Just over two weeks out from coaching his first game at Auburn, Bryan Harsin has tested positive for COVID-19. The first-year Tigers coach announced on Friday that he is asymptomatic but will quarantine for two weeks while the team continues to prepare for its season opener against Akron on Sept. 4. Because Harsin's positive result falls more than two weeks out from the game, he should be cleared to go once Week 1 of the college football season rolls around. CDC guidelines also allow quarantine to end after Day 10 if the infection remains asymptomatic.
In the meantime, assistant head coach Jeff Schmedding will act as the team's head coach.
"Yesterday I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. I am isolating at home while experiencing no symptoms," Harsin said in a statement. "As we have navigated through the pandemic, contingency plans have been in place should a situation like this arise. We prepared for this. Coach Jeff Schmedding will assume in-person head coaching duties and I will continue to participate remotely in meetings and practice. Just like in a game, teams that handle adversity and make necessary adjustments are those that are most successful. I have full confidence in our coaching staff and team. I know they will continue to prepare with the same intensity and focus that they have since camp started."
Harsin has not said publicly whether he is vaccinated but spoke positively of the vaccine during SEC Media Days in July. At the time, Harsin said his team was about 60% vaccinated -- a number that has improved in recent weeks.
"We've improved in our area with this team, with the vaccinations and where we are right now," Harsin said, per AL.com. "The education continues, and I said that before. That hasn't changed. So, right now the goal is we get started and we're going to be prepared for Sept. 4 and that we play and that we have a great experience, and that the guys that are here and the people that are part of this program have the chance to go out there and experience all the things that Auburn football provides: the Tiger Walk, the gameday environment, rolling the trees — all those things that come along with it. I fully expect it. I'm excited to be a part of it, and our team does as well."
