What qualities does new head coach Alex Golesh bring to Auburn football?

Auburn University has announced Alex Golesh as its new head football coach, succeeding Hugh Freeze, who was dismissed earlier in November. Golesh brings a wealth of experience from his time as a tight ends coach, offensive coordinator, and head coach.

After five consecutive seasons with losing records, Auburn fans are eager for the program to return to national prominence and compete with the top teams in the SEC. Golesh aims to restore Auburns competitive edge, emphasizing hard work and a disciplined approach to achieving success.

Despite his accomplishments, some fans were surprised by Goleshs hire, as other candidates such as former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and interim coach DJ Durkin were considered front-runners. To provide insight into Goleshs coaching style, Christopher Mathis, producer of "The Drive with TKras" on WDAE-FM in Tampa, shared his observations from Goleshs time at USF, where he was a regular guest on the show.

Golesh Excels in Quarterback Development

Golesh has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, having worked with players like Hendon Hooker, Joe Milton III, and Dylan Gabriel. His most recent success includes USF quarterback Byrum Brown, who became one of the few players in college football history to surpass 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. Mathis noted that Browns growth in 2025 was significant, evolving from a versatile offensive weapon into a true dual-threat quarterback.

Fast-Paced, High-Scoring Offense

Golesh is known for producing dynamic offenses. At USF, his team ranked second nationally in total offense, averaging 500.6 yards per game, and fourth in points per game with 43.0. Mathis predicts that Goleshs high-energy offensive system will translate well to the SEC and attract top recruits eager to play in an exciting, fast-paced scheme.

Commitment to "The Process"

Golesh emphasizes a disciplined, process-driven philosophy. Inspired by Ohio State coach Jim Tressels mantra"Be where your feet are, shut your mouth, and do your job"Golesh focuses on consistency, minimizing distractions, and letting performance dictate results. He encourages players to trust their inner circle and maintain a week-to-week approach to competing and winning.

Turning Losses into Lessons

During his tenure, Golesh has demonstrated a unique ability to analyze setbacks and use them to improve performance. Whereas Auburn under Freeze often lost close games without clear accountability, Golesh prioritizes learning from each loss to strengthen the team moving forward.

Expect Immediate Impact

Mathis anticipates that Auburn fans will notice rapid improvement under Golesh. His energetic leadership, innovative offensive schemes, and ability to maximize player talent suggest a swift turnaround for the program, especially given the high-quality roster already in place.

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Author: Sophia Brooks