Auburn’s Ken Harnden Earns USTFCCCA National Assistant Coach of the Year for His Historic Sprint Coaching Impact

In a momentous recognition of excellence, Auburn University’s track and field program is basking in the national spotlight once again—this time thanks to the extraordinary efforts of associate head coach Ken Harnden. The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has named Harnden the 2024 National Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year, a well-deserved honor acknowledging a season of both unprecedented success and meticulous development in the Tigers’ sprint program.

Harnden, already widely respected in coaching circles for his transformative work with collegiate sprinters and hurdlers, played a pivotal role in Auburn’s surge on the national stage this past season. His coaching acumen culminated in an astonishing display at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where Auburn’s sprinters did more than just compete—they dominated.

Auburn’s men’s 4×100-meter relay team, under Harnden’s leadership, shocked the track and field world by capturing the NCAA title. Not only did they execute a technically sound race, but they also shattered records along the way, clocking one of the fastest times in collegiate history. That victory wasn’t just a gold medal performance—it was the cherry on top of a season that saw constant improvement, confidence, and cohesion among Harnden’s athletes.

Moreover, Harnden coached standout freshman sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi to one of the most impressive debut seasons ever seen by a Tiger. Ajayi made waves in both the 100m and 200m sprints, notching All-American honors and threatening the school records in both events. His consistency and poise at such a young age are a testament to the system Harnden has built and refined at Auburn.

The momentum behind Harnden’s success wasn’t just found in the short sprints, either. Auburn’s dominance extended into the 400m and the 4×400-meter relay, where his athletes continually demonstrated growth, discipline, and a fierce competitive spirit that defined the team’s identity throughout the season. Their performances were not only statistically elite—they were culturally significant, galvanizing Auburn’s track and field community and energizing the broader athletics program.

Ken Harnden’s journey to this national accolade has been a long time in the making. A former Olympian for Zimbabwe and one of the most respected minds in collegiate sprint coaching, Harnden brought a wealth of international experience and elite-level pedigree when he joined the Auburn staff. Prior to Auburn, his resume already featured coaching stints at North Carolina, Florida State, and Texas Tech, where he produced dozens of All-Americans and national champions. At Florida State alone, he helped engineer three NCAA team titles.

But what sets Harnden apart isn’t just his results—it’s his philosophy. Known for combining cutting-edge biomechanics with old-school discipline, he tailors every workout and every teaching moment to the individual athlete. This personal approach fosters not only improvement on the stopwatch, but character development that translates to every aspect of life for his student-athletes.

At Auburn, Harnden’s fingerprints are all over the resurgence of the men’s sprint program. Before his arrival, Auburn had talent but lacked the structure and cohesion needed to compete consistently with the likes of Florida, LSU, and Arkansas in the SEC—a conference widely considered the most competitive in the country. With Harnden’s leadership, the Tigers have not only closed that gap—they’ve often set the pace.

In the indoor season, Harnden’s sprinters sent a clear message to the rest of the nation. His athletes consistently placed at or near the top of national rankings, and the Tigers posted their highest indoor national finish in years. He guided multiple men to sub-6.60 times in the 60-meter dash—a milestone that denotes elite sprinting speed at any level.

Behind all the accolades and trophies, Harnden maintains a humble, athlete-first mentality. Following the announcement of his USTFCCCA honor, he was quick to deflect credit, stating: “This award is not about me—it’s about the athletes who show up every day, trust the process, and fight for every inch on the track. I’m incredibly proud of them. This is their award.”

Auburn head coach Leroy Burrell, a legend in his own right and a former world record holder in the 100m, praised Harnden’s impact in no uncertain terms. “Ken has completely redefined our sprint culture. He’s a technician, a motivator, and a builder. His attention to detail and demand for excellence have lifted our entire program. This award confirms what we already knew: he’s one of the best in the world at what he does.”

The recognition from USTFCCCA also signals a broader national respect for what’s being built at Auburn. In an era where recruiting wars and NIL deals often dominate headlines, Harnden’s success proves that fundamentals, coaching, and development still win championships. His work has made Auburn a top destination for elite sprinters and hurdlers across the country and even internationally.

Looking ahead, the pipeline appears as strong as ever. Auburn has secured commitments from several top-tier high school sprinters in the class of 2025, many citing Harnden’s coaching reputation as a primary reason for choosing the Plains. With a strong returning core and another offseason to fine-tune, there’s no reason to believe Auburn’s ascent will slow anytime soon.

But the season wasn’t without challenges. Harnden had to guide his athletes through injury scares, weather delays, and the psychological burden that comes with national expectations. That he managed to keep his team focused, resilient, and hungry for more speaks volumes about his leadership style.

Beyond the Xs and Os, Harnden’s success is also rooted in relationships. He’s known as a coach who listens, who motivates without demeaning, and who expects accountability while showing empathy. His athletes describe him as a mentor, a father figure, and someone who “gets it”—not just as a coach but as a human being who cares deeply about their futures on and off the track.

That bond between coach and athlete was on full display in Eugene. After the 4x100m win, Harnden didn’t immediately celebrate. Instead, he made sure to hug each member of the relay team individually—each with a few quiet words. There was joy, yes. But also gratitude and connection—symbols of a program that has gone far beyond just trying to win races.

The award also has significance in the broader landscape of collegiate athletics. In a time when assistant coaches often go underappreciated despite doing the lion’s share of developmental work, Harnden’s recognition sends a message: elite coaching matters, and those who teach, inspire, and empower should be celebrated just as much as those at the top.

In the wake of his USTFCCCA honor, there’s no doubt Harnden’s stock as a coach will rise even further. While Auburn fans hope he stays on the Plains for years to come, the impact he’s already made is undeniable. National titles, All-American honors, and now a national coaching award—his legacy is already cemented, and yet, the feeling around Auburn is that the best may still be to come.

For now, though, this moment belongs to Ken Harnden. In a sport defined by fractions of a second, he has managed to build something timeless—respect, excellence, and a culture that champions both speed and substance. As the Tigers reload for another season, they’ll do so with one of the best sprint coaches in the world on their side—one who just received national recognition to prove it.