Terry Bowden, more successful in his first five years than any coach in Auburn history, resigned Friday amidst the team's worst start in 52 years.
Bowden said his resignation was effective immediately. Defensive coordinator Bill Oliver will become the interim coach for today's home game against Louisiana Tech."There continues to be a very serious and divisive public debate about the certainty of my status at Auburn University," Bowden said in a statement. "This is extremely harmful to the morale of the Auburn fans, our football staff, and most importantly the young men who play football at Auburn.
"It is because of my love for these players and of Auburn University that I cannot allow this painful controversy to continue. Someone must be willing to step up to the plate and put closure to this endless debate if Auburn is going to move forward. I believe that someone must now be me."
Bowden's Tigers are 1-5 this season, his sixth. His first five years were unmatched in Auburn football history. He was 20-0 in his first 20 games and took Auburn to the Southeastern Conference championship game last year. He had signed a seven-year contract in December.
Bowden, 42, son of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and brother of Tulane coach Tommy Bowden, came to Auburn from Samford in 1993. He went 11-0 his first season, a probation year at Auburn in which the Tigers were prevented from going to a bowl.
He extended his winning streak to 20 straight and never lost more than four games in a season. He was 46-12-1 through his first five seasons.
But injuries, off-field problems and a poor recruiting class have hounded Bowden all season. The Tigers lost five centers, a fullback and a backup running back to injuries while playing one of the nation's toughest schedules.
Auburn also lost seven signees due to grades. And that news came after starting safety Martavius Houston was kicked off the team for rules violations and starting receiver Robert Baker was dismissed when he pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking.
Headed into last week's game against Florida, athletic director David Housel had refused to discuss Bowden's future.