The Auburn track and field program has had quite a bit of success in recent years, and the Tigers' newest head coach has been a major factor. On Monday, Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen announced that Ken Harnden, a former assistant coach, has been promoted to head coach of the track and field program.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Auburn track and field program and want to thank Athletic Director John Cohen, President Roberts, and the Auburn administration for their trust and support," Harnden said, per Auburn Undercover.
After joining Auburn in 2022 as an assistant head coach, Harnden helped lead the Tigers to four consecutive trophies at the NCAA championships, including five top-six finishes. A two-time Olympian representing Zimbabwe in the 400m Hurdles, Harnden has been named the USTFCCCA Division I Men's National Assistant Coach of the Year three consecutive times outdoors.
One of the recent rising stars in Auburn track and field is world record hurdler Ja'Kobe Tharp, who was developed by Harnden on the Plains. Tharp is a two-time finalist for The Bowerman Award, presented each year to the nation's top male and female track athlete.
NCAA champions Tharp and Kayinsola Ajayi were coached by Harnden, and this past year the pair swept the spring hurdles and short sprint national championships both indoors and outdoors. Ajayi and three other athletes coached by Harnden competed in the Paris Games during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
“Coach Harnden earned the opportunity to lead Auburn’s track and field program by developing elite student-athletes and delivering exceptional results throughout his career – especially the past four seasons on the Plains,” Cohen said. “Under Coach Harnden’s leadership, Auburn track and field is positioned to continue to excel on the national stage.”
Harnden has made a historic impact on Auburn track and field and will no doubt continue to raise the bar as the Tigers' new head coach.
Add us as a preferred source on Google