ATLANTA — Auburn coach Bryan Harsin took on what he called “the gorilla in the room” when he stood behind the podium at the Southeastern Conference Media Days.
Following an offseason of uncertainty that threatened his job status, Harsin insists there is more unity than ever on his Auburn team.
Harsin said an inquiry into his program following his 6-7 debut as coach “was uncomfortable. It was unfounded. It presented an opportunity for people to personally attack me, my family, and also our program. And it didn’t work.”
Auburn President Jay Gogue sought answers after the program lost 18 players and five assistant coaches.
A group of players, including defensive end Derick Hall, talked with Gogue and Auburn trustees in support of Harsin.
“It most definitely brought us closer,” Hall said. “A few of the guys … talked to the board and talked to the president of the university just to give our respect and our support for coach Harsin. It definitely brought our team closer together after that.”
Auburn lost its final five games last season, leaving Harsin on the hot seat for 2022. He said he enters the season emboldened by what he described as “a silver lining in all of this.”
“What I saw from our players and our coaches was leadership opportunities for them to step up, which is exactly what they did,” Harsin said. “You got a chance to see guys provide leadership. You got a chance to see coaches provide leadership. What it did is it united our football team, our players, our staff, our football team. I’m really proud of our guys.”
GATHERING INFORMATION
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher had no update on the status of senior wide receiver Ainias Smith, who was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
Smith had been listed as one of three Texas A&M players scheduled to attend the SEC Media Days. Instead, two Aggies – safety Demani Richardson and left guard Layden Robinson – represented the school.
Smith was suspended following the arrest, per athletic department policy. Fisher said he couldn’t comment on Smith’s chances of returning for the season.
“We’re gathering all the evidence and the things going on,” Fisher said. “We have no comment at this time.”
Robinson said he wasn’t worried about the effect of the arrest on team chemistry so close to the season.
“Ainias Smith, that’s my brother,” Robinson said. “We grew…