AUBURN, Ala. – His tenure as the World's Fastest Human nearing its end, Leroy Burrell planned to run to a new career practicing law.
But with a young son at home and another on the way, the Olympic gold medalist had second thoughts about spending three years in law school then working his way up in a new profession.
That's when his alma mater, the University of Houston, offered Burrell, who twice held the world record in the 100-meter dash, a job coaching track and field.
"I didn't think I was going to coach for as long as I have," he said. "Before I knew it, I was 10 years in and we were slowly building a program."
After 23 seasons 41 conference championships at Houston, Burrell came to the Plains in June 2022, taking the baton from Ralph Spry, who led Auburn's program for a quarter-century.
"I felt that I needed another challenge," he said. "The Auburn opportunity became available and I took it."Passing the baton: Leroy Burrell (left) succeeded Ralph Spry, who led Auburn track and field for 25 seasons
The Auburn family, Burrell says, has warmly welcomed him.
"Everyone has been phenomenal," said Burrell, who won a gold medal in the 400-meter relay in Barcelona in 1992.
Realistic about the challenges ahead, Burrell does not promise instant success.
"Make no mistake. This is the Southeastern Conference," he said. "It's a really good track conference. There are Olympians, medalists and NCAA champions sprinkled throughout the league. It's going to be a big challenge for us to get the program up to a really high level of competitiveness in the league.
"I'm hoping the things I do well and my staff does well enhances the success that has been built here in the past."
To achieve that objective, Burrell has assembled an experienced coaching staff with championship resumes.
"We've got some challenges ahead of us but I think the hallmark of really talented people is they try to figure it out where they are and make it work," he said. "That's what we're going about doing right now."
As in all sports, recruiting ranks at the top of Burrell's priorities.
"There's a tremendous amount of room for growth," he said. "A national championship has been won here. The conference is going to grow and change as well. With all of this growth, we've got to grow a little bit ourselves.
"That's the pitch: that there's a world of opportunity here. With change comes opportunity."
With an eye on upgrading Auburn's Hutsell-Rosen Track, opened in 2006, and consideration of using the indoor facility at the Auburn Athletic Complex when Auburn football transitions to the Woltosz Football Performance Center, Burrell sees Auburn's proximity to Atlanta and its airport as additional advantages.
"This place is playing a tremendous role in being leaders in reconciliation and regeneration," Burrell said. "I think that's really exciting. Auburn can be a leader in the state in that regard. That continual theme: we're renewing, regrowing, regenerating."
Leroy Burrell appreciates the reception he's received from the Auburn family. Now he wants to return the favor by welcoming fans to Auburn's track and field facility, located in the southwest corner of campus between West Samford Avenue and Lem Morrison Drive.
"This fanbase is tremendous," he said. "There are some amazing things happening. So look across the street. Exciting things have happened here and we want to continue to happen here.
"Look for some growth and hold us accountable. We have to live up to the standards that are inherent in our fight song and in the Auburn Creed. We want to be a part of that. We want our athletes to feel that.
"We're hoping that some fans can catch us at an event or two and support these young men and women because they're Auburn people. We're part of that family as well. If you're not doing anything in the spring, stop by and see us. We'd love to have you."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer
