After just completing the search for a new defensive line coach, linebackers coach, and defensive coordinator, Auburn football head coach Bryan Harsin will have to begin another coaching search on the other side of the ball. With just 43 days on the job under his belt, newly hired offensive coordinator Austin Davis announced this morning he would be officially resigning.
Now, the Tigers are set to have a five-way quarterback competition in the spring without an OC or quarterbacks coach. While it certainly isn’t the end of the world for the Auburn football program, it is a setback for Harsin after thinking he had just solidified his on-field staff for his second season.
With Austin Davis officially stepping down, here are three early options for Auburn football’s offensive coordinator.
OC Option #1: Eric Kiesau
Eric Kiesau joined Bryan Harsin’s inaugural Auburn staff as an offensive analyst but was promoted to wide receivers coach mid-season to replace Cornelius Williams following his firing after the Tigers’ game versus Georgia State.
Prior to his time on the Plains, Kiesau worked under Harsin at Boise State for four years in various positions, including wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator.
According to Auburn Live, Kiesau was offered the OC job after Mike Bobo’s departure, but Kiesau felt he wasn’t ready for the role and wished to keep his role as WR coach. Now, with limited time left to conduct a new search, it’s likely that Harsin will promote from within, but if Kiesau declines the position, there are two more options he should consider bringing to the Plains.