David Pollack reveals why Kirby Smart didn’t take the Auburn head coaching job

Auburn University has initiated another football program rebuild following the firing of head coach Hugh Freeze after a 4-5 start to the 2025 season. Former ESPN analyst David Pollack has cited ongoing internal issues as a reason for the program's struggles and missed opportunities, such as not hiring Georgia coach Kirby Smart. Pollack, speaking on his "See Ball, Get Ball" podcast, highlighted the excessive influence of boosters at Auburn as a significant barrier to hiring top coaching talent.

Kirby Smart, now a successful head coach at Georgia, reportedly considered the Auburn job in 2012. However, he ultimately turned away due to Auburn's administrative indecision and the school's concerns over his ability to coach Alabama through a national championship game if hired. The position was eventually given to Gus Malzahn.

Pollack emphasized that the undue influence of boosters on football decisions has been a long-standing issue at Auburn, suggesting it has hindered the program's ability to attract and retain top coaching talent. Since