Advertise on podcast: Auburn Forever with Jay Jacobs

What does it really take to transform Jordan-Hare Stadium? Former Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs takes us behind the scenes of the decisions, disagreements, and multimillion-dollar projects that helped shape Auburn's game-day experience. In Episode 9 of Auburn Forever, Casio Kid sits down with Jay to uncover stories most Auburn fans have never heard. Jay reveals how Auburn decided to build one of the largest video boards in college football, why the university brought in the Disney Institute to improve customer service, and how a visit to Oklahoma helped inspire the Heisman statues honoring Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton. But that's just the beginning. Jay also explains why he wanted the media moved out of its prime 50-yard-line press box, how that space became premium seating in the Broadway Club, and what happened when his proposal to replace the north end zone scoreboard was stopped at a board meeting. Plus, you'll hear about: The challenges of modernizing an aging SEC stadium. The recruiting facilities and locker-room improvements fans rarely see. Why some stadium seating still doesn't have handrails. The business decisions behind luxury seating and donor experiences. The Disney training that changed Auburn's approach to game-day hospitality. The surprising history of Auburn's RV parking arrangements. What Jay would change if he had another $200 million to spend on Jordan-Hare Stadium. And don't miss Jay's hilarious story about being asked to promote the giant video board during Auburn's near-disastrous 2015 game against Jacksonville State! From the biggest construction projects to the smallest details of a Saturday on the Plains, this is a rare look at how Auburn's game-day experience was built. Auburn Forever is presented by Double B Ranch, a family-owned ranch in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to breeding, raising, and showing quality cutting horses. Special thanks to the Beasley Allen Law Firm for sponsoring this episode. FOLLOW AUBURN FOREVER Jay Jacobs on X: @JayJacobs89 Casio Kid on Instagram & X: @TheCasioKid Auburn Forever: @AUForeverPod Double B Ranch on Instagram: @double_b_ranch_ JOIN THE CONVERSATION What's your favorite improvement to Jordan-Hare Stadium? And what would YOU change if you had $200 million to spend?Tell us in the comments! Subscribe to Auburn Forever for more behind-the-scenes stories about Auburn athletics, its legendary coaches, unforgettable moments, and the decisions that shaped the university. Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #WarEagle

Before he led Auburn to Omaha, Butch Thompson was sleeping in his office, stretching a coaching paycheck, and leaning on his wife Robin as they chased an uncertain dream. Auburn’s head baseball coach joins Jay Jacobs and Casio Kid on Auburn Forever presented by Double B Ranch for a conversation about the sacrifices, relationships, and beliefs that shaped his journey. From his Mississippi upbringing and early coaching days to returning to Auburn as the head coach, Butch shares the stories behind the résumé. He also explains why developing players and building lasting connections still matter in a college baseball world transformed by NIL and the transfer portal. In this episode: • His year running Jefferson State and the security guard who brought him breakfast after nights in the office • Spending 15 months apart from Robin and their young daughters while getting started at Georgia • Returning to Auburn and the opportunity Jay Jacobs gave him • Pat Dye’s unforgettable advice for a new Auburn baseball coach • Keegan Thompson’s influence on Casey Mize and why Mize stayed at Auburn for draft night • The transformation of Plainsman Park and the meaning behind the 984 Club • Recruiting Frank Thomas’ son and embracing the challenge of his father’s legacy • Scholarships, roster changes, NIL, and building a program players want to call home • The mound-visit habit his dad inspired and what “Auburn Forever” means to his family What’s your favorite Auburn baseball memory? Tell us in the comments, and let us know who you’d like to hear from next. Presented by Double B Ranch. Thank you to Beasley Allen Law Firm for supporting Auburn Forever. New full episodes every Wednesday at 7 a.m. Check out Letters from the AD for more conversations with Jay Jacobs. FOLLOW THE SHOW & HOSTS: Auburn Forever: @AUForeverPod on Instagram, X, and YouTubeJay Jacobs: @JayJacobs89 on XCasio Kid: @TheCasioKid on Instagram and X Like, subscribe, comment, and share with another Auburn fan! Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #AuburnForever #WarEagle #AuburnBaseball #ButchThompson

Bruce Pearl joins Jay Jacobs and Casio for a conversation about faith, family, second chances and the decision that brought him to Auburn. In Episode 7 of Auburn Forever, presented by Double B Ranch, Bruce and the athletic director who hired him revisit the Auburn hiring process from both sides. From a difficult first interview to Brandy’s advice involving two different jackets, Bruce explains why he couldn’t accept the job until he looked his family in the eye. Jay shares why he believed Bruce deserved the opportunity and how he and David Benedict ended up waiting at a gas station just down the road from Bruce’s house. Bruce also opens up about growing up Jewish outside Boston, the knee injury that changed his perspective, learning under Tom Davis, and the coaching opportunities he turned down or never received. Along the way, he shares personal stories about his children, the sacrifices his family made for his career, and why Auburn became home. In this episode:• The childhood experiences that shaped Bruce’s faith and leadership• His journey from Boston College student manager to head coach• Why he turned down a Division I opportunity at Middle Tennessee• The family conversation that helped bring him to Auburn• Jay’s conversations with Mike Hamilton, Mike Slive and NCAA investigator Dave Didion• Bruce’s decision to step away from coaching and his next chapter• His views on Israel, antisemitism and faith• What “Auburn Forever” means to him Have a question for Bruce’s next appearance? Leave it in the comments! Recorded at Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator in Auburn’s Research Park. Auburn Forever is presented by Double B Ranch, a family-owned ranch in Montgomery, Alabama, breeding, raising and showing top-quality cutting horses. Follow them on Instagram: @double_b_ranch_ Thank you to the Beasley Allen law firm for supporting Auburn Forever. Subscribe and turn on notifications. New full episodes premiere every Wednesday at 7 a.m. Catch our standalone segment, Letters from the AD, for Jay’s Auburn football report card. Follow the show and hosts:Auburn Forever: @AUForeverPod on Instagram, X and YouTubeJay Jacobs: @JayJacobs89 on XCasio Kid: @TheCasioKid on Instagram and X Like, comment and share with your Auburn family. Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #WarEagle

What really happens before Auburn announces a new head coach? In Episode 6 of Auburn Forever presented by Double B Ranch, former Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs joins Casio Kid to take listeners inside the coaching search process, from interviews and references to confidentiality, contracts, and finding the right fit for Auburn. Jay shares the story behind hiring Bruce Pearl, including a first interview that didn’t go as expected, the next-morning coffee that changed the conversation, and a surprise trip to Pearl’s home to finish the deal. He also recalls a search committee conference call whose confidential candidate list was leaked by someone listening in. The conversation reaches across Auburn Athletics, with stories about coaches in basketball, baseball, golf, gymnastics, swimming, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Jay explains what a coach’s record can’t tell you, why he preferred speaking directly with candidates, and what he learned from hires that didn’t work out as planned. If you could ask a head coaching candidate one question, what would it be? Leave it in the comments! Catch our earlier conversations with Gus Malzahn and Nick Clinard for the coaches’ perspectives, and check out Letters from the AD for Jay’s grades on Auburn football. New episodes drop every Wednesday at 7 a.m. on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Follow us:• Auburn Forever: @AUForeverPod• Jay Jacobs on X: @JayJacobs89• Casio Kid on Instagram and X: @TheCasioKid Please like, subscribe, comment, and share with an Auburn fan! Presented by Double B Ranch, with additional support from the Beasley Allen law firm. Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #WarEagle

College athletics brings in big money. So where does it all go? On Episode 5 of Auburn Forever presented by Double B Ranch, former Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs joins Casio Kid to explain the financial decisions behind the teams, facilities, and experiences Auburn fans love. Drawing on his time as AD, Jay walks through television revenue, ticket sales, donations, scholarships, travel, and student-athlete support. He explains how football helps fund other sports, how budgets get built, and why coaching changes cost much more than a head coach’s buyout. Plus, Jay shares stories behind: • Building what is now Neville Arena and designing its student section.• Creating the Wellness Kitchen and South Donahue’s athletic village.• Balancing donor priorities, facility needs, and championship expectations.• Auburn’s move from Russell Athletic to Under Armour, including why Nike didn’t bid at the time.• How NIL and athlete compensation have changed spending priorities. Along the way, Jay and Casio discuss Auburn’s reported FY2025 finances, SEC comparisons, and why the numbers need context. What surprised you most? Leave a comment with your questions for Jay and topics you’d like us to cover next! Catch up on Jay’s Journey Parts 1 and 2, our conversation with golf coach Nick Clinard, and Episode 4 with Gus Malzahn. Watch our YouTube-exclusive Letters from the AD for Jay’s grades on Auburn football. New full episodes drop every Wednesday at 7 a.m. on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow:Auburn Forever: @AUForeverPod on Instagram, YouTube & XJay Jacobs: @JayJacobs89 on XCasio Kid: @TheCasioKid on Instagram & X Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Double B Ranch, and supporting sponsor, Beasley Allen. Like, subscribe, comment, and share with an Auburn fan! Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #WarEagle

Gus Malzahn joins Jay Jacobs and Casio Kid for an inside look at some of Auburn football’s most unforgettable moments, from recruiting Cam Newton to the 2010 national championship and the incredible 2013 run. On Episode 4 of Auburn Forever presented by Double B Ranch, Gus shares his journey from Arkansas high school football to the Plains, how his hurry-up offense took shape, and the stories behind the decisions Auburn fans still talk about. Jay and Gus revisit: • Recruiting Cam Newton and the three goals he brought to Auburn. • Cam’s moped accident before his first Auburn game. • The uncertainty surrounding Cam’s eligibility and preparing two different game plans. • The locker-room leadership behind the 2010 Iron Bowl comeback. • Michael Dyer, Nick Fairley, and beating Oregon for the national championship. • Gus’s head-coaching interview with Jay, Bo Jackson, Pat Sullivan, and Mac Crawford. • Rebuilding the team’s confidence in 2013, Nick Marshall, the Miracle at Jordan-Hare, and the Kick Six. • How Jay ended up with the footballs from BOTH unforgettable 2013 finishes. • The formation that helped seal Auburn’s 2019 Iron Bowl win without snapping the ball. Gus also discusses his role on the College Football Playoff selection committee, whether he could return to coaching, and what it means to be back home in Auburn with his family. For the first time, he’s experiencing the eagle flight, the band, and tailgating as an Auburn fan. Through it all, Jay and Gus reflect on their friendship, the Auburn Creed, and the people who make Auburn special. Auburn Forever is proudly presented by Double B Ranch, with additional support from the Beasley Allen law firm. Learn more about Beasley Allen: https://www.beasleyallen.com New full episodes drop Wednesdays at 7 a.m. on YouTube. Follow @AUForeverPod, @JayJacobs89, and @TheCasioKid. Check out Letters from the A.D., where Jay grades Auburn’s performance, and send us your questions and stories. Like, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with another Auburn fan! Recorded at Auburn University’s New Venture Accelerator in Auburn’s Research Park. Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #WarEagle

How does an Auburn walk-on eventually become the man leading Auburn Athletics? In Episode 3 of Auburn Forever presented by Double B Ranch, former Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs continues his story with Casio Kid in Jay’s Journey Part 2. After his playing days ended, Jay had no master plan to become an athletic director. His path took him from coaching at Lee-Scott Academy to working under Pat Dye, running Sewell Hall, strength and conditioning, athletic administration, fundraising and eventually leading Tigers Unlimited. Jay shares stories from working with Auburn players and coaches, what he learned from Pat Dye and David Housel, why fundraising became one of his favorite jobs, and how years of seeing Auburn Athletics from nearly every angle prepared him for an opportunity he once never imagined. Then Jay takes us inside the process of becoming Auburn’s Athletic Director in 2004, including multiple interviews, the phone call that changed his career, what his parents told him, and the responsibility he felt taking over the program he had loved his entire life. Getting the job was one story. What happened after he got it is where a whole new chapter begins. Auburn Forever is presented by Double B Ranch and supported by the Beasley Allen Law Firm. New full episodes drop every Wednesday at 7 AM. Follow Auburn Forever: @AUForeverPod Follow Jay Jacobs: @JayJacobs89 Follow Casio Kid: @TheCasioKid Have a story, question or Auburn topic you want Jay to discuss? Leave it in the comments. Like, subscribe, comment and share to help more Auburn people find the show. Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. War Eagle!

Auburn men’s golf coach Nick Clinard joins Jay Jacobs and Casio Kid on Auburn Forever presented by Double B Ranch. Clinard shares his journey from playing golf as a kid in North Carolina to becoming a college coach, the story of Jay hiring him at Auburn in 2009, and the years of work that went into building Auburn into a national championship program. They discuss recruiting, facilities, culture, developing players beyond the golf course, the state of college golf, and the unforgettable moments behind Auburn’s 2024 and 2026 national championships. Plus, Clinard reflects on what he hopes his legacy at Auburn will ultimately be following his selection to the Hall of Fame. Auburn Forever is hosted by former Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs and Casio Kid. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Double B Ranch, and to Beasley Allen Law Firm for supporting Auburn Forever. Follow @AUForeverPod on Instagram and X. Tradition Then. Family Now. Auburn Forever. #WarEagle

Former Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs tells his Auburn story from the beginning — growing up in Alabama, his family and high school football years, walking on to the Auburn Tigers, and the experiences that eventually put him on a path toward leading Auburn Athletics. In Part 1 of Jay’s story, Jay and co-host Casio look back at his upbringing, the people and experiences that shaped him, and his journey to Auburn University as a walk-on football player. Jay takes us inside his playing days at Auburn and the lessons he carried with him as his college football career came to an end and a new chapter in coaching began. This is only the beginning. Part 2 continues Jay’s journey through his coaching and administrative career and ultimately to the moment he was named Athletic Director at Auburn University. AUBURN FOREVER PRESENTED BY DOUBLE B RANCH Auburn Forever takes you behind the scenes of Auburn Athletics with former Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs and co-host Casio. Hear the stories behind the games, coaches, decisions, championships and moments that helped shape Auburn — told by someone who was there. A special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Double B Ranch, for helping make Auburn Forever possible. Facebook We’d also like to thank our sponsor, Beasley Allen Law Firm, for supporting the show. Beasley Allen Law Firm | Helping Those Who Need it Most Follow Auburn Forever: Instagram: @AUForeverPod X/Twitter: @AUForeverPod Subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss Part 2 of Jay’s story and future episodes of Auburn Forever. War Eagle! #Auburn #AuburnFootball #AuburnTigers #AlexGolesh #AuburnAthletics

Auburn Forever with Jay Jacobs & Casio Kid will feature in-depth conversations with former players, coaches, administrators, and influential members of the Auburn family. In addition to guest interviews, listeners hear firsthand stories and behind-the-scenes insight from Jay Jacobs, whose decades of experience as an Auburn student-athlete, administrator, and athletic director provide a unique window into some of the most memorable moments in Auburn history. The podcast's mission is reflected in its tagline: “Auburn Stories Told By The People Who Lived Them.”