As Auburn investigates Bryan Harsin, new policy requires employees to cooperate with investigations
AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn University enacted a new policy Tuesday requiring employees to fully cooperate with university investigations, with failure to do so punishable by termination.
The new policy went into effect as Auburn is "judiciously collecting information" about football coach Bryan Harsin's tenure at the school. However, it's wasn't immediately clear whether the Harsin investigation is what prompted the new document. It also wasn't clear when the document was initially drafted.
Auburn did not immediately respond to follow-up questions from the Montgomery Advertiser on Wednesday evening.
"Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination," the document says.
Harsin finished 6-7 in his first season and ended on a five-game losing streak. His alleged harsh mentality that contributed to extensive coach and player turnover is among the issues under the microscope.
MORE MONEY: Paste BN Sports databases show how much college football coaches earn
Auburn can fire Harsin with or without cause, but a firing without cause would require the school to pay Harsin's $18.2 million buyout, which cannot be offset even if he takes another job.
But the new document, which was last modified on the university's policy database at 2:44 p.m. CT Tuesday, might provide a window for Auburn as it weighs whether it has a case to fire Harsin for cause.
Firing Harsin for cause, which would free Auburn from the buyout, could be met with legal counter. The new policy states:
"Employees have a duty to cooperate fully and truthfully with investigations, inquiries, and reviews relating to their university responsibilities and professional obligations. For example, employees must do the following: cooperate in sharing requested information and participating in interviews; produce all requested university documentation within their custody or command; disclose additional information relevant to the investigation or review; and maintain confidentiality as advised.
"Employees participating in an investigation or review are protected by applicable policies against retaliation.
"Employees shall be entitled to relevant legal protections in matters involving potential criminal conduct."
In 2017 during the school's internal investigation into the men's basketball program, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl did not cooperate, refusing to interview with Auburn officials and university legal counsel.