College football world reacts to stunning Auburn news

Auburn University made a stunning announcement Friday afternoon that athletic director Allen Greene has stepped down.

This news may come as a surprise to some but to others, the handwriting was on the wall a few months ago when the Tigers almost fired head football coach Bryan Harsin over alleged abuse of players and a possible affair. Neither charge carried enough evidence to be proven true. Greene hired Harsin and supported him during this ordeal.

Greene released this statement (per Pete Thamel, ESPN):

“The decision to step away from Auburn athletics is not an easy one, but it is the right time for me to begin the next step in my professional journey,” Greene said, per Pete Thamel, ESPN. “I am very proud of the work that we have done together to move our athletics program forward.

“I wish Auburn nothing but the best in the years ahead. I’m confident we leave Auburn athletics stronger than when we arrived.”

Greene, who was going into his fourth year on The Plains, asked the school about his future with the program which according to reports, all depended on how well Harsin and the football team did this upcoming season.

Now, many wonder what this means for Bryan Harsin’s future at Auburn, if he has one now that his biggest supporter is gone.

The reaction from across the country varies depending on who you ask.

Former Duke AD Kevin White releases a statement on Auburn AD Allen Greene’s ouster. Uses the terms “terribly disturbing,” “utterly shameful” and calls Auburn’s out Auburn’s “political dysfunction” as “truly legendary.” pic.twitter.com/f5j6zAcLH6

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 26, 2022

https://twitter.com/ByJustinLee/status/1563240524269899778

On a related note: Why would anyone ever want to be the AD at Auburn? https://t.co/W2R8RbKvST

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) August 26, 2022

Others in the media think this may go in Auburn’s favor.

An Auburn team with its back up against the wall is absolutely terrifying on so many levels.

They could go 4-8 or 11-1 this year and nothing would truly surprise me. pic.twitter.com/zxhmqeUUo7

— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) August 26, 2022

Auburn delivers a championship-worthy football product on the field every 5-10 years despite being a circus off the field of booster involvement unlike any athletic department in the country.

It's actually quite impressive.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) August 26, 2022

The college football season just got more interesting for the Auburn Tigers.

[ESPN]