After less than two turbulent seasons, Auburn fired head coach Brian Harsin on Monday.
The decision came before the school was expected to name a new athletic director in John Cohen, the former Mississippi, a source told ESPN reporter Pete Thamel.
The shooting from Harsin comes less than 48 hours after the Tigers lost to the Arkansas at home through two touchdowns.
The team is down to 3-5 and is at risk of losing a game with the ball for the first time since 2012.
Harsin’s tenure at Auburn ended with a 9-12.
“Auburn University has decided to make a leadership change for the Auburn University Football Program,” the school said in a statement. “president [Christopher] Roberts made the decision after a thorough review and evaluation of all aspects of the football program. Auburn will begin an immediate search for a coach who will bring the Auburn program back into a place where they consistently compete at the highest levels and represent the winning tradition of Auburn football.”
Under the terms of his contract, Harsin will owe $15.5 million in acquisition funds with 50 percent ($7.75 million) due within 30 days and the remaining 50 percent ($7.75) in four installments.
Two years ago, the school decided to pay $21.7 million to fire Gus Malzahn, who had gone 68-34 in eight seasons.
Auburn was exiting the 6-7 season when Harsin’s status was thrown into limbo last February after the league launched an investigation into his handling of the program.
The inquiry came after a number of players and coaches left during the suspension period.
Auburn eventually acquitted Harsin, who later described it as a “personal attack” he said “didn’t work.”
Auburn opened the season with two straight victories, over Mercer and San Jose State, but has gone 1-5 since then.
Harsin, 45, came to Auburn on a six-year, $31.5 million deal after seven seasons as head coach at Boise State.
His record as a head coach, including one season at Arkansas State, is 85-36.
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