Alex Golesh details why Iron Bowl period is in Auburn’s practice

Gary Cosby Jr. - Tuscaloosa News/USA Today images

He has a goal for his program and is not backing off.

Alex Golesh doubled down on his intentions as Auburn’s new head coach in Saturday’s press conference.

OPINION: Alex Golesh sends warning shot at Alabama as Auburn’s new HC

Why Golesh doubled down on ‘Iron Bowl’ period at Auburn’s practice?

He installed an ‘Iron Bowl’ period in spring practice where players can focus on being at their best for one of the most iconic rivalries in college football. Golesh made a calculated decision to have “Dixieland Delight” play during the period, letting the players understand the importance of setting small goals to achieve before chasing bigger ones. He knows Alabama football is the gold standard of the state, and it is what he intends to knock down and replace it with Auburn. Golesh takes things one game at a time, but he stated he has embraced the rivalry against the Crimson Tide as something more than just a game.

Alex Golesh on the Iron Bowl practice period:

“It ain’t important unless you make it important. If I’ve gotten any message from the Auburn family it’s the fact that that game is really, really important. Well, if it’s important to them, then it’s certainly important to me.” pic.twitter.com/4KLn0aEEDN

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) April 4, 2026

“It ain’t important unless you make it important,” Golesh said about making the Iron Bowl a priority.

“If I’ve gotten any message from the Auburn family it’s the fact that that game is really, really important. Well, if it’s important to them, then it’s certainly important to me.”

Auburn football plays “Dixieland Delight” during Iron Bowl period in spring practice

Auburn wants to get to a place where it is competing for Southeastern Conference Championships and College Football Playoff National Championships, yet it has to establish a base first. Golesh knows it, and it is why he’s been intentional about having an Iron Bowl period in every practice. He desires for his program to have the confidence to always beat Alabama.

The game means a lot for the Tiger faithful, and now it is hitting Golesh too. 

This year’s matchup will be in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, so it should be entertaining.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.