Changing offensive coordinators is the first big step of a huge offseason for Bryan Harsin

Mike Bobo will not be Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2022. Here's a look at why the decision was made and where the Tigers might go next.

HC Bryan Harsin (Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics)

No one can say Bryan Harsin is afraid of making tough changes.

Harsin left his alma mater of Boise State — a place where he had gone from quarterback to head coach, spending more than 20 years of his football life there — for a shot at coaching in the cutthroat SEC West. He parted ways with a wide receiver coach four games into his first season.

And now he has done the same with his offensive coordinator before even reaching the end of Year 1.

Mike Bobo will not return for a second season as Auburn’s offensive coordinator. Bobo was on the longest and second-most expensive assistant coach contract with the program. Now, Auburn will owe him $2.6 million, paid in installments between now and January 2024.

Harsin’s hire of Bobo checked plenty of boxes. Both coaches came from similar offensive backgrounds, utilizing expansive playbooks that combined a downhill running game with a pro-style passing attack. Bobo and Harsin crossed paths as coordina…