Hutch Jennings

To: AD of Auburn University

25 April,  2025

Speaking on behalf of the Auburn community, I want to address the concerning state of our football program over the past five years. Transitioning from national and SEC champions in the previous decade to a period marked by nearly five consecutive losing seasons has been disheartening. Auburn football is more than just a sport; it’s an integral part of the Auburn experience and a vital thread in the fabric of our fan base. As Joe Grobeck highlights in his article on FanBuzz, many of our most cherished traditions are intertwined with the spirit of Auburn football. These traditions, which bind us together, lose some of their vibrancy when the team’s performance is lacking. The recent struggles of our program, as documented by Adam Cole on ESPN, are not simply a temporary downturn; they represent a significant departure from the historical success of Auburn football. Mr. Cohen, we believe it is imperative to prioritize our football program above other athletic programs at this time, a need that feels overwhelmingly apparent.

One of the deeply cherished traditions that shapes Auburn’s culture, as Joe Groebeck aptly points out, is “Rolling Toomer’s.” Toomer’s Corner has created countless fond memories within the Auburn community. From personal experience, there truly is nothing quite like the excitement surrounding Toomer’s. While it’s true that this tradition isn’t solely tied to football, the sport played a significant role in its origin, and it is only fitting that football’s successes continue to be celebrated year after year. These traditions and celebrations are intrinsically linked to the hope and spirit surrounding the Auburn football team. Without success in the football program, Toomer’s Corner’s ability to unite the Auburn family diminishes, undermining its very purpose.

Furthermore, Auburn boasts a long and storied history as one of the older football programs in the SEC, dating back to 1892. The program has historically navigated relatively few prolonged periods of struggle. In fact, we haven’t endured nearly four consecutive losing seasons since 1927-1930 – until now. This current situation feels exceptionally dire. The genesis of this downturn can be traced back to the hiring of Bryan Harsin by former Athletic Director Allen Greene. Harsin’s tenure historically destabilized Auburn’s football program to such an extent that coaches reportedly began leaving due to the toxic culture he fostered around the team. Chris Low even noted in an ESPN article that Bryan Harsin’s time at Auburn was troubled even before his official hiring, citing issues such as a problematic interview with the former AD. Harsin was ultimately dismissed after just two seasons with a 9-12 record, and Alex HaRaan has provided insights into the reasons behind Allen Greene’s subsequent failure as an AD, which led to his own dismissal.

Mr. Cohen, my intention in writing to you is not to question your potential as the Athletic Director for Auburn University. Instead, I aim to emphasize the critical need to focus significant attention on a vital aspect of our athletic department. The Auburn family deserves better than the current state of affairs, and I fear that the community’s patience for this level of underperformance is wearing thin. As you move forward in your role, I urge you to make strategic, beneficial decisions that prioritize the football program and will have a lasting positive impact on your career and the countless individuals who are part of the Auburn family.

Best Regards,

Hutch Jennings