ATLANTA (Oct. 19, 2026) - Officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. today announced that Auburn head football coach Alex Golesh has been selected as The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week.
 
The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
 
On a college football Saturday that saw five of the top seven teams in the AP poll fall to lower ranked teams, Auburn delivered the biggest upset of the day by beating top-ranked Georgia 27-24 on the road in Athens. Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown accounted for 150 yards and a touchdown passing, as well as 115 yards and a score on the ground. The Tigers passing attack got an additional boost from wide receiver Christian Neptune, who executed a trick play to perfection, faking the run before hitting Keshaun Singleton in the end zone for Auburn's first score. After trailing 14-0 early, the Auburn defense did their part to get back in the game, holding Georgia scoreless during the second and third quarters. Auburn's defense also forced three turnovers on the day, including a crucial fumble recovery with under a minute remaining to give the Tigers the ball near midfield. The recovery set up the Tigers' eventual game-winning drive, which concluded with a 34-yard field goal by Alex McPherson as time expired, securing the victory.
 
Saturday's win saw Golesh continue an Auburn tradition of beating top-ranked teams. The Tigers now have five wins over No. 1 teams since 1990, the most in the FBS during that time. Picking up the victory in Athens, however, made it even more monumental, as the Tigers had not won at Georgia since 1995. 
 
Auburn is off to a 4-2 start in Golesh's first season leading the Tigers. He also won in thrilling fashion to open the season in the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game when Auburn stopped Baylor's two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter to hold on for the 17-16 win.
 
"Whether it was playing under the bright lights at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in his Auburn coaching debut, or traveling to face the top-ranked Bulldogs in Athens, Coach Golesh has had his team ready for the moment," said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. "We have no doubt that this monumental win will be one of many accomplishments for this Auburn team under his leadership."
 
Off the football field, Golesh was recently a nominee for the prestigious 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, and has worked to create a culture of community service everywhere he has coached. In April, Auburn players visited East Alabama Medical Center to engage with patients and healthcare staff in a meaningful fashion.
 
"We had the pleasure of working with the Auburn coaching staff during the Aflac Kickoff Game, so his team's impressive victory on Saturday came as no surprise to us," said Peach Bowl, Inc. President and CEO David Epps. "Coach Golesh is passionate and authentic in his love for his players, as well as his commitment to return Auburn football to the top of the SEC."
 
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc., The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy. The award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.
 
A panel consisting of all previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The winner of the 2026 Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the CFP Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.