**Breaking: Auburn Tigers Close to Announcing New Softball Coach After Mickey Dean’s Retirement**
As of Monday, nearly 10 weeks have passed since Auburn softball coach Mickey Dean announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2024 season. It has also been 15 days since the Tigers’ season ended with a loss to Florida State in the NCAA Tournament’s Tallahassee Regional. Despite this, Auburn has yet to name Dean’s replacement.
Auburn athletic director John Cohen emphasized the importance of making the right decision over a quick one at an APSE region meeting on Monday. “I feel more of an urgency to get it right than to do it quickly,” Cohen stated. He hinted that an announcement might be imminent, saying, “I do feel like we’re fairly close to having a decision made.”
As the college softball transfer portal fills with talent, the absence of a coaching staff at Auburn is increasingly pressing. Cohen attributed the delay to the extensive information available, which requires careful evaluation. He also suggested that Auburn’s next head coach might still be active this season or recently finished their season, possibly pointing to a coach from a Women’s College World Series program.
Cohen outlined the qualities sought in the new coach, emphasizing community engagement, elite recruiting, and player development. He highlighted the importance of finding a coach who can engage with the Auburn community and excel in recruiting and player development, drawing from his own experiences and a question he borrowed from Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barhart.
Ultimately, Cohen’s goal is to restore Auburn’s softball program to its former glory, aiming for the team to be among the last eight standing—a feat not achieved since 2016. “We have a nice tradition in the sport and we want to get back to Oklahoma City,” Cohen concluded.
Leave a Reply