Auburn introduces track and field head coach Ken Harnden: 'The journey has been epic'

AUBURN, Ala. – Unsurprising for a renowned sprints coach whose athletes cover long distances in mere seconds, new head coach Ken Harnden needed only nine words to outline his vision for Auburn’s track and field program.

“If they’re handing out a trophy, we want it,” Harden said Wednesday at Neville Arena during his formal introduction in front of an audience that included Olympians, national champions and a world record holder he trained. 

“It’s everything,” Harnden said of the in-person show of support “This is what we do it for. Everything we do is about these young people. Their support, day-in, day-out for me has been the foundation for what we do. When you take good care of people, they take good care of you.”

Only the sixth head coach in the program’s 105-year history, Harnden opened his remarks by thanking his family, Auburn’s administration and the student-athletes he’s developed the past four seasons on the Plains as assistant head coach and sprints coach. 

“Their dedication, their hard work, their perseverance, but mostly their determination, has brought this program to national prominence the last four seasons,” Harnden said. “Auburn is truly a destination in our sport, and that’s something to credit them with; they’ve done this.”

Born in Zimbabwe in Africa, where he grew up with International Olympic Committee president and Auburn swimming legend Kirsty Coventry, Harnden shared the African word “ubuntu.” 

“The meaning is basically, ‘I am because we are,’” he said. “I believe it means that the people around us are what make the difference. (Auburn athletics director) John Cohen has given myself and my family this opportunity to continue striving for national championships in a place filled with wonderful people.”

Harnden became an eight-time national assistant coach of the year, including five consecutive awards at Auburn, by embracing the work ethic outlined in the Auburn Creed. 

“Where I grew up, it’s that or nothing,” he said. “There’s 70-something percent unemployment in my country. You don’t work hard, there’s somebody waiting outside the door to take your job. It’s all we do.” 

Harnden’s work with four-time national champion hurdler Ja’Kobe Tharp led to a world record at last month’s NCAA outdoor championships. 

“I’m glad that he gets to be the face for a program that he’s built,” Tharp said. “There are no limits. He could make more record holders, make more collegiate records and continue to get trophies for this program.

“He’s a big mentor in my life. He’s teaching me to be sound and calm in high-pressure situations. With the world record, he’s the one who kept me as calm as possible throughout that whole crazy thing. He’s more of a father figure than a coach.”

A walk-on at North Carolina who sold t-shirts to finance his education, Harnden became an NCAA champion in the 400m hurdles before becoming an assistant coach for a quarter century, finally earning his first head coaching opportunity. 

“The journey has been epic,” Harnden said. “To have the opportunity to lead a program like this, to bring young men and women that truly want to be great, it’s the ultimate sacrifice – do things for others.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer