SEC Media Days: John Cohen on Alex Golesh, Playoff Expansion, Officiating Frustrations, and Jordan-Hare Non-Football Events

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**Mike G** (2:48)
Live from SEC Media Days, Mike G, I'm back here on the eve of Alex Golesh speaking in the main media room. Joining me is athletic director John Cohen to talk a little Auburn football. John, Media Day signals that football is almost back. They have the longest off season of any sport.
You had to make some decisions this off season. You made it. You hired Alex Golesh. Talk to me about how you feel about your hire right now.
He's very cerebral. He's very meticulous. He's very detail-oriented. And it seems like he's going to work really hard to deliver a premium experience to Auburn fans this season.

**John Cohen** (3:25)
Yeah, I believe so. I think he's created great nucleus, not only of talent, but leadership from his staff and from the transfer portal.
The kids that followed him from South Florida followed him because their belief in him in one of the elite offenses that they had in the country. And it's been pretty well documented, Mike. You know, our issue was offense last year. We had an elite defense, played pretty well in the special teams area. The offensive side of the ball is something that we struggle with. And I think he's somebody who's an industry expert in that area, but also a great motivator and somebody who has a relentless work ethic. And we're thrilled to get this season going, but obviously we have a ways to go.

**Mike G** (4:14)
The last coach did one thing particularly really well, and that was recruit.
A couple of years ago, I listened to you on the Finebombs show, and it was before the Oklahoma game. You pointed to the attrition and how many people Auburn had to replace from a roster standpoint. It feels like they're in a better situation from a roster standpoint this year. Of course, there was some talent that always leaves when you replace a coach. But there are some really talent kids that stayed that Hugh Freeze recruited. And what are your expectations in year one that Alex Golesh can maybe exceed expectations? I think, talking to people this week, there's like a seven and five expectation. I personally think they can do a lot better than seven and five in year one.