Mr. College Football

By Saban will NOT...

December 11, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

…not be at AL in 2 years. He will be at Notre Dame after Weis is fired next year - BOOK IT!

By ha

December 11, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

thanks guy. ill book it right next to all the predictions for a uga national title this season. the predictions of domination over bama, uf, tech etc. etc. etc. once theyre all booked ill just file them away under ‘F’ for fail.

By SecIsFootball

December 11, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Saban will NOT….Keep that dream alive buddy. I can understand, after seeing what he did this season, why other SEC fans would want him gone, but all you have there is a lot of hope. But I say run with that!!

As for Spurrier to AU…I would be shocked if that happened. I dont care how big Spurrier is. Lowder believes he is bigger than AU and I cant imagine Spurrier working for that guy since he basically runs the school. Stranger things have happened but I just cant see it.

By JB

December 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Auburn must gamble on a unknown. Saban and Lowder factor. Some young, hungry coach. But, Some name recognition as to get into living rooms. Saban can’t sign them all, as Richt can’t in Georgia. Only 4.5 mil per year will get a NAME in there. I don’t see that happening. Good luck Tigers.As for Charlie Strong, I think there is a skeleton in his closet. Mississippi State is a tough sell. LSU,Ole Miss, Bama and Arkansas real, real close. Blue chip will all go to those schools.

By Sautee Dawg

December 11, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Tony i don’t think your talking about the same Steve Spurrier, Auburn does have problems like most schools with alum’s trying to help run the program from the hip. As much as Spurrier loves to win i think he could do wonders at Auburn, and with 2 to 4 million a year that makes getting home to the beach about an hour away by air. I wouldn’t rule out him going.

By Plainsman

December 11, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Hard to imagine Spurrier at Auburn, too many big egos clashing. You know who & his boys run the loveliest village. No way Spurrier will kowtow to that bunch.

By La Jolla Dawg

December 11, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

I am very curious as to why Charlie Strong has not been tapped as a head coach. Seems like his name has come up consistently the past few years and he interviews, but no offers…hmmmmm. Any thoughts Tony?

By cb@cb.com

December 11, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

These rumors about Spurrier jump up every year. Folks, he ain’t leaning Columbia until he hangs up the visor. He has invested way too much of himself into the program. The results haven’t been what they should, yet, but, he is gonna stick it out until he figures it all out for the Gamehens.

By Eric1

December 11, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

My top 3 choices for AU HC:

3 Jerry Glanville

2 Ray Goff

1 Joe Lee Dunn

WDE

By bigaufan57

December 11, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

All the names mentioned in the AU coaching search are part of the smokescreen. The firm they hired to conduct the search has dialed in on a big name with SEC ties (from his days at South Carolina). Skip Holtz will be the next Auburn football HC. This is the holdup with him taking the Syracuse offer. This will be an impressive hire of a great up and coming coach!!!

WDE!

By NASCAR

December 11, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

It has to be race doesn’t it with regard to Garner,Strong.Croom,Crennel etc.?

By jackets

December 11, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Spurrier’s gonna give up his membership to Augusta National to go to Auburn, AL? hahahaha.. those auburnites are delusional

By Jim

December 11, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

You know its an auburn fan when instead of talking about auburn they want to talk about Alabama and Saban. Isn’t horrible being the ugly step-sister.

Roll Tide

By Atlanta Gator

December 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Comments in response to Tony——

(1) While it’s a high compliment to Steve Spurrier to be considered for every SEC opening, I can’t see ihim leaving South Carolina for Auburn, unless Spurrier somehow lets his ego get the better of him. He understands all of the problems to which Tony alluded, including the dysfunctional internal political problems within the Auburn administration and among overly influentional alumni. Spurrier has never had to deal with anything like that at Duke, Florida or South Carolina, and it would be crazy for him to take it on at this point in his career. Better to retire early.

(2) I don’t know enough about Rodney Garner to comment, but Auburn has layers of internal issues that go beyond the selection of their next coach.

(3) Gators defensive coordinator Charlie Strong would make a great head coach for any Division I program, especially any school that needs a kick in the pants defensively. Dare I suggest, however, that there is a lingering racial issue involved? Coach Strong, who is black, has a drop-dead gorgeous wife, who is white, and two daughters. We’ve made a lot of progress in this country and the South over the last 40 years, but that may still be hard for some alumni to accept at some schools. I hope what I say is not true, but I fear that it is.

(4) It would be difficult for Mullen to coach the Florida offense in the BCS title game and fulfill his recruiting priorities for his new Mississippi State program during the next 30 days. The MSU program has a good recruiting class pending, and could be better with his full attention. More important to the Gators than his coaching on game day is his game-planning beforehand, and that needs to be a full-time job for the 28 days.

This is a natural consequence of the Gators’ success under Urban Meyer, and Meyer is going to have to figure a way to deal with it because its likely to be a recurring problem. Somebody is eventually going to hire Charlie Strong way, and other Gator assistants will considered, too.

(5) Tough call for Skip Holtz. Syracuse has history and tradition; East Carolina does not. If Holtz continues to have success, he will leave ECU soon, if not this year. Turner Gill is out the door as soon as he gets the right offer; he has done all he can in Buffalo. The Bufflalo program’s greatest moment was turning down a bid to the Tangerine Bowl because the Orlando organizing committee refused to let blacks participate. There aren’t many other high points for Buffalo.

By RBS

December 11, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Auburn needs to hire Skip Holtz - he has the best combination of all the skills necessary - Charley Strong needs to get some head coaching experience someplace like East Carolina or Buffalo before he jumps into a BCS school

By Gene

December 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Spurrier has already shown that he is bigger than the president of SC. Lowder is the “Nero” of Auburn and the two “divas” would clash. Lowder’s money will not attract a strong-willed coach. The thing in Auburn’s favor is, Saban will not win a conference championship with Tebow at UF. When Tebow graduates, it will be up for grabs, but we know Saban is an unfaithful lover and will fly to the next program with a fat checkbook. Auburn is, indeed, in for a rough time and should never have dumped Tuberville.

By Eric1

December 11, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

F.Y.!

By ugablows

December 11, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

auburn=nebraska why would any decent self respecting coach want to be under lowder’s thumb? if yall don’t get the right guy in place then you are going to be firing people every few years and competing with miss state for last place in the sec for the next 5 years

By SecIsFootball

December 11, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Gene…While I can understand where some of the comments about Saban jumping around come from, I think you guys have too much hope he will leave BAMA for another job. The guy moved around like a lot of coaches as an assistant and ended up HC at Mich State. 5 years later he was offered the LSU job. I am not sure I can fault a guy for wanting to go from the Big 10 to the SEC. He wanted a shot at the NFL. Took it and realized he liked the college game (just as Spurrier did). He comes to BAMA where he is making huge money, his family is happy, his daughter will likely attend UA next year and he has the Tide back among the elite in college football in just 2 years. He is bringing in major talent and setting UA for a long run of success similar to LSU, UGA, UF, etc. Why would he leave that situation when UA can offer just as much in salary as any team out there?

By Wil Walton

December 11, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Spurrier to AU, no. Holtz to AU, maybe. Saban skipping town after next season, maybe. Crimson Tide had a perfect storm this season. Unfortunately it ended with a loss to one of the most dominate teams I have seen in a few years. I don’t know where Saban would go, but with the Bama (un)realistic expectations and a 3 loss season in 09, he may just bolt (for more $). I don’t think Mullen will last long at MSU. What are the rumors on the UF OC replacement? Maybe they can hire Willie Martinez, he might be a better OC than he is as a DC, LOL. On a sidenote, it’s interesting to me that I have not heard any rumblings from Auburn fans about stealing Muschamp from Texas. As soon as I heard about the coach in waiting title for him, I expected Lowder to pull the tirgger on TT the next day.

By Hog Tired

December 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Petrino’s probably getting tired of Fayetteville. It has after all been a full year that he’s been there. Wonder of he is going to wind up at Auburn….time for a change….

By chili-dawg

December 11, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

If one is interested simply in the color of the coaches skin, then it makes sense to talk about Rodney Gardner. If one is looking for a thoroughly knowledgeable defensive or offensive assistant capable of taking a step upward then he’s not your man. He hasn’t even been a coordinator. He may be a decent defensive line coach but little else. He is woefully limited skillwise in terms of what it would take to be a major college head coach. Lets go with merit here and not PC correctness.

By shane#1

December 11, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

1- Spurrier to AU, why? How would this benefit Auburn or Spurrier? Spurrier would be taking over a program that defeated one of the best in the business. Why put himself in direct competition with Saban for recruits? Saban may be even more relentless than Meyer when going after talent. SOS cannot beat UGA and Clemson for recruits in South Carolina, how can he compete with Saban in Alabama? Most of these young people don’t know what SOS did at UF and don’t care about championships won before they were born. From the Auburn point of view, why hire a sixty three year old man who hasn’t won much in almost a decade? Even if Spurrier were successful at Auburn, chances are they would be looking for a new head coach in four or five years. That is no way to build a program. As for the rest of Tony’s points, what Atlanta Gator said. How did a guy that smart wind up a Gator fan? He must have gone to Stetson!

By alphasport

December 11, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Auburn’s Choices:

1. Should inteview Chris Hatcher from Ga Southern: he has and will continue to be a winner: Mike Leach and Will Muschamp were on his staff. He is fan friendly, he plays agressive football, and knows all the high school coaches in ga, al, fl. he would be a perfect fit for auburn based on what they are going thru…

2. George Oleary would be a great choice as well… No one has mentioned his name.

3. HOw about the OU offensive coord…. he puts 62 pts up a game…

4. personally, i think chris hatacher is the best guy, he has won a championship, he can recruit,…. the fans would love him and you would not have to pay him as much money in the beginning…

5. Bobby Johnson and Rich Brooks are great coaches, look how well they have done and what they have to work with. imagine bobby johnson at auburn…

Keep all this in mind

By Old Pirate

December 11, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Someone down below said that coaches need to get some training at places like East Carolina or Buffalo before they go to a BCS school.

I want to correct something. East Carolina and Buffalo ARE members of the BCS unless the powers to be are lying to a lot of people.

Neither school is in a conference where the conference winner has an automatic bid to the BCS, but both can get to a BCS bowl with excellent seasons. See Boise State, Utah, Tulane as examples.

I wanted to correct this since too many people are telling too many high school seniors this perpetual lie. And if you wish to say I’m not correct, then fine…let’s go with President Elect Obama’s idea (he was not my candidate) of a playoff and forget these labels of BCS.

I like playoffs…you have to earn your spots and not be “picked”. Right Mac?

By Matt

December 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I think everyone should fire their head coaches and hire all BLACK coaching staffs. That’s the only way the media will be happy, and that’s what I care about. THE Media.

By KneeJerk

December 11, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Chili-dog… i agree 100%. What has Garner done besides recruit?

By Miles

December 11, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Spurrier is the best coach in the country…Auburn would be foolish to not hand him a blank check…as for the aggravation to which you had alluded Mr. Barnhart, there’s no coach in the world with tougher skin than Spurrier, i.e., embracing the political culture of any particular university would be the last thing on Spurrier’s mind…of course, my observations don’t negate your valid points…he’s probably not going anywhere given his personal situation (golf, family, etc.)…but, if I were Jay Jacobs, he’d certainly be on my Christmas list!

By Rabun Dawg

December 11, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator, Excellent post ,as you usually do! I am kinda like Shane#1, did you really go to UF? Maybe Rollins?

By SCOTT WALLACE

December 11, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

AS FOR STEVE SPURRIER GOING TO AUBURN I THINK THAT WOULD BE THE BEST MOVE IN AD FAVOR DUE TO THE TALANT THAT AUBURN GETS EVERY YEAR. STEVE SPURRIER COULD BUILD AUBURN INTO A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM IN A COUPLE OF YEARS. THE MAN IS A RECRUITER AND HIS NAME WOULD ATTRACK ALOT OF WRONG KIDS FOR WHAT HE STANDS FOR A WINNER.

By GATORZONE

December 11, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Auburn is regretting their decision yet? What do you fans of AU think? Roswell Ed, where do you stand on this?

I would hate to know that I fired a proven winner for a possible up and coming coach.

By Holla

December 11, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Spurrier only goes to Auburn if Tubs becomes the AD.

Otherwise he stays away from Auburn, like he did this past Saturday?

By Pete Carroll

December 11, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

On his way to Auburn. This way he can coach in the mighty SEC.

By UghAh

December 11, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

With Skippy Holtz you get Looney Lou Holtz. What a dweeb!

By RAMDAWG

December 11, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

AUBURN WILL SURELY MESS THIS ONE UP.SHOULD LOOK AT JIM GROBE-WAKE FOREST BOBBY JOHNSON-VANDERBILT THEY DO ALOT WITH VERY LITTLE.ALSO CHRIS HATCHER-GA SOUTHERN DEREK DOOLEY-LA TECH WOULD ALSO BE GOOD HIRES.IM A GEORGIA GUY SO I REALLY DONT CARE IF THEY MESS THIS UP.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN A BOOSTER RUNS YOUR FOOTBALL TEAM.

By SecIsFootball

December 11, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Will Walton….the “perfect storm”. If by that you mean 9 seniors and playing 16 true freshman the perfect storm, ok. Next year these freshman are a year older and Saban is still bringing in a lot of talent. We will have some drop-off next year due to the change in QB but everyone sees what is happening in Tuscaloosa and if I would you, I would not look for UA to be taking a significant dive anytime soon.

By "GOOG" Dawg

December 11, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t matter if Spurrier is at UF,SC or AU and wins every game against UGA, he will never win the SEC championship or NC while a player at UF.UGA cleaned his clock his Heisman Trophy year and he’s never gotten over it!

By BetThis

December 11, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

The Urban legend will be the next HC at Notre Dame. That is the job he covets. Hard to understand though since the Golden Dome lost it’s glitter years ago.

By reebok

December 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Auburn won’t hire a (relatively) unknown assistant coach, no matter the credentials, because they need a BIG NAME to create buzz and excitement. I’m not saying this is a good move, but it’s what I think they will do…you don’t compete for headlines and publicity with the Saban juggernaut by hiring Rodney Garner…no matter HOW good Rodney Garner is.

And BTW I’m a Tech fan - so I HOPE I’m wrong and Garner goes to AU!

By DawgGirl32

December 11, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Spurrier at Auburn? That would make for some gooood drama. Lot’s of divas. It wouldn’t totally surprise me though. I think Spurrier’s just about done at South Carolina. I think he realizes that it’s probably a lost cost considering who else he has to compete with in the SEC. I don’t know if the church-going folk of Auburn would really like him, though. He definitely doesn’t have that soft demeanor that Tubberville had. It would be a lot of fun to watch it all unfold, though. I was wondering the same thing yesterday about why didn’t Auburn interview Dan Mullen. They really missed the boat with that one. He seems like he would be a better fit there anyway. Skip Holtz would be an interesting choice but I think they’re really trying to get a super high-profile kinda guy. At least they would have Lou Holtz on their side. :/

By Sid

December 11, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Sylvester Croom’s experience at MS wiil set African-American coaches back to the 1800’s. Let’s get real here!!! If Bear Bryant,Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno were African-American and each had 100 years to coach,none of none of them would be hired in the State of Alabama!!!

By reebok

December 11, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Oh, one other thing - I sure hope Pat Nix doesn’t go to Auburn, because as long as he is at Miami, my Jackets can book a sure win against them every year.

By O'LearyMyAzz

December 11, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

By alphasport

December 11, 2008 10:15 AM |

George Oleary would be a great choice as well… No one has mentioned his name.

George O’Liary will be unemployable after this latest episode. Killed ANOTHER kid. O’Leary is a real POS.

By gtne80

December 11, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

What’s this fascination with Spurrier? He had some good years at UF. But was that a function of Spurrier or a function of UF?

After that, he was a marginal-to-bad coach in the NFL, and hasn’t accomplished anything of substance at South Carolina.

To me, his reputation is overblown. He’s been exposed. For all of his bluster, I think he’s a mediocre coach at best.

By auburnfan

December 11, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

This whole thing has been a mess, from students protesting, to Auburn officials losing credibility. This situation is making an already long season MORE painful.

I would like to see Auburn get either Paul Johnson or Turner Gill. They both can run the triple option and have won championship either as a player or coach. I don’t think they necessary have to get a coach that has SEC/Southern ties. Saban, Miles, and Urban Meyer didn’t when they first came to an SEC school and look how they turned out.

It’s hard to see the glass half full right now because if Auburn doesn’t get this right, they are going to be bad for years to come.

By Wil Walton

December 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

SecIsFootball - You gave examples that prove what I said. The Tide were AHEAD of schedule, had NO injuries, and were able to compete at a very high level for every game. Here’s the point of the (un)realistic Bama expectations, is that you think they will do this every game of every year as long as Saban is there. Not possible. There WILL be let downs. There WILL be significant injuries. Some of those young players my falter (they’re just young men). And in the SEC, it’s very difficult to run the table every year. The Gators are a prime example: 9-4 record sandwiched between 2 BCS champ game appearrances. I haven’t analyzed the schedule, but off the hip I think Bama loses up to 3 next year. Just my opnion. For all we know in the SEC, the Vols and Ole Miss could be playing for the championship next December. BTW, I never said that Bama would take a significant dive (9-3 is not a significant dive).

By mcdawg

December 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Rodney Garner is a no-brainer for Auburn-UGA has been smart to go outside of the South for players:

we won back alot of South GA players from FSU and alot of the kids that went to Auburn in the 90s but with FSU coming back and if Garner goes to Auburn we will not have a lock on in-state talent

upside is UT is going down which has taken a good deal of talent from the state of GA

By Will

December 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Big Tone,

Thank’s for the interesting blog. I liked the good news (from a dawg perspective) about the Gators.

Mullen going to Miss State and perhaps C Strong leaving. Now if we can get Tebow, Spikes and Harvin to jet we might be in business next year. I also think that Urban will be gone after Notre Dame fires Weiss next year.

So maybe the sun will come up after all for my dawgs again concerning the “worlds largest cocktail letdown waste of time & money game”.

Also, I would love to recommend a fine coach for the AU job. He is really hot in the coaching circles these days. His name is Willie Martinez. If I were AU I would hire this up-and coming guy! If not maybe he can go to Syracuse or Buffalo or Cook High School. Just go somewhere.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

It always amuses me when there is a new head coaching search and it gives the bama haters the opportunity to whine about Saban and say he’ll be gone next year. Are people just stupid or what?

Every job Saban left was a job promotion. He left Mich St. because it was a little brother program and the jump to LSU was a huge promotion since LSU is the only big boy in LA. Like Spurrier and a lot of coaches his ego got the better of him and he jumped to the NFL. He realized he didn’t like being a pro coach and came back to head the program of the BIGGEST FOOTBALL NAME IN THE SOUTH.

There’s not one logical reason why Saban would leave. He is stuck at Bama. Nobody is going to pay the amount of money Bama is willing to pay. He already has Bama in elite status in only his 2nd year and has a full recruiting pipeline coming in every year now. Why leave all that you’ve built and start all over again from scratch when no one can pay you more money to begin with anyway? Doesn’t make sense does it?

Nobody would hire Saban anyway. If he jumped ship from a successful Bama program that he built from scratch then why would any other big time program want to hire him? Wouldn’t they then logically worry that he would do the same to them or simply retire in 2-4 years? He’s not a young coach anymore. He’s 55, he has his retirement lakehouse built one state away, and he’s already said this is his last stop. He will fulfill his 8 year contract and then retire into the sunset at 63.

Saban’s daughter will be attending college next year and they’ve aleady said she will likely attend Bama. What idiot on here believes that he would leave Bama and subject his daughter to the inevitable bad feelings towards her that some students would have if he left?

Lastly, the Sabans were so happy to be here before this great season that they committed 1 million dollars in scholarship money to the university to be donated at 100k per year over the next 10 years. Does that sound like someone who is leaving anytime soon?

And BTW for pretty much the same reasons Spurrier isn’t leaving Carolina. Carolina is the last stop for him also.

By DawginLex

December 11, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Spurrier ain’t going nowhere. Auburn needs to hire a young up and comer and live with the process of building excitement over the next few years. The challenge is finding an OC or a DC who can be successful there.

If I were Aubie, I would offer Chris Peterson the farm and the keys to Lowder’s ranch and get him on the Plains. He has gotta be mad over the BCS snub and maybe he realizes that Boise is never going to get the respect it deserves playing on a blue rug in a high school league.

By murfdawg

December 11, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Why would AU go after a mediocre coach who can’t win more games than Lou Holtz? At least Holtz took a 1-11 team and turned them around. Spurrier has only increased the Thursday night tv time for USC. Also, visor sales are up in Columbia.

By typical bulldawg fan

December 11, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Who gives a sh!t about mullen. Allbarn can go ahead and hire Gardner if they want to! We will be jus fine!! Stanford and Mareeno comin back for a championship run in 09!

By GT

December 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

You have to interview minorities in the NCAA. I think Auburn is doing all the window dressing but have no intension to hire anyone they are talking to now. They interviewed Nix to satisfy the alumni and Brady Hoke is a one year wonder like Lewis was at Tech. Holt is the man they want. He comes from the same situation that brought them Dye, which I assume they were happy with. If he beats Kentucky he will get an offer, or he has one in his pocket already and is waiting for the bowl game to finish.

By IM4BAMA

December 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hell, I don’t know who Auburn should get, other that he better be good on offense and hope the defense doesn’t go down from where it is now. Most importantly, he better be one hell of a recruiter.

The truth is, no matter who it is, I think they fail in getting good recruits and feel confident that the defense will suffer and go down too. It’s not great to be an Auburn Tiger anymore.

You know, the more I think about it, I like Charlie Strong but I would try to get Patrick Nix to come home and be his offensive coordinator. I think that combination could work. There is now way in hell I hire Turner Gill though.

By GW

December 11, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I can’t help but wonder what is missing with Charlie Strong? He has the football resume’ but something is holding him back and I don’t think it is skin color.

By Gman

December 11, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Paul Johnson would be my #1 choice - I was at Ga Southern back in the day when he coached there, I think whatever program he runs will be dominant for the next 10-15 years.

I like Spurrier - big name value, could coach another 10 years, great offensive mind, which I don’t recall if we have EVER had that at Auburn, and why wouldn’t he leave South Carolina, there is nothing keeping him there……Rhodes is under contract through next year as DC….let me post this funny comment from someone on another boad, this thing just cracks me up:

“My Mamaw lives next to Spurrier’s lawn maintenance guy and his nephew told her that Spurrier was laying off his uncle. Now read into it what you want…could be the guy can’t cut grass or could be Steve is packing up headed to the Plains…we just don’t have enough to go on. I asked Mamaw to keep up the detective work…more to come”

By Dignan

December 11, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Saban is not a money-chasing coach. It was the challenge of the NFL that brought him away. Then he realized he did not like it & came back to college football FOR LESS MONEY THAN HE MADE WITH THE DOLPHINS! Why would he just go to Notre Dame after he is just getting his recruits in there & have to start all over again? This is only people wishing he was going to Notre Dame. As for Spurrier to Auburn, I could see it happening but it is unlikely.

By Gman

December 11, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

By the way - this conversation is abt Auburn and not Alabama…….Saba ain’t going anywhere until he retires, he is all set, so let’s focus on the school that has an open head coach position…..

By Elvis

December 11, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Hey ha…

that looked like a “typical” post from that gator fan that always finishes with BOOK IT, not a Dawg.

Saban will not be leaving Bama any time soon. Money??? Is it not Bama that broke the bank for him? How much will they pay him once he wins a SECC or NC? I’m sure he will be around for awhile. Petrino is another story…

PLEASE oh PLEASE let Spurrier go to auburn. The thought of SOS and lowder fighting is just too much fun! Any coach that goes to THAT school until lowder is gone is nuts. I would like to see Garner and Strong get HC gigs but not there.

Does anyone really care about Syracuse?

Go Dawgs

By shane#1

December 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Rabun Dawg, Rollins? Really? Now I am jealous! What a combination, smart, and a rich Daddy! How many Rollins Tri Delts does it take to change a tire? Four, one to bring the wine, one to bring the cheese, one to call AAA, and one to call DADDY!

By ATLtiger

December 11, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Spurrier to Auburn… let’s do it! And while we’re at it let’s all fire Jay Jacobs and hire Tubbs at AD! I like the combination… Tubbs and Spurrier running the Tiger Den! They have my vote!!!

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Will Walton,

You obviously know very little about football and certainly even less about bama football. Yet you state that we lose 3 games next year while admitting that you haven’t even seen the schedule yet. That’s interesting. You state that you think Saban will leave after next year but you can’t give a specific reason as to why he would leave. There is no reason he would leave. He will probably just end up retiring in 3-5 years.

What you don’t seem to understand is that Bama expectations are far more reasonable than what people like you think. Only one coach since Bryant died has been fired solely due to nonperformance. Mike Shula. Every other coach was fired over personal indiscretions Mike Price and hookers, Mike Dubose and a sexual harassment suit, Bill Curry, Ray Perkins, Franchione, all left of their own accord. None were fired. I think our expectations are pretty realistic and most Bama fans before the season were thinking we win 7-9 games with most people being happy with 8 wins for this season. People understand that there is more parity now, that programs have up and down years, and that its not realistic to expect 10 plus winning seasons every year. Its only people like you who portend to know what Bama fan’s expectations are that give Bama fans a bad name. You don’t have a clue what our expectations are. Lastly, you think we lose 3 games but you haven’t seen our schedule. Let me clue you in on 2009. Its our odd year so 3 of our 4 toughest games will be at home whereas this year our biggest rivalry games were on the road, UGA, LSU, UT, only Auburn was at home. We lose UGA and pick up South Carolina so that’s definitely an easier game. We could lose 3 games but given the way our schedule is set up its highly unlikely. One or 2 is more like it. We’ll be even better next year so its actually more feasible that we would have an unbeaten season next year as opposed to this year. You should do a little research before spouting your mouth off.

By Dogbyte

December 11, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Why is Michael Carvell(Recruiting Page)the only blog master on the AJC who sets reasonable standards for posters/posts? No objectionable “screen names” or inappropriate comments. There is no “freedom of speech” issue; just common decency and public protection from exposure to adolescent potty-mouths. Is he the only one with cajones? Apparently so

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

First Mullen, now Strong seems a probability.

What’s next, an NFL franchise interviewing Meyer?!!!!

Oh, the humanity!

By Stephen

December 11, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I would like to put the rumors to rest. I am not a candidate for the Auburn job. I like my cubicle window desk job.

Thank you.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Spurrier is not going to Auburn. He is settled in, his wife and family wanted Carolina to be the last stop, and he’s near retirement at 63. He is not going to move again only to start all over again and uproot his family. If Bama pursued him 2 years ago with $4 million and he didn’t leave then I think its safe to assume he aint leaving now.

By ColdHardTruth

December 11, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Whomever Auburn hires at this point needs to be an experienced HC who can recruit vs. Alabama/Saban and has the chutzpah to match the King in Tuscaloosa. All the names I’ve seen mentioned are interesting but Auburn is not in a position to take a chance on either a relatively “young” and/or “inexperienced” HC at this time. Too much of a gamble. If you, do at the end of the day your just “guessing.” If I’m the AD at Auburn I am going after Paul Johnson of Ga. Tech, Navy, Ga.Southern and Hawaii fame. The man can flat coach, he’s a winner and and he’s got as much or more moxy as Saban. Maybe he’s already told Auburn “NO” If so, that’s not a good sign that you can’t entice someone from Tech to Auburn. Ask Bill Curry why he left Tech for Alabama? Ans. National Championships.

By beware of ECU coaches

December 11, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Sahne#1 & Rabun Dog:

Neither Stetson nor Rollins are academically superior to the falgship university in the Sunshine State.

But, since you asked:

Hey Atlanta Gator, what insitution is your alma mater?

By Granddawg

December 11, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I didn’t like Tommy Tupperware but Auburn will find replacing all the things he can do(with one person)extremely difficult.

By Bamafan

December 11, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Auburn thinks that they can get the Ole Ball Coach??? Are you kidding me!! Who in the hell wants to put up with the bs from Raines and the biggest prick Bobby Lowder!! Auburn needs to get rid of these people and get a AD that knows how to hire a young and good coach. All head coaches had to start as oc or dc to become head coaches these days. Turner Gill looks like a good choice or Rodney Garner for the job!! IF SABAN WAS TO LEAVE ALABAMA FOR THE FIGHTING IRISH, HE BETTER GET A BULLET PROOF VEST FAST!!!!!!! ROLL TIDE FOLKS!!

By typical bulldawg fan

December 11, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

HAW

HAW

HAW

NOBODY WANTS THE JOB ON THE PLAINS! FLORIDA WILL NOT HAVE ANY COACHES NEXT YEAR! GT WILL SUCK AGAIN SOON, EVERYONE FIGURES OUT THAT OFFENSE NEXT YEAR AND GEORGIA WILL BE ON TOP AGIAN!!

NATIONAL CHAMPS IN 09!!!!

By Chuck Uga

December 11, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

IF AUBURN WAS SMART, THEY WOULD HIRE PAUL JOHNSON IMMEDIATELY.

By gt4ever

December 11, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

AU and UT deserve every thing they get! Firing two top notch coaches is ABSURD! AU may not win two games next year, and UT will not do much better……

By Wil Walton

December 11, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

bama12titles - You’re right, I don’t know that much about Bama’s history. I never spouted off, I never said that Saban was definitely leaving. I only said there is a possiblity. There’s always a possibility for ANYTHING. Just like there’s a possibility of Bama going 9-3 next season with an un-seasoned QB, still a young team, and in the SEC anything can happen. The expectaions coment is because a lot of Bama fans that I talk to think that Saban will bring a dynasty, and I respectfully disagree. Not many dynasties in the SEC anymore (in my opinion a dynasty is around 10 years of great seasons, UF in 90s, UA in multiple decades, etc). I just think Saban seems to get antsy (although some great points were made in other posts about his career progression). Didn’t mean to get on a tangent about Saban to begin with. So, bama12titles, why the personal attack? You have no way of knowing how much anyone on a blog really knows about football.

By Gman

December 11, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Smart man ColdHardTruth, smart man……Paul Johnson is the man, Tech made a gutsy and great call pulling him from Navy. He is the best coach I know of…..

By eazy

December 11, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

You know why Charlie Strong and Garner are not getting the calls.

By eazy

December 11, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I knew Spurrier wanted out at South Carolina, because he has been making a bi stink down there about the Confederate flag.

By SecIsFootball

December 11, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Wil Walton….not sure which BAMA fans you talk to but if you judge it based on the few who post on this blog, then your sources are not very reliable. What BAMA fans want is for UA to be competitive for the SEC year in and year out. No one things we will do what we did every year but you go on believing that. I want to be in the SEC race each year and a team that when UGA, UF, LSU, AU etc play us, they know they are in for a tough game. We havent had that in a long time and it is finally back. If we finish 9-3 next season, I am ok with that. We lose some key players. I predicted 8-4 this year and was pleasantly surprised. I would project 9 wins next year going into the season. We have the coach who will keep BAMA competitive year in and year out and that is what we want. Try not to judge an entire fan based on the actions of few.

By typical bulldawg fan

December 11, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

My alma mater is…..

Pickens County High School!!!

Wooo HOOO!!!

By Wil Walton

December 11, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

bama12titles - I forgot to add, thanks for analyzing the schedule. Good food for thought and very good points for an easier road to a better record than 9-3. But you can’t compare away games from 08 to home games in 09 because it will be a different team.

By Atlanta Gator

December 11, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

G8R GRAD——-I’m proud to say that I am a three-time graduate of the University of Florida. As my Atlanta UGA friends like to tease me, that makes me the “Dreaded Triple Gator.”

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

eazy & Atlanta Gator:

Y’all might be right about Charlie Strong and the HC jobs in the south.

When you consider that Florida, North Carolina and Virginia were the only southeastern states to elect Obama president, I suspect your assertion may hold water.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator:

Attaboy!

1) Undergrad

2) Masters

3) JD?

By Elvis

December 11, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

bama12titles…

Bill Curry left on his own accord???

If a brick through his window is the start of his own accord, maybe. It was not “technically” a firing, but we all know…

For what it’s worth, like I posted above, Saban will not leave any time soon and Bama will not win less than 8 games while he is there.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Will Walton,

Its nothing personal against you. I just get tired of hearing all the nonsense that Saban would leave after 1-2 years when logic and common sense dictate that he aint going nowhere. That and the idea that Bama fans are so unrealistic. That’s all.

Our expectations were spelled out pretty well by secisfootball. We expect to compete every year for the sec and especially for the west division. We’ve historically dominated our 2 main rivals in the west so its not unrealistic to expect us in most years to be in the top 2 in the division.

We were down in the 2000s due to probation so we now expect (all things being equal) to go back to where we were in the 90s:5th winningest program of the 90s, 2 sec titles, 1 nc, and more division titles than anyone else in the west. Those are our expectations, they are realistic, and having 9-3 or 8-4 seasons periodically in rebuilding years is not a big deal.

We just had a perfect regular season, lost only to a great UF team, and should go 13-1 against Utah. While we are understandably elated we certainly don’t expect this to be the norm. Far from it. The sec is way to competitive and everyone has their up and down years.

By ramblin gamblin

December 11, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

To “eazy” The Confederate Battle Flag at the Soldiers’ Monument in Columbia was a deal agreed upon by the NCAAP several years ago and then they starting whining wanting it down. Spurrier made the comment two or three years ago that the flag should come down. Spurrier does not know the issue on the flag from his butt. He’s using it as an excuse for not winning big. If the Confederate Battle Flag on the statehouse grounds in Columbia hurts his recruiting then Spurrier needs to think again. Spurrier needs to get in his luxury car a ride to Montgomery, Alabama and he’ll find FOUR Confederate Flags surrounding the Confederate Monument on the statehouse grounds. Since Saban and the Tide are winning big, maybe Steve Spurrier should ask the South Carolina Legislature to add three more Confederate Flags to the statehouse grounds in Columbia so he can compete with Alabama. Spurrier’s a joke, he can’t even compete with Clemson.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Elvis:

“If a brick through his window is the start of his own accord, maybe.”

Is that a metaphor, or did that really happen?

BTW: I never did understand wht UA got rid of Bill Curry. He’s a class act and a very good coach.

By fishpol

December 11, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Best coach for Auburn is Pete Carroll of the university of Southern California. Make him an offer he can’t refuse. Five or six million should do it .

By dap01

December 11, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

This article was about Auburns search for a HC. But it has turned into a discussion of Alabama.

Bama won it’s first meaningful games this decade and all of a sudden the Bear has been reborn and the rest of the college world is only hoping for second place.

Alabama is a very good program that had an excellent year but Alabama fans need a little prospective and humility.

By Dawgman

December 11, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I WOULD LAUGH MY A*! OFF IF PAUL JOHNSON ENDED UP AT AUBURN. I THINK HE WOULD LEAVE TECH IN A HEARTBEAT TO GO SOMEWHERE LIKE AUBURN. YOU HAVE A CHANCE OF A TITLE AT AUBURN. DON’T SEE IT HAPPENING AT TECH. THAT WOULD SURE BE SOMETHING THOUGH. I WOULD PAY MONEY TO SEE THAT.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Elvis,

Bill Curry didn’t get fired or pushed out by the administration. Every program has its overzealous fans and yes, some nutcase threw a brick through his office window.

But if Bill is gonna let one disaffected fan run him outta town then its obvious he isn’t cut out for bigtime coaching to begin with. Anyone who would let a small time vandal decide his career choice needs to be on a smaller stage.

By KneeJerk

December 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

O’Leary 2 be fired at 2pm today. Trainers willing to testify against him

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

eazy & Atlanta Gator:

ramblin gamblin’s 12:42 post is a case in point.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Dawgman:

Let’s use our “inside voice,” please.

By BjohnDawg

December 11, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

bama12titles …..I call bullcrap.

You guys were on the band wagon last year when you were 4-0 and then playing UGA at home.

And now you want people to believe that most bama fans only expected to win 7games.

Dont believe it. BAMA fans are always complaining about their coach.Hell I remember when Bama fans use to complain about the Bear should retire in the later years.

Whine Complain,whine and complain. And personally I dont think you will be better next year. You will not have that experienced QB in Wilson. He won you some games this year with his poise.

By KneeJerk

December 11, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Don’t know why you’d be laughing Dawgman…he’d still outcoach and probably beat your team once a year.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

bama12titles:

OVERZEALOUS?!!!!!

Is that what you call it?

By any stretch, that’s a serious threat to the man and his family.

How can you possibly down-play an incredibly stupid act like that?

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

G8r grad,

Yeah. It really happened. Bama was #2 in the country, unbeaten, and got beat by Auburn in the last game of the season to ruin a national title shot. Curry was largely successful but lost all 3 shots at Auburn. A disgruntled fan threw a brick threw his office windown after the Auburn game that night.

But he was never fired or pushed out. He just said he had had enough, the pressure was too much for him, etc. so he left. There were some legit criticisms and some not so legit. Losing 3 in a row to Auburn was not legit to me. Auburn had Pat Dye and to me Auburn was the dominant team of the 80s in the sec. No shame in that. But he was disliked for being something of an elitist. The biggest knock on him was in recruiting. He didn’t like going into really rough inner city neighborhoods to recruit and absolutely would not go into a housing project to recruit black athletes. It was beneath him and he was worried about safety. If that was the case is it any wonder a brick through a window ran his arse off if he was also scared to go into tough neighborhoods?

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator:

Or is it:

1) Undergrad

2) Masters

3) PhD?

By KneeJerk

December 11, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Charlie Strong to UCF????

By Bubba2

December 11, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Steve Spurrier leaving the COOTS? He has not ruined his legacy yet. Give the COOTS 2 more years and adios! I understand that his new goal is a winning record against SEC opponents. He has given up on winning the SEC or MNC Championship. Well the COOTS are 514 wins and 514 losses with 44 ties. That is hard to do. DAMN GOOD COOTS!

By tide rising

December 11, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

dap01,

Don’t know what you got to used that old, tired line about digging up the bear again. Get over him already. he been dead 25 yrs. bama fans don’t expect to go 12-1 every year just because of 1 great year. We dont expect to be the new USC and win 7 straight conference titles. We just expect to now be competetive. And for your info this isn’t the first meaningful games we’ve won this decade. We had a couple other 10 plus winning seasons in the 2000s and spent most of the 2005 season in the top 3.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Or:

1) Undergrad double-major

2) Masters/Phd/JD?

By Skip

December 11, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Spurrier and his wife have stated several times that he took the SC job to do something no one had every done…winning an SEC at SC. He’s already had one top 10 rated recruiting class and about to land his second within 3 years. Their class is rated #8 currently. Looks like he is on his way to changing/upgrading the SC football program. Why would he give up what he has started at SC just to start over at another school at the age of 63???

By Atlanta Gator

December 11, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

GR GRAD——You flatter me. *Shhhh!

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

bama12titles:

Still, the man fielded good, no great football teams - and y’all still ran him out of town!

I understand expectations are a potent elixir and I suspect that if/when Coach Meyer decides to stretch his legs in the NFL, the Gator Nation will behave similarly.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

G8r grad,

Overzealous does indeed mean a little crazy doesn’t it? Isn’t that why they call them religious “zealots” when they blow up buildings and people.

I’m not downplaying the idiot that threw a brick through his window. What I will say though is that the punk who did it is just a coward. I can understand why Curry or some other people would be afraid but if it was me personally I would just attribute this act as the doings of a coward who aint got the cojones to confront someone in person. You think the guy would be a threat as some people would also think the same. I on the other hand think the guy who did it is just a coward and while I would be ticked off I wouldn’t be scared of a punk of his caliber.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Atlanta gator:

C’mon, inquiring minds want to know!

(not really, we understand if you’d like to preserve some semblance of privacy)

By Joe

December 11, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

PLEASE don’t go to Auburn Spurrier!!! Clemson loves beating you too much. I love to watch you throw that visor!

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Bjohndawg,

People were excited last year when Saban started out 4-0 but don’t think Bama fans expected to go 12-0. They didn’t last year nor this year. They were just excited last year because it was a new start to a new era. You mistook excitement over one game for unrealistic expectations over a season.

I can’t imagine who the hell u were talking to but the average bama fan thought we would win 7-9 games this year with the average being 8 wins and the most optimistic fans looking for 9 wins and possibly a miracle 10 wins.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

bama12titles:

Well put.

By shane#1

December 11, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

G8RGrad, We were just having a little fun with Atlanta Gator. He is a regular on the blogs and I have enjoyed his well written and thoughtful posts for some time now. I am well aware that UF is a fine institution and that it produces many world class water skiers. Or is that Miami?

By Victor

December 11, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Three or four years from now, Auburn will be kicking themselves for not hiring TURNER GILL.

By shane#1

December 11, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I must leave ya’ll now and stuff my face with some bar-b-que. I don’t know what’s wrong with this blog today, but there is some intelligent conversation and most who write have had something to say. I hope Chip can straighten things out when he returns from vacation and we can go back to the usual foul language and trash talk. Maybe someone will hijack my name and pretend to be gay. That’s always funny!

By Actually...

December 11, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

The infamous Curry brick incident occurred after Alabama lost to a very average (at best) Mississippi team at homecoming.

By typical bulldawg fan

December 11, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

shan#1 Adios GAYFER!

By Charlotte Dawg 06'

December 11, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Every fan base has it’s bad apples. I think most of it depends on who you spend time around especially in unavoidable places such as work. There are so many Ohio State fans I work with here that have made me much more of a conference fan now than ever before. But I still hate the rest of you on game day.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

I’m signing off for the day. I reckon I have to do some work in between my plethora of posts. But before I go I’ll make my bold and not so bold predictions of the day. The not so bold is that Spurrier stays put. He aint going nowhere. The bold prediction is that Skip Holtz gets hired as Auburn’s new head coach. May not happen today but I think he may be the new man by the end of the week. JMHO.

By bama12titles

December 11, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Actually,

You may very well be right. It may have been after the Ole Miss game that the brick incident occurred. If I remember correctly it was the first time in history that Ole Miss had beaten Bama on Bama soil so a lot of people were really ticked. But that game didn’t occur in 1989. In 1989 Bama was unbeaten and ranked #2 in the country when Auburn upset us 30-20 in the last game of the year in the regular season. If the brick through his glass incident occurred it had to have been the year before. Either way it was disgraceful for the idiot to do that. Signing off now

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Gator:

Although attaining three degrees is a herculean accomplishment, you must be some sort of glutton for punishment!!!

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

shane#1 & bama12titles:

Bye ladies!

Y’all stay out of trouble now!

By Elvis

December 11, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

G8R GRD,

I see that bama12… has taken care of the fact of fiction portion.

Wheter he left on his own or not is a matter of opinion. However, usually a coach does not leave Bama for Kentucky on his own. (Unless it is in BBall)

How about Ray Goff to Auburn!?!?! Auburn needs to look at what gives them success…hiring a UGA grad.

Go Dawgs

By The Big Bug

December 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Why the hell would a successful coach at Tech even consider the AU position?

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

I nominate Coach Mike Turk, Head coach at Huttingdon College in Montgomery, AL. for the AU job. Formerly the OC at Troy, loved and respected by his players and alum and one of the finest football minds in the biz!

By USC Gamecock

December 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

NO WAY SPURRIER leaves USC for anybody…

bama chased him with 4,000,000 and he said NO

miami chased him and he said NO

tennessee asked him and he said NO

now aubarn thinks they have a shot in hail? …. that is funny…. NO WAY…he would NEVER leave USC for aubie folks…NEVER

USC rolls iowa in the Outback Bowl

tennessee watches on tv.

Poetic Justice at work right there

By TideGirl

December 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Saban just built a multi-million dollar lake house in Georgia. That’s so convenient to Notre Dame. Please.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Elvis:

To his credit, bama12titles appropriately chastised the brick thrower as a coward and profound dullard. However, I couldn’t help but feel that he continued in his disapproval of Coach Curry’s performance (read that: his inability to beat AU). Doesn’t characterizing Curry as an elitist cast aspersions on the fan base? I find it hard to believe that the man wouldn’t venture into troubled neighborhoods to seek a recruit’s commitment! Sounds like urban myth to me.

By MattSEC#1

December 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Why all the talk about black coaches, name one that has done a good job at a big time school. Karl Dorell, NO, Ty Willingham,NO, Sylvester Croom,NO. If you want to talk about Turner Gill, Buffalo not a big school, and who do they play. Romeo Crenell can’t do it either in the NFL. It is all a smokescreen at Auburn interviewing black coaches, just to please people.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

TideGirl:

Where?

By Joe

December 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

USC Gamecock…you’re funny.

31-14!

By azcat225

December 11, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Most days I check this blog for a few minutes in the morning and give up on it very quickly. Today was one of those rare days that keep me coming back—-somewhat akin to those one or two great shots during an othewise middling round of golf that keep you coming back, too.

As to the subject(s) of the day, Tony’s and otherwise:

IMHO, no sane “name” coach will go to Auburn as long as Lowder is the power in front of, on top of, and behind the throne. It’s an insane situation when a major university’s accreditation is threatened because of one man’s influence.

I’m not as enamored with Coach Garner as lot of other folks are. The height of his accomplishments are position coach and recruiting coordinator. Yes, recruiting is incredibly important, but the head coach needs to be a CEO and a salesman, not just a salesman.

Regarding Coach Strong, you may have just hit the nail on the head, Atlanta Gator. I would hope we’ve come farther than that these days but, sadly, you may have spoken the here-to-fore (at least for me) unspeakable…

Coach Mullen should go devote 100% of his time to his new job, immediately. Pellini is the exception that proves the rule. Besides, Mullen is going to need everything he’s got to take that program to the next level.

Syracuse would be a major rebuilding job but Coach Holtz the Younger has done that before. He would be better off long term, IMHO, going there and succeeding than going to Auburn and trying to deal with all of its dysfunctionality.

Side issue: Coach Saban’s propensity for “wandering”. I hope he has truly found a home and happiness and stays there for the rest of his career, but…a coach who bounces around that much tends to keep on doing so. (See Larry Brown.) I’m not sure some of the Bama posters are trying to convince the rest of us or themselves that he’s there for the long term. Only time will tell in with an issue like that.

May every one have a safe and happy holiday season and may your team win its bowl game. My Cats will have their hands full, but at least the drought is over. Small steps…

By Granddawg

December 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

G8R GRAD Not far from Mark Richt’s.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Mike Turk for HC @ AU:

See:

http://www.d2footballhalloffame.com/LatestReleases/PressReleases/2007inducteerelease_100907.html

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Granddawg:

Lake Blue Ridge? Oconee? Where?

By Gen Neyland

December 11, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Questions arise : Are we talking Steve SR or the product of his loin, Lil’ Steve JR..? Who dropped the dime on this rumor..? If it’s true and Spurious jumps, will he be able to bring his ego with him or will SC refuse to let it out of it’s contract..?

Big Dawg has wondered the same re: Coach Strong.

shane #1

There may be those who wish to emulate you in their own quirky way. When that happens just go dark a while and vent within the Inner Circle, the world famous, TGC…We’re always there smoking Limbaugh’s cigars and sippin’ the good stuff…

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Sorry to have to ask, but take pity on a blog-challenged Gator:

What do the acronyms JMHO and IMHO stand for?

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but Hutingdon College’s Mike Turk’s for real.

Site address I copied failed, so here:

Turk, a native of Montgomery, Ala., was a walk-on quarterback at Troy State University (now Troy University) who led the Trojans to NCAA Division II National Championships in 1984 and 1987. He was a three-time, first-team All-GSC pick and was the runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy as a senior in 1987. He was a consensus All-American pick as a senior and was Football News Division II Offensive Player of the Year. That same season he became the first person to be chosen as the Alabama Sports Writers’ Association Small College Athlete of the Year and Amateur Athlete of the Year in the same year. During his playing career, Turk rushed for 2,632 yards and produced 5,739 yards of total offense. Both of those figures rank second in Trojan football history.

Turk led the Trojans to a 40-8-1 overall record during his career, including a 7-1 record in the Division II playoffs. Following his graduation from Troy, Turk coached 13 seasons with the Trojans. During his time as running backs coach at Troy, the Trojans had nine backs earn all-conference honors.

He is now in his fourth season as head football coach of the Huntingdon College Hawks in his hometown of Montgomery.

By Yo G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

In My Humble Opinion & Just My Humble Opinion.

Good luck against the Sooners

By jc_atl

December 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Saban didn’t choose the leave the NFL. He was likely to be fired by the train wreck he caused in Miami. Remember, he will not be the next coach at Alabama.

THUGA fans - as long as you have Richt you will continue to underachieve with your great talent, but you will keep the law enforcement industry in Athens booming with having to keep your thuggish recruits in check.

I like Turner Gill. He will finally get an opportunity at a BCS school someday and given enough time and enough money to hire the right coordinators he will bring a national championship. I think he could be good for the SEC.

By Born2Buzz

December 11, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Dawgman, I’ll bet you would love to see CPJ go to Auburn. Especially after he just beat your arses in his first year on the job. The days of Chan and Reggie are gone my friend. Get used to it. Paul Johnson is at GT for a long time.

HMMMM, and if CPJ can’t win a championship at GT, yet he’s beating UGA, what’s that say for UGA’s chances?

REally, why would any established coach, Spurrier, Grobe, Johnson(Vandy), or CPJ want to go to Auburn. They just ran off a guy that was a proven winner after one bad season. Auburn is only going to get a coordinator or a coach from a smaller school who is desparate to get to a bigger job. And besides, it’s Auburn, Alabama.

By G8R GRAD

December 11, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Many thanks!

I was thinking the “MHO” stood for “My Head Off” and couldn’t make any sense of the “I” or the “J.”

Oh, and thanks for the support!

By TideGirl

December 11, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

His house is in Lake Burton.

By Elvis

December 11, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

jc_atl…

and the Forensics Departmnet of APD will stay busy uncovering the techster misdeeds. However, your COACHES make it easy to bust them…poor little Joey.

BTW, how many scholarships is tech up to now? Do you have the full allotment yet? Do you count the wins that the techies obtained while using ineligible players?

By Daniel Courington

December 11, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Skip Holtz might go somewhere but it won’t last. His dream is to go to Notre Dame when they fire Weis. He would be a good short term coach but he won’t stay anywhere long

By grammar and spell check?

December 11, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I know the AJC is running low on cash. However, could someone hit the spell check and grammar check buttons before posting an article for a couple hundred thousand people to read?

By Ed

December 11, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Spurrier to Auburn? The assumption is that Auburn wants Spurrier, and the choice would be his. But Spurrier hasn’t exactly set the world on fire at South Carolina. Not sure why he would be a hot property, unless a school is looking for a washed-up old grump who can go 7-5 every year.

By KR

December 11, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Regardless of how good Spurrier’s resume may look, he’s not the right guy for Auburn. Among other things, there isn’t enough room on the Plains for the egos of Spurrier and Lowder. For the life of me, I can’t figure out a reason why either side would want any part of such an arrangement.

I am disappointed that my alma mater is talking to so many coordinators rather than people with head coach experience. Hopefully it’s just a smokescreen. However, if AU is willing to go with an unproven name, then Chris Hatcher gets my vote. At least he has proven himself at a different level.

By SC Rules!!!

December 11, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

shane#1;

You are right on with your assesment about why AU won’t pull the trigger for Spurrier. Also they won’t because they know deep down that he doesn’t have much left in the tank. You can see it in his eyes, he is tired. I think it is good what he has done for the chickens but in the long run he’ll just wither on the vine in the east. There are to many good up and coming programs in his sand box to fend off. I’m by no means a SOS fan but I do recognise his accomplishments nad hate to see them be erroded by staying in a situation that won’t over the long haul make things better.

By Ed

December 11, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Come to think of it, Spurrier might want to go to Auburn. That way he can leave the SEC East and not have to play Vandy every year.

By The Big Bug

December 11, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

CPJ, CMR,Spurrier,Grobe would never consider a downward move to AU. They might appear to be interested to strengthen their bargaining position.

Elvis,get a life. Enough with this ineligible player crap. The Tech players you refer to would have been eligible at GA if they were comatose. Apples/Oranges.

By Rabun Dawg

December 11, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Saban built a beautiful home on Lake Burton in Rabun County, Ga. Clayton being the county seat. I have heard that he and some others are also in the process of doing some other things on the lake. He had one home on the lake when he was at LSU, sold it, and built this “lodge” he now has. Vince Dooley is also a homeowner on Lake Burton, and probably the reason Saban ended up down here. Dooley’s son was also on Saban’s staff at LSU, so there again the Georgia connection. I don’t think that Rabun County High has a budget large enough to fit Coach Saban in, so me thinks he stays at Bama ,and retires to Lake Burton, which he and his family love!

By 2N4YEARS

December 11, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

You say Spurrier gooing to AU he would have to face Saban every year, but at SC he has to face FLA every year. Hhhmmm. Just a thought.

By Jefferson

December 11, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Auburn will continue to FAIL as long as a corrupt banker runs the athletic dept.

By Granddawg

December 11, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

G8R GRAD I stand corrected. Saban’[s home is near Dooley’s and it is on Burton. Sorry.

By Kendawg

December 11, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Spurrier made his reputation at Florida, a little at Duke. The state of Florida has an amazing number of really good athletes each year. He hasn’t found the same success at SC, where it’s more difficult to recruit. The same situation, perhaps worse, awaits Dan Mullen at Miss State. That’s a graveyard for coaches. You’ve got LSU to the west and Alabama and Auburn to the east. They don’t leave many top recruits to be contemplating Miss State. As far as Johnson going to Auburn; that seems unlikely. Everybody in college football by now knows about Bobby Lowder. Only a coach on the way up would take on such a situation, IMHO.

By JohnnyTide

December 11, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Why would Spurrier want to to the ugliest little village on the plains. I’s a town full of rich drunks.

By Jack

December 11, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Spurrier will be the next coach at Auburn. The Georgia fans are already worried and Tony B is a Thuga Homer.

By OldDawg55

December 11, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Just have to agree with the writers who put up Mike Turk and Chris Hatcher’s names..there are two good “coaches of the future” that Auburn should consider..they can recruit and they know and love the game. The realistic choice, of course, is to hire Bobby Lowder as head coach and “yellow fellah” as his OC..that way, even if you don’t win who among the Auburn faithful are going to criticize you or fire you..and their egos would never admit to failure nor would the Montgomery newspaper nor TV stations say a harmful word toward them…and there would be “peace on the plains”. Now let’s hear a big WDE!!!!!

By Mike

December 11, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

To answer an earlier question posted on here..I do believe that Tuberville genuinely felt like he just didn’t want to fight the battle any longer. (Sorry UAT fans..No I don’t think he was concerned about Saban..because Tuberville is not a newbie to all this, he is a grown man and I believe realized “someone else” would be better to take AU forward). I can appreciate you UAT fans gloating over finally winning after 7 years; it sure does help when you have to learn humility and realize that winning can be fun again. I for one am glad that you won this year (AND I really bleed Orange and Blue). You should have won, your team was obviously heads and shoulders above ours, but as always one game does not make a “streak”. May the best team always win. We will survive and move forward and, if fortunate, enjoy some fine seasons of football in the future. None of the following will be coming to AU-Johnson, Spurrier, Muschamp, Fisher-they are all tied to close to their current positions. We will hire someone and we will try our best not to ever step on the sensitive toes of any UAT fans anywhere -we will just go in the corner as all UAT fans would like for us to do and just suck our thumbs until life as we know it is over, BECAUSE Armegeddon is surely upon us as UAT will now be supreme forever! Amen…right!

By BE#3

December 11, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Saban won’t be the next head coach at ND b/c Urban Crier will be.

Spurrier will see Garcia through his last days at Carolina and will then ride out in to the sunset. Like Tony said, he ain’t going to Auburn.

All the folks on the Tech blog are worried about Johnson taking the Auburn job after only one year at Tech. I doubt he’ll do it but it would be interesting to see his O in the SEC. Auburn loyalists love running the football and that’s what CPJ does. Auburn players also have a history of being “nasty” and that too is what that offense requires. Hmmm. Maybe those Tech folks should be worried!

Any word on whether John Chavis is going to Clemson to be the DC? He’s a Carolina native. Would be a great hire for Yabba Dabba Doo.

And Tony, thank you for laying out the logic for the Auburn folks regarding Coach Garner. Since you showed that it makes sense for them to hire Garner, they probably won’t do it. They don’t do much of anything that makes sense!

Tebow just won the Maxwell. If he wins the Heisman again, then everything that happens in the Book of Revelation is about to come true!

And one more thing, if Dan Mullen stays to coach the offense at UF against OU, OU wins and wins big.

By JayKayMay

December 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Well I think Auburn needs to go out and get a big name coach. Not some no name unproven coach I have been hearing about. And the only 2 I can think of is Steve Spurrier and Pete Caroll. The Ole Ball Coach is not done. He might be done at that chicken school. But he is not done coaching. Thats why he maybe leaving chicken school for Auburn. At Auburn he will be able to win and all you guys know it you just don’t want to admit it. If your scared just say your scared. If I were you I would be. Now look at Pete Caroll at Southern Cal. Talk about teams getting shut out of the BCS Championship Game. Sure he has had a few shots in the game. But he has been shut out more than he has been in. Think about it if the Pac 10 had a championship game USC and Pete Caroll would be in the BCS Championship game every year. Well I bet thats getting old and I bet for the right money Pete Caroll would come to Auburn. Were he can win the SEC Championship game and go play for the BCS Championship game every year. Jay Jacobs said himself there is no limit to what Auburn will pay for the right coach. And good ole money goes a long ways now days. Just ask Alabama. If 4.5 or 5 million were offered to Steve or Pete and give him the keys to the Auburn football program and leave him alone. They not only would come to Auburn. They would come to Auburn as fast as they can.

By van

December 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

I THINK STEVE SPURRIER IS JUST THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB. IVE ALWAYS SAID AUBURN NEEDS A COACH THAT IS MEAN AS A RATTLE SNAKE AND HAS A CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY . SOMEONE THATS BEEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES AND HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO TAKE A TEAM TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. SO FAR AUBURN HASNT HAD THAT KINDA COACH SINCE SHUG J. I DONT KNOW WHY PEOPLE KEEP SAYING HE WOULDNT COME TO AUBURN BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE THERE. I GOT NEWS FOR YOU AS LONG AS THE MONEYS RIGHT ANY COACH WOULD GO ANYWHERE NO MATTER WHAT PROBLEMS ARE THERE THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO FACE. ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. I DONT KNOW WHY PEOPLE CANT UNDERSTAND THAT. STEVE IS THREW AT SOUTH CAR. SOUTH CAR JUST NEVER HAD THE TALENTED PLAYERS FOR HIM TO WORK HIS COACHING MAGIC. BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU AUBURN DOES AND ALWAYS WILL. IF HE COMES TO AUBURN LIKE I FEEL HE WILL THEN AUBURN WILL BE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH AND SABAN AND THE TIDE BETTER BE LOOKING OUT BECAUSE SPURRIER WILL PULL A 6 AND 0 ON HIM PLUS WITH SOME NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS TO GO ALONG WITH IT

By 95bama

December 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Urban Meyer is the next coach at Notre Dame. Google it, it is his dream job. He is also Catholic, Nick Saban is not. UM turned it down last time b/c his family was still young and the Notre Dame job requires recruiting nationwide( alot more time involved than UF). His daughter starts college in the fall and I think that leaves only one son in high school. Like I said, google it.

By Johnny DangerDawg

December 12, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

Charlie Strong is an awesome coach. He’s not an up-and-comer; he’s a guy who is long overdue for a big opportunity. Someday, he and Joker Phillips are going to be much more successful than Sly Croom, and more teams will start taking a serious look at black candidates.

By Bill

December 12, 2008 5:31 AM | Link to this

Anyone out there paying attention to Spurrier’s current recruiting class at USC? Likely top 5 which would be 2 out of the last 3. People thought he would have instant success at USC but remember that he followed Holtz. Nobody wins behind Lou. I predict that next year he starts to win big.

By geogiajoe

December 12, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this

is spurrier the one who said boosters are like bullfrogs-the part that aint mouth is belly? he isnt going to auburn.

By War Eagle

December 12, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Will Muschamp will be next HC at Auburn….

By YEAH RIGHT

December 12, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Muschamp will be HC at Auburn, HA! Why would he leave a great team in the BIG 12 and go to a crap team in the weak SEC?

By Big MIKE

December 12, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Turner Gill won as a Q.B., at Nebraska, took Buffalo, a team nobody thought had a chance of ever winning and turned them around. imagine what he could do with the talent in the S.E.C. Charlie Strong, just keeps putting great defenses on the field at a school that just keeps winning, what do these Black coaches have to do to get a fair chance in a sport that is dominated by young black men. I guess it’s true when it’s said that you can bring the grocery to the table, but you just can’t sit at the head of the table!

By Gwen

December 12, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Forget Auburn’s best choices. They could hire one of the stray cats around campus and nothing would be different. The next head coaches from now until Jesus comes back will be….

Bobby Lowder Bobby Lowder Bobby Lowder Bobby Lowder Bobby Lowder

By SC Rules!!!

December 12, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

War Eagle, Muschamp won’t be coming to AU cause he’s already making AU $ as the Texas DC/HC in waiting.

JKMay, Pete Carroll will be staying right where he is, no F-ing way he leaves L.A. for the farm! He gets a truck load of 4 & 5 star recruits each year who by the way want to come to L.A. not some farm. Ohh and just to add to that in his last few classes he has come into the SEC’s crib nad pulled several top players right out from under y’alls coaches noses. He has 5 coming in the ‘09 class from SEC country too. Why leave L.A. to compete in the SEC when he already wins there whether it be recruiting or in playing y’all.

By 2008Champs

December 12, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Tony, I am looking at Auburn’s new coach. To bad you are not in the loop. Money Talks and BS walks. Start walking.

By sickofaupolitics

December 12, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I personally know Jimmy Rane and he is a terrible person. AU HAS GOT to get rid of him and Bobby Lowder and also Jay Jacobs. Start fresh, move on. If we don’t do this we will never have the coach we want. I love Auburn and will always love Auburn no matter what, but it is time for a change on the plains. War Eagle!

By Tucker

December 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

AU will eventually panic and hand the reins to Troy’s Larry Blakeney.

By Hardon Thicke

December 12, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

What about Bud Foster?

By TripleDawg

December 12, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Personally, I think Rodney Garner is a great guy…too great to get caught up in that mess at Auburn. Remember when they tried to fire Tuberville behind his back? Garner deserves to be somewhere where he is going to get the respect he deserves.

By tom chastain

December 26, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

there is a very indepth and most fasinating bio writtion by bill chastain about steve spurrier called “the steve spurrier story” (taylor trade publishing) it is avalible online. it is a wonderful bestseller and the writer really has some of the old ball coachs greatest teaching methods down pat. great gift idea. tom