By Michael GallagherShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberJust a week ago, it looked like the Auburn Tigers were just days away from closing a deal with their top choice to replace Hugh Freeze as head coach.
Steven Godfrey of the Washington Post even wrote that the deal was all but done with Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall.
“Jon Sumrall's going to Auburn,” Godfrey stated. “… As of right now, Jon Sumrall is going to Auburn. I've heard conflicting schedules on how Auburn would handle a Tulane playoff run. But yeah, if you're Auburn right now, you need to be cheering against Tulane (qualifying for the College Football Playoff).”
But on Friday, multiple reports emerged that Sumrall was now the favorite for the Florida Gators’ head-coaching vacancy, prompting many to believe Auburn had some stiff competition for the rising head coach.
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But by Saturday morning — the day Auburn played Alabama in the Iron Bowl — Sumrall had rejected the school, according to John Brice of FootballScoop.
“2 coaches not taking jobs: Multiple sources tell @FootballScoop that Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall has withdrawn from Auburn’s coaching search as Florida continues pursuit," Brice tweeted. “Drew Cronic was offered & declined the UAB job, multiple sources w direct knowledge tell @FootballScoop.”
With Sumrall out of the running, Auburn defensive coordinator and interim head coach D.J. Durkin, who’s 1-1 since taking over for Freeze, is now the favorite to get the job permanently. His odds jumped to 79% on betting market Kalshi.
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...If it ends up not being Durkin (a poor showing against Alabama in the Iron Bowl could damage his chances), South Florida’s Alex Golesh (16%)and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham (10%) have the next-best odds.
Golesh was rumored to have accepted the head-coaching job at Arkansas days ago, but he he hasn’t officially accepted it after being offered. Some believe he’s holding out for a more high-profile gig.
More News: Alabama Loses Key Member Day Before Iron Bowl vs Auburn
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