It’s no secret that Auburn has not had the offensive production it desired in recent years.
It’s one of the reasons why the program has endured a fifth straight losing season, and it’s ultimately why the Tigers parted ways with Hugh Freeze, who was relieved of his duties after a devastating 10-3 loss to Kentucky in which Auburn failed to reach the end zone.
If Auburn wants to get back to championship contention – as newly-named head coach Alex Golesh has promised to deliver – it starts with repairing the offense – and that begins with having an “elite” standard at every level on the staff.
“There’s a standard of how we’re going to do things here, I spoke about it a week ago today, and that goes with bringing elite people in,” Golesh said. “I want elite. We want elite at every single spot.”
And Golesh believes he’s brought in the elite of the elite in Joel Gordon – Auburn’s new offensive coordinator.
Sure, Golesh played a major role in Tennessee’s rise from No. 108 nationally in total offense before his arrival to No. 7 in 2021 and No. 1 nationally in 2022. But Golesh insists Gordon is an even better coach than he is. In fact, Golesh turned to Gordon when he arrived in South Florida to lead his offense and develop quarterbacks at a high level. As a result, USF finished second nationally in total offense in 2025 while quarterback Byrum Brown led the nation in total offense, becoming just the 12th player in FBS history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.
“Joel’s a much better coach than I am,” Golesh said. “He is a high-level developer of the quarterback, an elite-level play caller, and brilliant in every imaginable way.”
Photo by Austin Perryman/AuburnTigers
Golesh and Gordon spent time together at Iowa State from 2016-19. Gordon began as an offensive analyst in 2016 before rising to passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2019-22.
During his seven-year stint with the Cyclones, Gordon mentored quarterback Brock Purdy to more than 12,000 total career yards and 81 touchdowns, with Purdy etching himself in the Cyclone record books as the program’s all-time leader in wins and passing. Under Gordon, Iowa State posted several of its best statistical seasons ever, including record-setting marks in total offense, scoring, and efficiency from 2019-21.
That familiarity is a large part of why Gordon was Golesh’s choice to take over the offensive reins at Auburn.
“There’s no substitute for going to battle with guys day in, day out, again and again,” Golesh said.
Auburn’s offense, which played three quarterbacks during its 12-game span in 2025, finished 15th in the SEC in passing yards and 11th in both total and scoring offense. Gordon, with much offensive success under his belt, is tasked with resetting the standard on that has eluded Auburn for years.
If the Tigers are to reclaim the identity that once defined them, Gordon’s ability to reshape the offense will be the catalyst. TG
