Auburn Offensive Coordinator Breaks Down Detailed Play-Calling Structure and Collaborative Game Plan Approach Ahead of Highly Anticipated 2025 Football Season
As the Auburn Tigers continue their preparations for the 2025 season, offensive coordinator Kent Austin has pulled back the curtain on the team’s play-calling structure, giving fans and media a clearer understanding of how the Tigers’ offense will operate this fall. Auburn’s approach under head coach Hugh Freeze has always been rooted in both efficiency and adaptability, but Austin’s insight shows just how collaborative and calculated the process truly is.
For starters, the Tigers’ offensive game plan begins well before the team takes the field on Saturday. According to Austin, each week starts with a deep dive into the opponent’s tendencies, personnel strengths, and weaknesses. This process is a joint effort between the offensive staff, with every position coach contributing ideas, concepts, and situational strategies. Wide receivers coach, offensive line coach, and running backs coach all play a role in shaping the attack, ensuring every player group has input in the overall approach.
By Tuesday of game week, the staff has a preliminary script of plays they want to open with — typically around 12 to 15 scripted plays designed to set the tone, gauge the defense’s adjustments, and put Auburn’s offense in a rhythm. Austin emphasized that these scripted plays are not set in stone. The Tigers’ coaching staff is ready to adapt on the fly based on defensive looks, player execution, and game flow.
On game day, the actual play-calling is a layered process. While Austin holds the official title of offensive coordinator, head coach Hugh Freeze remains heavily involved, especially in critical situations. The two work hand-in-hand, with Austin making the primary calls and Freeze offering input on key downs, red-zone situations, and momentum-shifting opportunities. This dynamic ensures that Auburn’s offensive strategy benefits from both Austin’s tactical approach and Freeze’s big-picture vision.
Communication during the game is essential. Austin described how the offensive staff operates from both the sideline and the press box, with analysts and assistants relaying observations that may not be visible from field level. This top-down perspective helps identify defensive alignments, blitz tendencies, and coverage disguises in real time. Using this information, the Tigers can make quick adjustments, whether it’s changing protection schemes, altering route combinations, or dialing up plays to exploit mismatches.
One of the key principles of Auburn’s play-calling structure is balance — not just between run and pass, but also between explosive plays and high-percentage gains. Austin stressed that the Tigers aim to keep defenses guessing, blending power running with quick passes, deep shots, and creative formations. The offense also prioritizes tempo changes, using both hurry-up sequences to wear down defenses and deliberate pacing to control the clock when needed.
Another emphasis in Auburn’s offensive philosophy is player strengths. Rather than forcing players into rigid roles, Austin and the staff tailor plays to highlight each athlete’s skill set. For example, a speedy receiver may be featured in jet sweeps and deep routes, while a powerful running back could get more touches in short-yardage and goal-line situations. This customization ensures that every player feels like a critical part of the game plan.
Red-zone efficiency is another area where Auburn’s play-calling structure shines. Austin explained that the Tigers use a separate set of plays specifically designed for inside the 20-yard line. These plays focus on execution, spacing, and exploiting defensive tendencies that tend to tighten in short-field situations. Auburn’s staff also dedicates extra practice time each week to perfecting these plays, knowing that touchdowns — not just field goals — often decide close SEC games.
Perhaps the most revealing part of Austin’s breakdown was his description of how Auburn handles in-game momentum swings. When the offense is rolling, the Tigers aren’t afraid to press the advantage with aggressive play-calling. Conversely, when the offense struggles, Austin leans on simpler, high-confidence plays to rebuild rhythm and keep the team composed. This adaptability is something Auburn hopes will be a major asset in high-pressure SEC matchups.
With the 2025 season just around the corner, Auburn fans can take comfort in knowing that their offensive system is built on preparation, communication, and adaptability. Kent Austin’s explanation of the Tigers’ play-calling structure paints the picture of a well-organized, collaborative process — one that is designed to maximize the team’s talent and adjust seamlessly to the unpredictable nature of SEC football. If Auburn can execute this plan as effectively as they’ve structured it, the Tigers’ offense could be one of the most dangerous in the conference this fall.
