frustrated and weary. Golesh, who is now tasked with revitalizing both the team and its reputation, understands the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders.
“It’s his only saying,” remarked Auburn general manager Andrew Warsaw, who has worked with Golesh at multiple stops. “If you’ve got a wide receiver who says, ‘I’m going to be the best wide receiver,’ cool. Do everything it takes. Go do it. If you’re going to say it, be it.” This philosophy has been a cornerstone of Golesh's coaching approach, and he is prepared to implement it at Auburn.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Golesh and some of his coaching staff discussed the current state of the Auburn program and the formidable task ahead of them. The challenge is akin to changing tires on a speeding car, as they navigate a highly competitive conference while attempting to rejuvenate a program that has seen better days.
While the outcome of Golesh's efforts remains uncertain, he exudes confidence and clarity in his vision. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear standards and expectations within the program. “When you walk out of the room, there’s zero gray … on the expectation, the standard, the tactical, technical way that we’re doing it. And I’m going to hold you to that standard,” he stated.
Auburn’s football history is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The program boasts three SEC schools — Alabama, LSU, and Georgia — with more recent national championships, yet the Tigers have managed only one 10-win season since 2013. Despite having legendary players like Cam Newton and Bo Jackson, the team has often found itself mired in controversies and mediocrity, with win totals over the past six seasons averaging around five or six.
Golesh, 42, is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. He was born to Russian parents who fled the Soviet Union and moved to Brooklyn at a young age. After playing high school football in Ohio, he began his coaching career as a student assistant at Ohio State. His journey through various coaching positions culminated in a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Tennessee, where he helped revitalize the program.
After leading South Florida from a dismal 1-11 record to three consecutive bowl appearances, Golesh caught the attention of Auburn, who was in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Hugh Freeze. He signed a lucrative six-year, $44 million contract with the Tigers, which includes performance incentives for achieving nine wins or earning a College Football Playoff berth.
The excitement surrounding Golesh's hiring was palpable during his introduction, where fans lined the streets to welcome him and his family. In his first press conference, Golesh made it clear that he intends to build a process-driven program focused on daily improvement and enjoyment in the game. “We’re going to have a hell of a lot of fun doing it,” he promised.
Golesh is aware of the skepticism surrounding Auburn's recent struggles, but he believes in the support of the Auburn Family. With over 88,000 fans regularly filling Jordan-Hare Stadium, he knows that the community is eager for a reason to cheer again.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Golesh has made significant changes to the roster, including bringing in 13 players from South Florida, notably quarterback Byrum Brown, who had an impressive season last year. Brown's dual-threat capabilities align with Golesh's aggressive offensive philosophy, which has seen his teams rank among the fastest in the nation.
Auburn's season opener against Baylor looms large, and while the road ahead is filled with formidable opponents, Golesh is focused on restoring dignity to the program. The Iron Bowl against Alabama will remain a significant benchmark for success, but for now, all eyes are on the upcoming matchup. As Golesh leads the Tigers into a new era, the question remains: can they truly become who they say they are?
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