Auburn athletics director John Cohen gets two-year contract extension

With a new contract extension, Auburn athletics director John Cohen is now expected to be on the Plains through 2029

Last week, Auburn athletics director John Cohen received a two-year extension on his original deal with the university, according to documents received by multiple publications through open records requests. Cohen's original contract began when he was hired away from Mississippi State in October of 2022 — the same day that former head football coach Bryan Harsin was fired — and ran through October of 2027.

The extension adds on another two years, meaning Cohen's agreement will run until October of 2029. The deal was signed by Cohen and university president Chris Roberts on May 2, per the Montgomery Advertiser.

Despite having been on the Plains for less than two years, Cohen has already accomplished a lot for Auburn Athletics, beginning with hiring head coach Hugh Freeze to lead Auburn football in December of 2022.

Last summer, the McWhorter Center, which is on Samford Avenue and is used by softball and gymnastics, underwent a $5 million dollar renovation, and the $30 million dollar upgrades to baseball's Plainsmen Park was approved. Cohen oversaw the Hall of Fame construction in Plainsmen Park and the upcoming renovations including more premium experiences, seating above the big green monster wall, and more.

Cohen also worked with the Board of Trustees to approve a new jumbotron and renovations in the north end zone of Jordan-Hare Stadium in addition to adding more premium experiences to football gameday.

One of the most notable accomplishments during Cohen's time on the Plains is his parting of ways with Under Armour and the new apparel deal between Auburn Athletics and Nike. In one of the biggest deals in college sports, the Tigers left Under Armour after 18 years and will begin wearing Nike uniforms in July 2025.