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Auburn keeping Harsin after probe into mistreatment

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Auburn is retaining head coach Bryan Harsin following an investigation into an alleged toxic culture within the program, Tigers president Jay Gogue announced Friday.

"Over the past week, my administration conducted that review," he said, according to The Athletic's Chris Vannini. "It included meetings and interviews with current and former football coaching and administrative staff, numerous players, university administrators, and other individuals who offered perspective on the issues that had been raised.

"To be clear, this process, which was never individual- or outcome-specific, did not yield information that should change the status of our coaching staff or football program."

Harsin denied any wrongdoing in the wake of an exodus from the Tigers and previously said he wasn't "planning on going anywhere." Eighteen players and five assistant coaches have departed the team this offseason.

"This has been one of the hardest weeks of my career, and it had nothing to do with my coaching ability," said Harsin. "The personal attacks on me and my family went too far and were without justification."

Auburn went 6-7 during Harsin's first season in charge after arriving from Boise State, finishing with five straight losses.

Gogue said the school was attempting to "separate fact from fiction" when he announced a probe into the potential misconduct last week.

Auburn officials met with Harsin on Wednesday night, according to Thamel and Low.

If the Tigers fired Harsin without cause, they would owe him 70% of the remaining value of the six-year deal - around $18 million - signed in December 2020.

The university implemented a new policy Tuesday allowing for the firing of employees who do not cooperate with an investigation or review.

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