Auburn Hires Howard’s Larry Scott as Tight Ends Coach

Auburn University is set to add a familiar face to its football staff, hiring Howard University head coach Larry Scott as its new tight ends coach. The move was reported Monday by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, marking another high-profile hire under Auburn’s incoming head coach, Alex Golesh.

Scott’s résumé spans multiple levels of college football. Before leading Howard, he coached tight ends at Florida, mentoring standout talent like Kyle Pitts. He also held positions as offensive coordinator at Tennessee and tight ends coach at Miami, showcasing his versatility and experience in both recruiting and player development.

At Howard, Scott carved out a noteworthy tenure. He guided the Bison to back-to-back MEAC championships in 2022 and 2023 and led the team to the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl. His recruitment acumen brought in players such as Eden James, son of Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, adding both talent and attention to the program.

While Scott achieved significant success, his time at Howard also included challenges. This year, the team finished 5-7 overall with a 2-3 conference record, experiencing tough losses that underscored the competitive nature of HBCU football.

1. Tenure at Howard

Larry Scott’s time at Howard was a mix of triumphs and trials. He elevated the program by securing two consecutive MEAC titles, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level within HBCU football. The 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl appearance further highlighted his capacity to prepare teams for postseason play. Recruiting under Scott was a key strength. Signing talent like Eden James brought national attention and showcased his ability to attract elite athletes to Howard. These recruits played pivotal roles in Howard’s championship runs, helping to establish a winning culture on campus. However, Scott’s final season at Howard revealed the challenges inherent in maintaining consistency. The Bison suffered several critical losses, including a three-game skid against South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, and Delaware State. These setbacks illustrated the fine margins in competitive HBCU football. Despite these difficulties, Scott closed his Howard tenure on a high note with a victory over Norfolk State, led by former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, reinforcing his reputation as a coach capable of navigating both highs and lows.

2. Coaching Expertise and NFL Connections

Scott brings a wealth of coaching experience beyond HBCUs. His time at Florida saw him develop tight ends at the highest level of college football, most notably mentoring Kyle Pitts into an elite NFL prospect. His stints at Tennessee and Miami further cemented his credentials in offensive strategy and player development. His move to Auburn aligns with head coach Alex Golesh’s vision of integrating experienced, versatile assistants to rebuild the program. Scott’s combination of Power Five experience and success at Howard offers both recruiting leverage and on-field expertise. Scott’s presence on Auburn’s staff could also strengthen the pipeline between HBCUs and Power Five programs, providing valuable insights into emerging talent and underrepresented recruiting markets. His track record of mentoring top-tier athletes suggests he could make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ tight ends room. With Scott’s hire, Auburn signals a commitment to blending proven coaching experience with innovative recruiting strategies, aiming to re-establish the program as a competitive force in the SEC.

3. Looking Ahead

Howard University now faces the task of finding a new head coach to continue its recent successes. The program’s history, strong recruitment potential, and recent visibility make it an attractive destination for candidates eager to lead an HBCU to national prominence. For Auburn, Scott’s arrival represents a strategic addition to a staff tasked with rebuilding the Tigers’ offensive identity. His combination of coaching acumen, recruiting networks, and player development experience positions him to make an immediate impact in the SEC. As Scott transitions from Howard to Auburn, both programs enter pivotal phases. Howard must maintain momentum under new leadership, while Auburn seeks to leverage Scott’s expertise to strengthen its tight ends corps and overall offensive strategy. This hire underscores the growing influence of HBCU coaching talent within Power Five programs and highlights Auburn’s commitment to building a staff with proven experience and national recruiting reach.