Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen talks about the Tigers' new apparel deal with Nike
John Cohen has done many significant things for Auburn Athletics since arriving on the Plains a little under two years ago. From upgrading facilities to strategic planning for the future, Cohen has made it clear his intent is to advance Auburn Athletics, and one of the biggest things he's accomplished so far is the Tigers' new apparel deal with Nike, which will begin July of 2025.
Though negotiations took some time and the options were explored from all angles, Auburn Athletics announced in April of this year that the Tigers will be shifting gears to Nike once the existing contract with Under Armour expires.
Athletics Director John Cohen spoke with AL.com about the Nike Deal, and below are several quotes of note.
On taking into consideration the opinions of student-athletes:
“Student-athletes are like everybody else, they all have preferences,” Cohen said. “Many of them did talk about how certain shoes, certain equipment fit them personally. And we listen to that as well. I will tell you that if we brought 100 of our athletes in this room, you’re not going to get a consensus. Our student-athletes gave us great information about the product on both sides. We listened.”
On outside influences from other programs:
“We’re not going to make decisions based on what others around us are doing,” Cohen said. “Under Armour worked for us for a long time. And again, we won championships in Under Armour. This was an internal decision, not necessarily a decision influenced by anybody around us.”
On transitioning from one brand sponsor to another:
“We’re not gonna sprint around campus and make sure that Auburn people are all wearing Nike gear.” Cohen said. “It’s going to be a transitional time.”
Though Auburn football has been partnered with Under Armour since 2006, it seems clear that most fans and athletes are eager for next summer's transition to Nike.