Drago Ćeranić

Drago Ćeranić joined the Auburn soccer program as Associate Head Coach on December 10, 2024, becoming the first staff addition under head coach James Armstrong. Recognized for his defensive expertise and player development, Ćeranić quickly made an impact on the Plains. In his first season, Auburn ranked second in the SEC in fewest opposing shots allowed per match and consistently limited opponents to one goal or fewer. His defensive unit helped the Tigers earn results against multiple ranked conference opponents, while players such as Hayden Colson and Lily Devereaux earned All-SEC recognition for their performances anchoring the midfield and back line. Prior to Auburn, Ćeranić spent the 2024 season at Mississippi State, where he helped construct one of the nation’s top defensive units. The Bulldogs led Division I with 16 shutouts, posted a 0.45 goals-against average, and conceded just two goals in SEC play while sweeping the league’s Goalkeeper, Defender, and Midfielder of the Year awards. He previously served as an assistant coach at Mercer and Iowa, contributing to conference championships and postseason success. A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Ćeranić was a four-time all-conference player at Mount Mercy University and later earned his degree in multimedia design and communications. He and his wife, Andrea, have one son, Alek.