Former Clemson coach staying put at ULL despite heavy Auburn interest

Napier is a former Clemson OC (Scott Clause - USA Today Sports)

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Mon Dec 21 13:18:07 GMT-04:00 2020

There are always big-time expectations at Auburn as they try to compete with their rival Alabama on a yearly basis.

Former Auburn coach Guz Malzahn was recently fired during a 6-4 season during a pandemic and will be handed a reported $21.45 million buyout from the University.

Not a bad parting gift if you can get it.

Anyways, Auburn might have unrealistic expectations currently within their program. Overall, Malzahn was 68-34 overall and 39-26 in the SEC conference the last eight years at Auburn.

Those high expectations might be one of the reasons that former Clemson offensive coordinator Billy Napier has turned down the Auburn job.

"Billy Napier is committed to being the head coach of the Louisiana Ragin' Cajans, moving forward," the school said in a statement. "Amidst recent speculation and media reports, the Louisiana Department of Athletics is confirming that coach Napier will continue to lead the Ragin' Cajuns football program."

"We are very excited about the future of Ragin' Cajuns Football under Coach Napier's leadership," AD Bryan Maggard said in a statement Monday. "We will continue to invest in the program to ensure we maintain and grow our successes. We believe a successful football program elevates the profile of the entire university, and we know there is much more to accomplish."

Napier is 27-11 in three seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette, including an impressive 9-1 campaign this season.

His current contract has a base salary of $880,000 this year, and he is under contract until 2025.

Billy Napier was someone #Auburn was very interested in, but sources tell me the Louisiana head coach is expected to remain with the Ragin Cajuns, and is very excited about the direction of their program and what they're building there.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 21, 2020

Can confirm @BruceFeldmanCFB report that Louisiana coach Billy Napier has declined interest in #Auburn job.

Names to watch: Bill Clark, UAB; Brent Venables, Clemson; Kevin Steele, Auburn DC.

First contact, discussions with committee began Sunday. Formal interviews begin today.
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) December 21, 2020

An update from the ?????????????????? Department of Athletics and @MaggardB on @RaginCajunsFB... pic.twitter.com/baW3EjH5j7
— Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns® (@RaginCajuns) December 21, 2020