The next offensive coordinator for the Auburn football Tigers could be someone that was in plain sight the whole time.
Kenny Dillingham, who was one of the many OC’s that passed through the doors of the AU football facilities during the Gus Malzahn era, has reportedly had discussions with the school per AL.com:
"According to a source, Auburn reached out and had discussions with Dillingham about the vacancy Tuesday morning."
This makes sense and has seemingly been a long-time coming. His familiarity and success with the program could lead to a sensible return.
Remember, Dillingham wasn’t dismissed from the Plains. He took the Florida State job and left the Auburn football voluntarily.
And with the Seminoles, Dillingham did a good job getting the most out of Jordan Travis, who amassed15 passing TDs, seven rushing TDs, six INTs. Of course, that followed up Bo Nix’s best full season in 2019, when the freshman collected over 2,500 yards, 16 passing touchdowns, seven rushing touchdowns, and…six interceptions. Well then.
Clearly Dillingham has a specific special touch with his players, and that was evident after the ‘Noles took down Miami on November 13th:
#FSU offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham got emotional during Monday’s press conference when talking about the love he has for his team after he saw them beat Miami.
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) November 18, 2021
“We’ve got special kids man. That’s it. We’ve got special kids.” #Noles pic.twitter.com/bOHUfyuHjE
Looking back, that seems almost like a tearful goodbye knowing what we know now. That raw emotion after the season’s highlight victory may have been delivered knowing that a reunion with Auburn football could be on the horizon.
Time will be the ultimate perspective provider for that presser, but it’d make sense for Bryan Harsin to find the guy who had a ton of success with his current QB1, especially if he wants to keep Nix in orange and blue, which is something that is not as sure a thing as was reported a week ago.