Auburn AD John Cohen to run search for next head coach: ‘I am the committee’

Auburn athletic director John Cohen made one thing clear when asked about the Tigers’ coaching search — it starts and ends with him.

“I am the committee,” Cohen said on Monday when asked about Auburn’s process to find its next head football coach, per Jay G. Tate of On3 Sports. The Tigers parted ways with Hugh Freeze on Sunday, setting up another enormous search on The Plains.

Cohen said he’s not yet sure if “a search firm” will be involved, but emphasized that he’ll be hands-on throughout the process. His direct approach stands in stark contrast to LSU’s current search model, which could be guided by a larger group and outside advisors.

Cohen, who was hired as Auburn’s AD in October 2022 after a long stint at Mississippi State, has experience leading major hires across multiple sports. His comments signal a streamlined, focused process — one he’s clearly determined to play a large part in from start to finish.

With one of the SEC’s most passionate fanbases and deep-pocketed boosters, Auburn’s next hire will come under intense scrutiny. But if Cohen’s words are any indication, this decision won’t be made by committee — it’ll be made by one man.

Auburn AD John Cohen says: "I am the committee."

Says he's unsure if he'll use a search firm or not.

— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) November 3, 2025

Derek Hryn