Alex Golesh has taken the reins on the Plains. Photo: Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The SEC coaching carousel stopped in Auburn with Alex Golesh, formerly of the University of South Florida, landing on the Plains.
Why it matters: Auburn is hoping to thaw out from years of mediocrity in the Hugh Freeze era.
Catch up quick: Golesh has a reputation for quickly improving programs, including USF, where he led a 1-11 team to a 7-6 record in his first season in 2023, capping it with a 45-0 bowl game win over Syracuse.
In its announcement of the hire, Auburn notes that USF won only four games in the three seasons before Golesh took over. He racked up 23 wins in three seasons.
By the numbers: Golesh's six-year contract is worth an average of $7.375 million annually, with incentives for winning seasons and playoff appearances, according to information released Monday.
Zoom in: Golesh, 41, was born in Moscow, and was raised in Brooklyn and Dublin, Ohio, graduating from Ohio State in 2006.
Rocket City-raised Grissom grad John Sumrall was a contender for the Auburn job, but was ultimately hired by Florida.