Cam Newton shares thoughts on Auburn coaching search
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Auburn is currently in the midst of a head coaching search to replace Hugh Freeze. One of its all-time greats is applying plenty of pressure on the program to make the correct hire.
Former Heisman Trophy quarterback Cam Newton shared his thoughts about Auburn during a recent episode of his 4thand1 podcast, which AL.com transcribed. Newton, who helped guide Auburn to its last national championship in 2010, is firm in his assessment of the necessary qualifications for the next Tigers coach.
“Number one, find you somebody who can recruit,” Newton said. “You can’t go to the Kentucky Derby with donkeys. Need a stallion… Number two, I’m gonna tell you who else you need. You need to find somebody that other coaches respect, and he can assemble his coaching staff accordingly.”
The 36-year-old former NFL MVP also added that whoever is hired has to have a full grasp of the pressure of coaching in the SEC.
“Last but not least, you need to hire a coach that understands the SEC, man. You gotta win yesterday, coach. We ain’t got time for you to develop a way of going about it. You ain’t got time to introduce your culture. You ain’t got time for a fan base that’s been fiending for some type of something, for you to say, ‘It’s gonna take time.’”
D.J. Durkin is currently Auburn’s interim head coach. Auburn lost its first game under Durkin 45-38 at then-No. 16 Vanderbilt on Saturday in an inspired effort. Next up for Auburn after a bye week is a home matchup vs. Mercer on Nov. 22 (2 p.m. ET/SEC Network+).
