Auburn hires USF's Alex Golesh as head coach

Field Level Media|published: Sun 30th November, 11:57 2025

Nov 15, 2025; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh looks on the field during the second half against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Navy Midshipmen defeated South Florida Bulls 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Auburn named South Florida's Alex Golesh as the program's new head coach on Sunday.

Golesh, who was the Bulls' head coach, accepted a six-year contract with the Tigers, per ESPN.

He effectively will take the place of Hugh Freeze, who was fired on Nov. 2. Golesh will return to the Southeastern Conference, where he was Tennessee's offensive coordinator and tight ends coach in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

"I want to thank President (Christopher B.) Roberts and (athletic director) John Cohen for the opportunity to lead the Auburn program," Golesh said. "Auburn Football is one of the proudest, most tradition-rich programs in all of college football and my family and I could not be more excited to join the Auburn family. This will be a player-driven program, and no one will outwork our staff.

"Auburn has won, can win and will win championships. Let's get to work."

Golesh, 41, has a 9-3 record this season and 23-15 mark overall during his three campaigns at USF. He has guided the Bulls to bowl wins in each of his previous two seasons.

Prior to his arrival in South Florida, the Bulls limped to a 1-11 record in 2022.

"We are thrilled to announce Alex Golesh as the 33rd head coach of Auburn Football," Cohen said. "He has produced wins and record-setting results throughout his entire career, including over the last three seasons at USF.

"Alex is known nationally for his player development prowess, ability to shape creative and explosive offenses, and his relentless approach to building winning programs. I was also struck by his coaching experience on both sides of the ball. In our conversations, he showed the determination and edge that this program demands of its head coach."

Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin served as an interim head coach for Auburn (5-7, 1-7 SEC), which lost for the seventh time in nine games on Saturday with a 27-20 setback to No. 10 Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

--Field Level Media