Johnnie Harris’ tenure as the head coach of Auburn women’s basketball came to an abrupt end following a disappointing 12-18 season culminating in an early exit from the SEC tournament.
Harris, who had previously served as an associate head coach at Mississippi State and Texas was unable to sustain momentum after a promising 20-12 season in 2023-24. The Tigers finished in a four-way tie for last place in the SEC prompting Auburn to seek a new direction for its women’s basketball program.
Now Auburn is at a turning point. They now seek a new leader to raise their program standards in the competitive environment of the SEC following their split with Harris. The hiring choice at Auburn remains essential because the team struggles to match the success of South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee programs.
A coach who brings success along with strong recruiting skills and defensive expertise is essential to securing victory in the highest level of competition.
Top 5 Candidates for Auburn’s Head Coach Position
1. Sam Purcell (Mississippi State Head Coach)
Purcell has quickly emerged as one of the SEC’s top young coaches. In his first season at Mississippi State, he led the Bulldogs to a 22-11 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. His team ranked No. 5 in the SEC in scoring defense and forced over 17 turnovers per game.
As an Auburn alumnus and former assistant, Purcell knows the program’s culture and understands SEC competition. His ability to recruit and develop talent at a high level makes him an ideal candidate. However, his rising success at Mississippi State might make it difficult for Auburn to lure him back.
2. Fred Williams (Auburn Associate Head Coach)
A coaching veteran with over 40 years of experience, Williams has had success at both the collegiate and professional levels, including leading the Atlanta Dream to the 2013 WNBA Finals. Under his guidance, Auburn ranked third in SEC scoring defense and second in steals with 10.4 per game in 2024.
The position would suit him because he understands the roster and recruitment situation at Auburn. But the recent difficulties faced by the program reduce the potential enthusiasm among fans about internal promotions as the new head coach candidate.
The job application requires Williams to demonstrate Auburn’s future strategic directions in order to become a genuine candidate.
3. Diane Richardson (Temple Head Coach)
Richardson has built a reputation as a program builder, leading Temple to a 22-8 record in 2023-24. Her team led the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in scoring defense and forced 18 turnovers per game.
Before Temple, she turned Towson from a bottom-tier team into a conference champion, guiding them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019.
Auburn needs a coach capable of turning a struggling team into a contender, and Richardson has done it before. While she lacks SEC experience, her ability to recruit and develop players at a high level suggests she could make the transition successfully.
4. Molly Miller (Grand Canyon Head Coach)
Miller has an astounding .850 career winning percentage (275-48) making her one of the most successful young coaches in college basketball. In 2023-24, her Grand Canyon University team ranked Top 10 nationally in steals per game (12.1) and turnover margin, emphasizing her aggressive and high-pressure defensive system.
Her fast-paced coaching style could thrive in the SEC, bringing an exciting brand of basketball to Auburn. While she lacks direct SEC ties, her ability to develop talent and win at every level makes her an intriguing candidate for the Tigers.
KEEP READING: Pre-March Madness 2025 WNBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects and Predictions
5. Blair Schaefer (Texas Assistant Coach)
Schaefer has played a key role in Texas’ success, helping them go 31-5 in 2023-24 and win the Big 12 regular-season title. The Longhorns’ defense ranked No. 15 nationally in scoring defense, an area she specializes in. As a former Mississippi State player under her father, Vic Schaefer, she understands the demands of SEC competition.
Despite never being a head coach, Blair Schaefer is a rising star in the coaching world. Her defensive expertise and strong recruiting connections in the South could make her a high-upside candidate for Auburn’s rebuild.
Auburn’s coaching search presents a mix of experienced leaders and rising stars. Purcell would be the ideal hire, bringing SEC experience and strong Auburn ties but convincing him to leave Mississippi State won’t be easy.
Williams offers continuity, while Richardson and Miller bring proven success in turning around programs. If Auburn wants to take a chance on an up-and-comer, Blair Schaefer could be an exciting pick.
As the competition within the SEC increases, the next Auburn’s upcoming head coach would need to establish a solid program base to lead the team towards success. The choice being made during the following weeks will set the course of Auburn women’s basketball.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
