Report: New leader emerges for Auburn head coaching job
For much of last week, defensive coordinator and interim coach Kevin Steele was thought to be the leader in the clubhouse for the open job at Auburn. Now there appears to be a new leader.
Louisiana coach Billy Napier’s interview with Auburn officials reportedly went well, according to a report from Phillip Marshall of Auburn Undercover. Steele was originally thought to have an inside track because of his relationship with top boosters for the Tigers. However, Napier is an up-and-coming coach in the profession, and has worked at Alabama and Clemson before having a successful run with the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Napier was reportedly a candidate who interviewed for the recent South Carolina opening before the Gamecocks hired Shane Beamer. Less than a day before South Carolina announced Beamer’s hire, the Ragin’ Cajuns sent out a tweet at 11 p.m. ET on Dec 5 that included a statement from Napier that mentioned it being humbling to be considered for any job opening. And it was a reflection of the entire organization from top to bottom.
Napier gained some national attention earlier this year when Louisiana upset No. 23 Iowa State, 31-14.
The Chatsworth, Georgia native played at Furman, but has since coached at South Carolina State, Clemson, Colorado, Alabama and Arizona State.
Louisiana went 9-1 this season, and was ranked as high as No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25. Napier is 27-11 in three seasons there.
From @coach_bnapier‘s desk. #cULture | #GeauxCajuns pic.twitter.com/1PkRUQtbJ6
— Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns® Football (@RaginCajunsFB) December 6, 2020