One college football team's pursuit of James Franklin as the program's next coach just got a bit more complicated. Find out the latest college football coaching carousel rumors.

On this edition of " SEC Football Unfiltered ," a podcast from the USA TODAY Network, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams debate the merits of the Auburn job. They consider the candidacy of 10 potential targets, taking a particular shine to one coach who’s thriving at a nearby school in the ACC.

Auburn running back Damari Alston elected to redshirt for the remainder of the season shortly after Auburn's 20-10 loss to Georgia last month, and has now made a decision regarding his future on the Plains. Hayes Fawcett of Rivals reported Monday that Alston plans to enter the transfer portal at season's end. Alston confirmed the report on X.

Nick Saban retired from coaching following the 2023 season at Alabama. Since retiring, Saban has joined ESPN’s "College GameDay," appearing alongside Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and Kirk Herbstreit.

Meddling boosters within Auburn football? To John Cohen, that's a mystery. "That has not been my experience in three years," he said. "Not one time."

Auburn is now in full-time coach search mode after the firing of Hugh Freeze on Sunday, but don’t expect a new head football coach to be in place any time soon, if history is a guide.