Paul Finebaum has a name in mind for Auburn’s next head football coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paul Finebaum sees an option for Auburn’s coaching opening and it’s one he says Tiger fans would embrace.
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While on Matt Barrie Show Sunday, the ESPN analyst discussed the coaching carousel and said that the program may already have its ideal candidate. “The betting favorite at Auburn is Jon Sumrall,” Finebaum said.
There are a few reasons why this makes sense. The Tulane coach picked up a win on Friday night at Memphis and continues to prove himself week after week. Sumrall would fit the mold Auburn needs as a disciplined leader. Unlike the previous two hires, he’ll bring a fresh approach.
Finebaum didn’t hesitate to endorse the idea of Auburn snagging Sumrall. “It’s not the hire that wows America, but if that ends up being the case, and we’re speculating, I think almost every Auburn fan that I’ve talked to would be thrilled,” he said. “That job is so much better than I think it’s being given credit for.”
Sumrall is an Alabama native who played at Kentucky and later served as the Wildcats’ linebackers coach before head-coaching stops at Troy and Tulane. Needless to say, he already has SEC ties.
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One added plus for Sumrall is the offensive structure. Auburn has struggled trying to be consistent and put points on the board. It hasn’t happened in The Plains as of late. But Sumrall changes that instantly.
If Auburn was able to get a talented coach like Sumrall, the move would be a game-changer and show a commitment toward the future of the program.
