As new Director of Athletics John Cohen enters the ring for Auburn, many are wondering what the future holds outside of football-filled Saturdays.
After a successful season last year, including an appearance at the College World Series, Auburn's baseball program is full of potential. However, with a significant staffing change and the loss of eight players to the MLB Draft, the bright future has a number of question marks.
Cohen has extensive experience within the realm of baseball, whether it be playing or coaching. He made quite the impact for Mississippi State baseball during his seven years as head coach. From 2009-2016, he led the Bulldogs to five College World Series appearances, an SEC Championship and received two Coach of the Year awards.
Auburn enters its 2023 season with a sellout of season tickets, the third straight occurrence after the 2022 season saw a single season attendance record of 127,947 — surpassing the previously-set record in 2004 by more than 16,000.
Butch Thompson, current head coach for Auburn baseball, has a lot of history with the new athletic director. Thompson worked as one of Cohen’s assistants during his prosperous time at Mississippi State. At his introductory press conference, Cohen spoke at length about his past with Thompson — "I learned so much from that guy. Our eight years together were incredible.”
He went on to express that he is “intimately aware of the capabilities of Butch Thompson.” This solid foundation has the potential to develop a natural synergy within the Auburn dugout and Cohen in the upcoming spring season.
President Christopher Roberts opened the press conference by emphasizing that Auburn was looking for previous experience in the role and knowledge of the SEC as basic requirements in the search. Cohen’s history within MSU fit the mold Auburn was looking for in all aspects.
Under his leadership as head coach, the baseball program was just as impressive in the classroom and community as they were on the field. Cohen organized several community service outreaches for the team and produced 133 selections for the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Not only that, but as athletic director, Cohen led the Bulldogs to some of their most flourishing years.
Auburn is also in the midst of "Operation Atmosphere," an effort that works to renovate, expand and otherwise improve Plainsman Park to grow the impact of the venue on the game and fans. Having already completed improvements past the outfield fence, this initiative is working to make off-field improvements to match the increasing success of the program on the field.
Cohen’s versatile knowledge within athletics and academics makes him a one of a kind contribution to Auburn. Not only does he know the pressures of being an athletic director at an elite university, but having held a head coach position gives him a unique perspective.
Cohen is able to provide a well rounded sense of understanding within Auburn athletics, specifying how having prior involvement in a coaching position will benefit him supporting the athletic programs and their staff at Auburn.
“When you’ve got it, when you’ve sat in that particular chair, there is a little bit more connective tissue. You really understand.” Cohen said.
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