John Cohen: ‘We’ve had conversations with Under Armour’

Auburn athletics director John Cohen told reporters Wednesday night he is beginning to look into the school’s future with Under Armour.

The Tigers have been affiliated with Under Armour since 2005, and signed a 9-year contract extension worth $78 million in 2015. However, the “exclusive negotiating window” between the two parties expires on Sept. 1, after which Auburn would be free to seek out another apparel provider.

Cohen, Auburn’s AD since October, said during an alumni event at the Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, Ga., that his department is beginning to formulate a plan on the future of its apparel deal.

“We’ve had conversations with Under Armour,” Cohen said via On3 Sports. “My knowledge of the history of this relationship is a little bit limited, although I’m getting information from our coaches, student athletes and our fans have an opinion. We’re doing a lot of research. We will do our due diligence and be ready to have conversations about the future of Auburn and our apparel partner. We’ll see where it takes us in the future.”

Auburn is among more than a dozen FBS schools contracted to Maryland-based Under Armour, a list that also includes South Carolina, Maryland, UAB and Notre Dame. However, Sports Illustrated reported last week that the Fighting Irish have let their negotiating window with Under Armour expire without agreeing to an extension, meaning the school is a “free agent” when it comes to its apparel deal.