Under Alex Golesh, Auburn Football Will Be Defined by These Two Letters

New Auburn coach Alex Golesh brings a 'Fe' mentality to the Tigers, aiming to restore the program to its past glory

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:13am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field with players and action breaking down into sharp, overlapping shapes in dark navy, crimson red, and gold, conveying the intensity and energy of Golesh's high-octane offense.Golesh's 'Fe' mentality aims to shatter Auburn's recent struggles and rebuild the program into an SEC powerhouse.Auburn Today

Auburn has struggled in recent years, but new head coach Alex Golesh is looking to change that with his 'Fe' (short for 'F*** everybody') mentality. Golesh, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Tennessee and South Florida, is known for his high-octane offense and ability to develop elite quarterbacks. He's brought that mindset and several former players with him to Auburn, including quarterback Byrum Brown, as the Tigers look to reclaim their place among the SEC's best.

Why it matters

Auburn has not had a winning season since 2020, and the program has struggled to find consistent quarterback play and offensive production in recent years. Golesh's arrival represents a fresh start and a potential return to the program's glory days, when the Tigers were contending for SEC and national championships behind standout quarterbacks like Jason Campbell, Cam Newton, and Nick Marshall.

The details

Golesh's 'Fe' mentality dates back to his time as Tennessee's offensive coordinator, when he wrote the phrase on the whiteboard to motivate his players amid an NCAA scandal. The two-letter mantra has followed him to South Florida and now Auburn, where he hopes to instill a similar chip-on-the-shoulder attitude. Golesh has also brought several former USF players with him, including quarterback Byrum Brown and center Cole Best, who are familiar with his up-tempo, explosive offense. Brown, in particular, is seen as a potential difference-maker for the Tigers, with his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.

  • Golesh received the 'Fe' print from his high school chemistry teacher and mentor, Jeff Jones, a few years ago.
  • Golesh first wrote 'F*** everybody' on the whiteboard in Tennessee's offensive staff room five years ago, before shortening it to 'Fe'.
  • Auburn has not had a winning season since 2020, marking a five-year drought for the program.

The players

Alex Golesh

The new head coach of the Auburn Tigers, known for his 'Fe' (short for 'F*** everybody') mentality and his ability to develop elite offenses and quarterbacks.

Byrum Brown

The transfer quarterback from South Florida who is expected to lead Auburn's offense under Golesh, known for his toughness and ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.

Cole Best

The veteran center who followed Golesh from South Florida to Auburn, and who is familiar with the coach's up-tempo, explosive offensive system.

Jeff Jones

Golesh's high school chemistry teacher and mentor, who gave him the 'Fe' print that now sits behind Golesh's desk at Auburn.

Josh Heupel

The head coach at Tennessee, who put a stop to Golesh writing 'F*** everybody' on the whiteboard, leading him to shorten it to 'Fe'.

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What they’re saying

“He's fiery. To play for him, there's kind of a chip on your shoulder.”

— Cole Best, Auburn center

“Every time somebody would ask me how I'm doing, I'm like, 'I'm (expletive) elite right now.'”

— Alex Golesh, Auburn head coach

What’s next

Golesh and the Auburn Tigers will look to put their 'Fe' mentality to the test when they open the 2026 season against a tough non-conference opponent on September 7th.

The takeaway

Alex Golesh's 'Fe' mentality and his track record of developing explosive offenses and elite quarterbacks could be the spark Auburn needs to reclaim its place among the SEC's elite programs. If Golesh can translate that success to the Plains, the Tigers could be poised for a long-awaited return to prominence.