AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTiming not good for Chizik at Auburn
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m sure Gene Chizik is a fine fellow and there is no question that he did a good job as defensive coordinator at Auburn (2002-04) and at Texas (2005-06). I wish him the best as the new head coach at Auburn.
Having said all that, I have a bad, bad feeling about the future of the football program at Auburn University.
Understand that success for the head coach at Auburn has always been a function of timing.
Ralph “Shug” Jordan came in 1951 when Alabama was in an up-and-down phase under Harold “Red” Drew. In 1957 he led the Tigers to their first and only national championship. Good timing.
Alabama reacted to Auburn’s national title by bringing Paul “Bear” Bryant home from Texas A&M. Jordan stayed at Auburn until 1975 but the Tigers never won another SEC championship. Bryant won 13 SEC championships and six national championships in 25 years as Alabama’s coach.
Pat Dye came to Auburn in 1981 when Bryant was nearing the end of his legendary career. Dye beat Bryant 23-22 on Nov. 27, 1982. Shortly after that Bryant retired and Dye went on to win four SEC championships in the next seven years. Good timing.
Tommy Tuberville came to Auburn in 1999 in a year that Alabama won the SEC championship. But Mike DuBose self destructed in 2000 and so did the program, going through four coaches (DuBose, Dennis Franchione, Mike Price, Mike Shula) in the next seven years. Tuberville won 85 games in 10 years and beat Alabama seven out of 10 times. Good timing.
During Auburn’s recent coaching search the powers that be discovered that today the timing is not good to be the head coach of the Tigers. In just two years Nick Saban has built Alabama into a national championship contender. The Crimson Tide is at least two years ahead of schedule and for the first time since Gene Stallings left after the 1996 season, Alabama football speaks with one clear and authoritative voice.
Many fans were convinced the program had grown stale under Tuberville and that the school needed a rock star coach like Saban in order to inject new life into Auburn football. But no proven head coach of substance was going to touch the Auburn job in its current condition.
And what is that condition, you ask? If the presence of Saban and his powerhouse weren’t enough to shoo top-flight coaches away, it is a fact that Auburn is perceived in the college football community, rightly or wrongly, as a place where boosters, particularly one booster, has way too much power. Make one guy mad and nobody—not the athletics director, not the president, not the governor—can save you.
So Auburn was never going to get Steve Spurrier. It was never going to get Butch Davis. It was never going to get Will Muschamp. As of Friday night it had Turner Gill, who worked miracles at Buffalo, waiting for an offer. It never came. Jim Grobe of Wake Forest, who for my money is one of the top five coaches in the country, is very comfortable where he is. But I’ll bet he was willing to listen if somebody from Auburn wanted to have a serious conversation. That conversation never took place because Auburn had already settled on Chizik.
Chizik parlayed his good work at Auburn (the Tigers were 13-0 in 2004) and Texas (the Longhorns won the national championship in 2005) into the head coaching job at Iowa State. It’s a tough job but Dan McCarney showed you can win there. Chizik was 5-19 in two seasons.
Again, I hope it works out well for Auburn. But Tommy Tuberville was a proven coach who had a lousy year in 2008. It was his fault and he admitted that. He offered to fix it. His track record said he probably could have done it. And I’m sorry. You can show me all the documents you want. I ain’t buying the explanation that Tuberville suddenly resigned and Auburn, out of the goodness of its institutional heart, decided to pay him $5 million as a going away present.
You change coaches because you are certain that you can hire a pretty good upgrade. Gene Chizik may prove to be a significant upgrade before he is through at Auburn.
But on Dec. 15, 2008, as I look at the program at Alabama and the program at Auburn, the timing doesn’t seem very good right now to be the head coach of the Tigers. In fact, it looks pretty bad.
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Comments
By oomph-pha
December 15, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Paul Clark, CycloneReport.com: ” … I must admit, even I am surprised at the bizarre turn of events whereby he failed miserably at Iowa State and still got to jump on the very first opportunity that came along to move back south. What the hell Auburn is thinking is anybody’s guess. And who cares. Because it just unburdened Iowa State of its most unprepared, overmatched and incompetent head coach of the modern era.”
By JB
December 15, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
War Eagle?!
What is it they say about getting a little bit of a chuckle out of seeing your enemies in a mess?
Things may not have gone as we had hoped, here in the Dawg Nation but it’s certainly not near as messy as it is in Kittenville.
HBTD!
By Godspeed Tony !
December 15, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
In a couple of years,the AU fan base will be thinking “what were they thinking ” ? about Chizik. Would you trade Tommy Tub for Chizik, straight up ? Didn’t think so. Tuberville ran a clean program and won games and beat Bama more often than Bama likes to be beat. So how does a guy who’s won the same number of games as a HC as Lane Kiffin (5) swim in the shark tank with Saban , Meyer , Spurrier , Petrino et al ? See ya ,chum.
Bobby Lowder and the Auburn trustees exercise power without responsibility. This is a recipe for disaster…
By reebok
December 15, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
Terrible coaching pick. Auburn may put a good team together in the next few seasons, but they won’t compete w/ Bama for years.
By Still sore from the Bama beatdown
December 15, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Some day please explain what miracles Turner Gill performed at Buffalo.
By Joe
December 15, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
SEC just got a lot easier.
What a disaster for Auburn. I guess that I do not feel to badly for them as they brought this on themselves, but they have just relegated Auburn football to irrellevance for several years.
By The man that made ROSWELL ED famous
December 15, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
That tears it.
I’ve decided to knock out my front teeth, grow a mullet, start wearing wife beaters and jorts and start pulling for the Tide.
I want to make sure I don’t stand out during the transformation.
By Eddie
December 15, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
There is a lot of schadenfreude going on amonst Alabama fans!
Schadenfreude means taking special delight in someone’s (Auburn) misfortune!!!!!
Order in the State of Alabama has been truly restored by Nick Saban!!
By SecIsFootball
December 15, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Based on the current state of AU football, it may be safe to assume the are about to have the same 8-10 year stretch that BAMA had. They could have done better than Gene Chizik but it looks like they hired a guy who will continue to let Bobby Lowder pull the strings. He embarrassed the school with Jetgate back in ‘03 and has done so again by running Tubby off and hiring a head coach who has won 5 games in 2 years! As a BAMA fan, I lvoe the hire and I love having Lowder at AU. It was only a matter of time before this situation presented itself and it will be bad for AU for years to come. Who would have thought we would see Miss State make a better hire than Auburn?
By Colonel Rebel
December 15, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Great hire for every other team in the Western Division. Auburn, you just hired your Ed Orgeron (post Cutcliffe)! Good luck with that! You aren’t going to like this, but Ole Miss and Arkansas for sure, and maybe even Dan Mullen at State just passed you by on the Western Division pecking order. Enjoy your stay in the cellar. Oh, can Houston swing by and pick up any more of Tubs’ committments?? HOTTY TODDY!
By Fact Check
December 15, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Yo still sore. Mr. Gill took a losing program in an obscure place (no offense Buffalo) as HC to Conference Champs. Now lets compare Mr. Chizik’s record as a HC of a losing program in an obscure place (no offense Iowa State), end of discussion. I think the term is called merit.
By donnioeelkin
December 15, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Thanks Auburn for making everyones schedule in the SEC a little easier.
By Gator Mike
December 15, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Looks like my Gators will now be able to beat AU with Coach Tubs gone and a no name coach in his seat who did nothing at Iowa State. What will rile up the War Eagle fans more than anything is that in the not too distamnt future Coach Tuberville will be at another SEC School and he will clobber Auburn. That will be fun to watch because we all know that Lowder will be having a fit. Go Gators! Thought I would never say this, but I will be pulling for the UGA Dawgs to beat Auburn because of the way Tubs was treated. Go DAWGS beat Auburn!
By Jim
December 15, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Auburn is getting what they deserved. Firing a coach like Tuberville and then trying to spin that he just resigned but they decided to give him $6million…what a crock! I love the video of them getting off the plane and getting heckled by their own fans…can you say justice. This is one team we won’t have to worry about for some time. Go Dawgs Where is Roswell Ed when you need some amusement?
By Dave
December 15, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
At the time I said the firing of David Cutcliffe at MS and the hiring of Ed Ogeron was a travesty I think this is way bigger than that. Firing Tuberville was inexcusable hiring Cizik has lost the fans support. Can a team succeed without the support of the fans? I doubt it. The Auburn power base is completely out of touch with it’s fan base.
By E.T.
December 15, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
This is eerily reminiscent of Florida’s Ron Zook hire.Within 24 hours there will be a firegenechizik.com.He wil never be given a chance.
By Fleischman
December 15, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Looks like Auburn is going to be the “Miss State” of the SEC West for the next 4 years. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
By Geaux Tigers
December 15, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Nail meets hammers. Great article Tony
By Scott
December 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
As a graduate of the University of Alabama, I couldn’t be happier with Auburn’s choice as head coach. I was concerned that they might do something smart by going out and getting someone like Turner Gill. All Gill has done is turn an awful Buffalo program around in a very short period of time. Gill would probably have been a very impressive recruiter and would have given Auburn a chance to succeed. The truth is that Gill didn’t fit the “image” that Auburn was looking for and now they are going to be looking up at Bama for years to come. I couldn’t be happier!
By Eric1
December 15, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
It’s true. We deserve all the crap that’s about to be unloaded upon us. Thanks Jacobs and Merry Freaking Christmas to you too!
By Bad Hire
December 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Amazing that Mississippi State makes a better HC hire than Auburn & Tennnessee.
By Shaun
December 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Believe what you want.
We did ‘have’ Will Muschamp. However, the trustees after the SACS debacle don’t wield nearly the power they once did. Their choice was Muschamp.
However, he (Muschamp) wanted Jay Jacobs gone as the AD. Firing the AD without just cause is a great way to get SACS back on your a*. So their hands were tied there.
Jacobs via Pat Dye wanted a guy who would do as he was told. Enter Gene Chizik.
This was a Pat Dye/Jay Jacobs special and will be further proven by the staff that is implemented.
By Haley Center
December 15, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
If we had a shot at Jim Grobe and did not take it, then Bobby Lowder needs to be run out of the state - I hope Chizik the best, but he hasn’t paid his dues and you’re supposed to hire someone who can realistically get you to the Championship Game - we needed someone proven who could hang with Saban and Meyer - the Atlanta Falcons didn’t take off until Arthur Blank got out of the way and the AU Tigers won’t take off until Lowder gets out of the way
By Lyle
December 15, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Shaun, you have been fed a line. You had no chance at Muschamp once Texas decided to name him head coach in waiting and pay him $1M a year to be DC until Brown retired. If you believe otherwise, then you really don’t understand Auburn’s place in the world.
By Spike
December 15, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
CALLING ROSWELL ED!! WHERE ARE YOU? IA AUBURN STILL IN THE LEAGUE? ROSWELL ED WHERE ARE YOU??
By Lyle
December 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
There is a firegenechizik.com Iowa State fans launched it over a year ago. Maybe Auburn fans can buy it from them.
By CBrad
December 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
The fact that no other schools looking for coaches considered Chiznik tells you a lot. Clemson didn’t look at him. Tennessee didn’t look at him. Even pathetic Mississippi State didn’t look at him. How in the world does a coach only win 5 games in 2 years and get a huge promotion like this? At least this gives Vanderbilt a chance to hang 2 in a row on Auburn. Get used to staying home for Christmas, Aubs!
By Jacob
December 15, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Tony, Other reporters who are much closer to the Auburn situation than you and who are around the program on a daily basis say Tommy Tuberville resigned. Jay Jacobs, an honest man, said he resigned.
And even if they had fired him, it would have been justified. Look at Auburn’s SEC record each year since 2004. They have won fewer games than the year before each season—the first SEC team to “accomplish” that since the 1960s. Recruiting had not been going well and the offense has been awful the last three years. A new direction was needed.
By Shaun
December 15, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Lyle,
I know it fits your agenda to just say no one wanted the job. That’s dishonest homerism thrown around by everyone who doesn’t like AU. I’ve got my source, i trust em’.
Waiting made no sense. Come to AU then go back. If you are successful, your the hottest head coach in football on top of being paid top 5 money. Mack Brown could be at Texas five more years (likely will be), I know Will, he’s far too ambitious to wait that long.
By Mark C.
December 15, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
0-8 against the Big 12 last year and he didn’t play OU, UT or TT. Wow. This is the guy you want facing off against some of the best coaches in the country every week? I want to know what the Iowa State AD’s reaction was when he got the call. Did he think someone was playing a joke on him? Did he fake being upset while pumping his fist like Tiger Woods? I need answers Tony.
By BTL
December 15, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Tony, While I agree with you on some points I think you need to step back and look at how Auburn got here. First, Tuberville brings in an OC to change the offense and it blows up in his face. Wny? I strongly suspect the incooperative nature of his existing “BBQ boys” staff (Nall, Emsinger and Knox for starters).
Look at what happened the last week of Franklin’s tenure. For furhter evidence, you can even read what Buck Belue’s butt buddy Nall said in his interview last week about how some of the coaches were not buying into the new O. Bottom line is, some of these O coaches needed to go and I’m willing to bet that’s what was pressed on Coach Tuberville last week.
He refused to relent and his loyalty to his buddies apparently was more important than his job. Knox has been an enigma on the Auburn staff for years. NFL scouts for the most part agree that any receiver coming out of Auburn has to be re-coached. Name a big time receiver out of Auburn over the last decade? (crickets chirping). Yep. As for Emsinger, he proved his worth in the debacle that was a 2003 offensive failure. He was a high school driver’s ed teacher before that for crying out loud! As for Nall, who was so wanted as a coach he decided to go into trucking in Albany, well, chop blocks, inconsistent line play….the guy was just not a very good coach but damn he could BBQ with the best of them!
I’m not thrilled with the Chizik hire but I’m willing to give the guy a chance. If he had been the D coord. at Texas this whole time, it would have been the greatest hire, period.
Still, while I felt Tuberville was a great coach, his bad judgement on coaching decisions and his buddy loyalty cost him and Auburn, unfortunately.
By BigP
December 15, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Tuberville resigned because he was told you will be fired if you don’t. The compromise was to give him the $$$. That way Tuberville saves face (didn’t get fired) and Auburn gets what they think they wanted.
The new guy better have one hell of a personality and be able to perform magic!
By CrimsonRedScarlett
December 15, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
A suggestion for the true Auburn people. If you are truly sick and tired of the way Lowder and company are running(ruining) many facets of Auburn, quit doing business with their companies!
By Atlanta Gator
December 15, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
I’ve got just one word: “huh?”
By SecIsFootball
December 15, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Jacob….Sorry my friend. You dont resign and get paid a $5 million dollar buyout!
By m
December 15, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
auBARN fans, I have some good news for you. No matter how bad Chickenshizik turns out to be, there is no way he could be as bad as Chan Gailey. Thank God and Greyhound that Chan Gailey is gone forever…and auBARN fans, you should thank God that you didn’t hire Chan.
By jabster
December 15, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Welcome to the coaching wilderness, Auburn.
Of course, you could look on the bright side—in a couple years Chan Gailey will be available from KC and it will look like an upgrade.
By Tom
December 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Jacob-
Did he sign a paper that said he resignedand he would get $5/$6 million?Yes! So technically he resigned. Wake up and smell Reality. No entity in the world would pay out the exact amount of the buyout unless it was in fact a buyout. If it makes auburn feel better about it then so be it but the reality is that he stated before the meetings that he wanted to stay and in fact his mother said that he was fired. I’m sure he is not going to say anything to risk his $$.
I agree that they should have called it like it was however it just makes auburn look that much more sleazy try to cover up the fact.
By nick
December 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
this hire sucks, the only way he will get support, which at this point he has none is to spend some of the 1.3 million in savings from tuberville’s salary and hire two au grads, garner and searles asap, without this I am cancelling my season tickets, what a horrible hire!!!!
By jumbo
December 15, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
I am shocked by Auburn’s hire. Talk about alienating your fan base. Heck MS State’s hire has much more potential than this guy. I would be excited if I were a State fan. I can see why War Eagle fans are unhappy. They need to run Lowder & Jacobs out of town.
Geaux Tigers! Go SEC
By Jenny
December 15, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Its embarrassing!!! To hire someone with a record like that to play against Saban its embarrassing!! I’ve never been embarrassed to be an Auburn fan until this weekend. Jay Jacobs needs firing with no severance pay!!!
By Will
December 15, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Dear Coach Chiznek,
Good luck! My understanding is that your trying to fill out your staff. I must tell you about a couple of “gems” up at UGA.
First you will need a guy who excells at coaching special teams-His philosophy is to pooch kick it to the 20 yard line and hope that maybe the returner slips over his own feet and goes down on the 30. If that doesn’t happpen maybe the third string running back will get him on the 40.
Next you need a stingy, bend but don’t break defense. A name that comes to mind is Willie Martinez. He would be a great fit and would maybe make the Auburn boosters happy.
Good luck with that.
By IM4BAMA
December 15, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
You know, it was a lose lose for whoever Auburn hired with the possible exception of a couple of coaches in the country. Face it, whoever goes against Saban in the State of Alabama is going to come up on the short side of the stick.
Chizick was a great D coordinator and give him a chance. I don’t think any first time head coach get’s it right to begin with, it’s a learning curve. Maybe he will do good, who knows. Let’s see what kind of staff he assembles. One thing is for sure, it won’t be easy competing against Saban. Barnhart is probably right on the timing thing in this case.
By Gen Neyland
December 15, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Maybe Auburn hired Chizik as an interim coach with their first ten choices waiting until Saban moves along. In this case, going head to head in state with the likes of a Saban was more a job for Tubs to continue, not someone from the cornfields of Iowa to begin…3 years will just about do it. But..?
By Gator Nation
December 15, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Still sore from the Bama beatdown
Have you looked at Buffalo’s recored for the 5 years prior to Turner Gill getting there?
Did you see that he won his conference championship this year in year 3 of his tenure?
Do you realize its Buffalo……who wants to go to Buffalo to play college football?
If you put his success into perspective its like Spurrier winning the ACC title at Duke. Buffalo had not been off the last place or second to last place rung of their conference for 6 years in a row prior to Gill getting there.
Maybe you didn’t want Turner Gill at Auburn, but to question what he has done means you aren’t doing your homework.
Are you asking these questions:
What has Lane Kiffin done? What has Gene Chizik done? What has Dan Mullen done?
Think before you type.
By Elvis
December 15, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
BOOOOOOO!!!!
I wanted a hire that would fight, create drama and air all dirty laundry. Well, they hired a puppet.
At least the Fightin’ Lowders have all the Yella Wood their hearts desire…
By CrimsonCarl
December 15, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Posted by JessN on Tidefans:
“From an Auburn perspective, this hire makes no sense at all. Auburn forced Tommy Tuberville out — if you believe Tuberville resigned completely on his own free will, you’re very, very naive — and then fouled up the situation even worse by failing to hit a home run.”
“For that matter, Auburn didn’t just fail to hit a home run, didn’t just strike out swinging at ball four — the bat flew out of its hands and nailed a small child in the first row.”
By IM4BAMA
December 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I guess I should have also pointed this out to. Tubberville had a bad season and he would have turned the ship around somewhat; he still would always be playing against the house and would continue to lose ground against Saban. Only a Petrino, Carrol, Stoops or Meyer could go against Saban. For the life of me I can’t believe people think Turner Gill should have gotten the job.
You know what would be funny? what if Chizik hired Tony Franklin as OC and let him run it like he wants to, with a decent QB and it’s successful.
By enyawnilknarf
December 15, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
The firing of Tubbs and the hiring of Cheezit should be looked at as two independent decisions. Tubbs was losing his fire and needed to be go.Just because they hired and unprepared HG doesn’t mean they should have kept Tubbs. CTT in next 3 years would have had same record as Cheezit. The awful decision to hire Cheezit should be what people are talking about. Quit making CTT out to be some saint. The guy tried to bolt last year for Arkansas. Rumor has it we had Mushchamp and JJ was going to get fired but JJ leaked it to Mobile press and here we are. AU had choice, Mushchamp or Jacobs, they chose Jacobs… and thus Cheezit. Bad choice Lowder. I am going straight to Colonial bank and taking my 239.52 to another bank.
By joe
December 15, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Here is my favorite quote on the Chizik hiring:
Jerry Hinnen, Joe Cribbs Carwash: “I don’t know how to react. It doesn’t seem real. It doesn’t seem like they could possibly be so shortsighted. I’m going to spend tonight trying to figure out how to react. That, and drinking.”
Classic…
By Ricky Bobby
December 15, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Woll Tide Woll
By Joey
December 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
As a dawg fan, thanks AU for hiring a coach that our guy can probably out-coach. (I did say probably). I am getting more and more pessimistic about the future at UGA, and I believe Mark Richt will leave after two more losses to Paul Johnson, 2 losses to Monte Kiffin’s UT defense, and two more blowout losses to UF. Can you imagine the smiles around the SEC coaching offices when Richt announced, “no staff changes”? Still a dawgs fan to the end, though.
By jerry
December 15, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I am an Alabma fan. We have nothing to brag about with our past deeds concerning coaches. Hard to believe that we could offer our head coaching job to Mike Price who had a history of doing what he was caught at before he came here. I hope Auburn does turn their program around and get back on stable ground because better competition makes the SEC better. Men who live in glass houses should never throw rocks. We are certainly in better shape because of the Saban hire, but by no means are we perfect at hiring head coaches. Show some class….
By Ramblin Wrecker
December 15, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
After the way things have gone down at Auburn, with Tuberville getting forced out, I’d be surprised if Auburn is competitive again until after this Lowder guy dies. I just checked his Wikipedia page. He’s only 64, so depending on his health, this could be a long dark period for Auburn. Interesting reading.
text to be linked
I actually feel bad for Auburnites. I wouldn’t wish their situation on anyone, even UGA. That’s just ridiculous that one man can ruin the lives of so many, including young players who might have their futures impacted because of this circus, just because he has money. If Auburn (the university) were smart they’d go out and find another benefactor (or several) to offset this clown’s money influence and cut his a$$ loose.
By Gail
December 15, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Living in Birmingham my whole life, I’m used to hearing about how “wonderful” the Crimson Tide is….
But the insinuation that Auburn is only lucky enough to be good when Alabama is having problems with their program is completely insulting.
I’m not saying I think it was smart for Tuberville to leave the program, however it happened…And maybe this is a strange coaching choice. But is the choice made by Auburn…and no one knows what is going to happen next year…No one thought Alabama would be undefeated at the end of this regular season, yet they were..Great and unexpected things DO happen in college football…and not just at the University of Alabama.
If you aren’t an Auburn fan, just shut up and wait for the actual season next year instead of making useless predictions. And if you are an Auburn fan, please realize that this is the coach we have chosen so there’s no need to do anything but support and believe in Auburn. There are enough people betting against us.
Believe in Auburn and love it!!
By JB
December 15, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Dawg fan’s view ( the other JB) The guy did pretty well as a DC…..At 2 schools. I wouldn’t raise to much cain until you see the Offensive staff. The defense will be pretty good under this guy. Somebody needs to help the offense. Tony is right about timing. Saban having Bama for most of the year, IN HIS SECOND year, will NOT help him. I say give the guy a chance, support him. Plenty of time for Lowder to run him off. Good luck War Eagles……
By JB
December 15, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Saban having Bama at Number one is what I meant to say above in first post.
By KR
December 15, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Here is my perspective, as an “unconnected” Auburn fan and graduate. It’s a very sad day for Auburn University football.
It doesn’t really matter whether Tuberville was fired or resigned; it was time for him to go. Ask yourself the following questions about the last 10 years: How many times has AU played in the SEC championship game? How many times has AU won the SEC? How many times has AU played in the BCS title game? How many times has AU won the BCS trophy?
A lot of fans from other schools keep bringing up the notion that somehow Tuberville was the best that Auburn would ever get and that we should just be happy with that. Auburn fans disagree. We want a coach that is going to have us competing for the conference championship more often than not. We want to know that we routinely have a legitimate shot at the BCS title game.
All that being said, if a coach with only 2 years of experience on a 10 game losing streak is the level of coaching the AU administration is willing to have, they should have just left Tuberville in place.
I hope I’m wrong on all this and that Chizik will surprise everyone. And I’ll be there pulling for the Tigers next year, just like I always have, regardless of whether it was Jordan, Barfield, Dye, Bowden, Oliver or Tuberville on the sidelines.
WAR EAGLE!
By Scott
December 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
AU administration?You have every SEC fan scratching his head as if he had terminal cooties…
By GATORZONE
December 15, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE!!!
By War Eagle
December 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
CHEEZIT WILL BE A TOTAL LOSER… WAIT AND SEE
By Gator Nation
December 15, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Hey Gail
The whole point of this blog is for folks to give their opinion regarding the topic that Tony writes about.
If your feelings are hurt becuase the vast majority of us (SEC and Auburn fans) have a poor opinion of the coach your team hired, then maybe you should not visit this site.
Otherwise, buck up and deal with the criticism.
We all hire a Zook every once in awhile.
By tigerfan125
December 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Bama just got lucky with Saban this year with someone elses recruits. He’s not the rockstar that they think he is.
By WiscoCyclone
December 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
I am glad you took Gene away. We get $750K back, no severance and a chance to find a real coach. Tuberville comes to mind as an excellent candidate.
WiscoCyclone
By ISU Fan
December 15, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Good Luck with Chizik, Auburn. Just don’t expect him to tell you what he’s really thinking. Did he happen to mention to you that he didn’t tell his staff or the team here at Iowa State he was leaving until AFTER it came out on the news? I’m sorry but what does it say about the man’s character that he let the players and coaches he convinced to come here find out about his decision from a reporter? Hopefully we’ll get Gill. Then let’s compare results in a few years (if Chizik is still there, that is)
By mp23
December 15, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
WO WEEGLE!
By HEY tigerfan125
December 15, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
He is GOOD! Alabama is a very well coached team.
By bank walker
December 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Where’s Roswell Ed? Was he in Auburn last night welcoming CHIZNIK? Bwwwhhhaaaahhhaaaaaaahhhhwwwwhaaahhhaaa!!!!!! Coach CHIZNIK, Bwaaaahhhaaaaaaaaaahhaaaaaaaaaaahhaaaaa! Coach CHIZNIK THE SHIZNIK! Bwwhaaaahhaahhhaaaa!!
By Jeff
December 15, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
JB Keep chucklin’ my friend. That was a FINE game the puppies played against Tech. Oh wait Tech won that one. You guys are just a few inches from being as self destructive as Auburn is/was. Keep those penalties coming. Wait till GA has a banner year like Bama before posting something so stupid.
By Atlanta Gator
December 15, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
tigerfan125——If only that were the case.
Nick Saban is an excellent recruiter and a very good game-day coach. If a couple of breaks had gone the Tide’s way in the SEC championship, they would have been SEC champions in his second year as coach and playing for the BCS title. Please remember Saban’s already won an SEC and BCS title at LSU. The aberration is his failure with the Dolphins, not his success with LSU and Bama.
You can still rag on his loyalty and his ethics, but you save your breath if you’re trying to tell us Saban doesn’t know how to coach. That’s just wishful thinking.
By Tom
December 15, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
What??? We double a guys salary after going 2-10 and pay the school another $750k for him? All this after we fire a coach for going 5-7 and pay him $6 million? Next thing you are going to tell me is that Mississippi State hired a better coach than we did…
I’m glad Georgia State is getting football I don’t think I can stomach any more of this from AU.
By Got 12?
December 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
As a Bama grad and fan, I have mixed emotions about this whole thing:
I wanted Tubby to stay so we could pay him back but realized AU would have become competitive again (probably next year).
Hiring Chizik appears to be a horrible decision (which is good) but it was embarrassing to see him heckled to his face upon arrival (search youtube for the video).
Bobby Lowder, why are you putting me through this!
By ha ha
December 15, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Of course Mr. Lowder is an ignorant a* - he went to Auburn, didn’t he?
By SecIsFootball
December 15, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
ISU Fan…I can assure you that AU fans could not care less about that. Tuberville snuck out of Oxford, MS in the middle of the night just a little while after he said they only way you would get him out of Oxford was in a pine box. This one is just par for the course.
By SecIsFootball
December 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
KR….I think this time around Tubs was better than what you could get. There were not a lot of great choices out there for the HC position and no great coach is going to want to come in and work for Bobby Lowder. AU had some decent choices and made a very bad one. If you get rid of a coach, the goal is to get a better coach. AU didnt do that.
By Goes around comes around
December 15, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I swore off this stupid blog weeks ago, but I just can’t resist adding my stupid comments to the countless other idiotic statements. The truth is that nobody knows what is going to happen next year especially Mr. College Football. He has no idea what he is talking about and he has no idea what Auburn Football is about. I can’t wait to see Gene make y’all eat your words about how terrible he is. He had y’all shaking in your boots in ’04!
Tiger fans get off you rear ends and get behind your team. Until Chizik actually coaches a game for us, all these people’s opinions are silly and irrelevant. Stop reading the negativity. Don’t add fuel to the fire. If you don’t buy season tickets next year or think you might cheer for GA State instead…good riddance!
WDE!
By HEY tigerfan125
December 15, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlF3FvvdK3Y
By HEY tigerfan125
December 15, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
This guy has a good take on the situation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tQcA1aYv_w
By G8R GRAD
December 15, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Bad Hire:
Ditto.
How Miss. State did so well and larger and more historically successful programs like Tenn. and AU didn’t, is a real head-scratcher!
By Former AU Grad 72
December 15, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen some boneheaded decisions in my time but I’ve never seen a major university, especially mine, make such an obviously insane decision and expect to have any sort of football program in the forseeable future. I love AU and all it stands for but when football season roll around next year I’m going to become an Alabama fan, put an Alabama tag on my car and join the Alabama fans who laugh at the stupidity of the Auburn University staff who doomed AU to a life of misery for the next several seasons. I’m not sure you could entice a decent coach to even consider a job at AU when they consider of the lack of intelligence demonstrated by the AU administration. It’s a safe bet it will take decades to recover from this decision. How can two people be this stupid?
By TDAVIS
December 15, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
I am huge Auburn fan and will be for many years to come. I will give Chizik a chance (as if i had a choice) but I do not agree with the hire. There are many good coaches out there that would like to come to Auburn. So we settle for the coach that is on a 10 game loosing streak. It is what it is, and I will still wear my orange and blue till the day I die. who knows he may be a godsend or he could be the antichrist. we will just have to wait and see. WAR EAGLE
By Josh Payne
December 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
go cook something gail, men are talking here!
By BobStoops
December 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Dang it Auburn, why did you take Coach Chizik out of my conference. I had penciled in his team as a sure win for the next decade. Now, Iowa State might go and hire someone competent.
By Noshow Moreno
December 15, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
cheezdik aint gonna do nothing over at that cowtown. i predict UGAy will be going thru the same thing next year. UGAy football: Losing big games for over 28 years!
By Sir Charles
December 15, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
they should never hired that honkey. its turrrrible. should of chose turner gill. he like me, he loves him some white women.
By Still Sore from the Bama beatdown
December 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Let’s get Turner Gill’s achievements correct. For all you southern rednecks who think the only area of the country that plays high school football is somewhere between Georgia and Florida, please take note that the best football is played in western New York (there exists a part of New York outside of New York City), Pennsylvania and Ohio. Buffalo is situated perfectly to recruit from this area. A half-way decent coach in a lousy conference can’t help but win with that sort of talent base. As you hill folk like to say, “nuff said.”
By Tide60T
December 15, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Harold “Red” Drew was not the problem at Bama. In 1953, under Red Drew, Bama won the Orange Bowl 61 to 6 against Syracuse. It was “Ears” Whitworth that brought Bama to it’s knees, which led to Mama calling Paul Bryant home after the 1957 season. Tide60T
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Why don’t all you business geniuses give the guy a chance?
Those that know or have been coached by Gene - know what a quality person & coach he is. Just because Mike Leach wants to stay put - do you chastise the next best available?
Look at Tennessee’s hire — is he any better of a selection than Chizik? I don’t think so, unless you want to throw his old man inn the mix.
As for best available - who else was available & at what cost? A small college coach with limited sucess at Buffalo, Boise State or the Nati? Auburn will pay Chizik $2 mil while Bama pays Saban close to $5 mil year. Who has the better situation? Time will tell.
Chizik is a passionate coach that created some of the best defenses in the last 20 years in the NCAA. He’s of high character & demands the same from his players. He’s a coach that emphasizes studies, along with football & character. He knows Auburn & was very successful recruiting there.
With all that here’s what Chizik must do: -Hire a top offensive coordinator that matches their talent. This might be another spread attack. - RECRUIT. Auburn will get theirs no matter who is at the helm, but he needs to land a few 4-5 stars at key positions.
Chizik builds great defenses. He can attract the top talent at Auburn. Defenses win championships.
Time will tell - give the guy a chance.
By MattSEC#1
December 15, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Nick Saban must have made these hires at auburn, and tennessee, two coaches who have never won when they were head coach.
By Fans of Iowa St.
December 15, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Thank God, you have idiots who selected this God Awfal coach. I guess 5 wins was just to sexy for them, and could not pass up this joke for a coach.
By Still Sore from the Bama beatdown
December 15, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Dear GatorsOwnDogs,
You make good points, but you have a glaring omission—namely, Coach C’s record at Iowa State. His record was horrible, and it doesn’t appear that he was on the way to building a program.
By athensdawg
December 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
the guy can’t win at iowa state? Who has?
And the guy tony mentioned - gee - he just stepped up for a big time coaching job after leaving isu. WINNING at iowa state is going 6-6. He had 1 nine win season and a losing bowl record. He left to become a coordinator/assistant for usf and now uf. That should tell you something about iowa state…
I don’t think Saban, Meyer, Stoops, Mack Brown and Pete Carrol ON ONE COACHING STAFF could win at iowa state.
give the guy a shot. we’ll see what he does.
i remember when miami hired an head coach named jimmy johnson from oklahoma state. the oklahoma state people laughed him out the door….some friends of mine said that he will never win at miami…he was terrible at oklahoma state. so much for trying to predict the future.
you never know….
By Jim
December 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Dear Gatorownsdawgs-
Saban is making more like $3.5 (actually less than Les Miles, Weis and Carroll) but lets not confuse things with facts. I will say based on 2 wins verses 12 wins Saban is a bargin over Cheezdik. If you are trying to pump yourself up go ahead because no one else is listening…its just a horrible hire and the spinmasters at Albarn can’t spin it.
By Jesse Jackson of the NAACP
December 15, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Yo, Auburn, hope yaw happy,fo not hirin my bruda Turner Gill, now we commin down there to march, racist honkeys!!!!
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jimbo
I’m a Gator - I can’t get any more pumped up than when we schooled Saban & the Tide in the SECC. OK - maybe I will be a little more pumped up in Miami on Jan 8th.
There’s no spin - just facts. I’m not an Auburn fan, but Chizik is a Very Good coach. We’ll see what time tells!
By Reverand Al Sharpton
December 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Attention fellow brothaz & sistaz: We be marching on Toomers Corner these afternoon at 3:00pm. And yes that 3:00pm is in CPT. We gonna show these honkeys who in charge now! Piece & Love, Rev. Al “keepin’ it real”
By typical bulldawg fan
December 15, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
you allbarn losers deserve what you git! too bad you can’t hire willie marteenez to!
By Jesse Jackson NAACP
December 15, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Rev. Al, did you’s say 3:00 is dat mounin or eanin, and you’s say we marchin at Toomuz Couner. Is be dere, i hear day got putty white girls down dere.
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
GatorsOwnDawgs is the reason I read this blog!
“Chizik is a Very Good coach.”
LMAO!!
By typical bulldawg fan
December 15, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Lets all just load up the explorer and drive down to Pannymaw City and get drunk! That is how we all spend our vacations after all.
By Bama Fan
December 15, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
If Auburn needs any help in finding a new coach in 2013!! Call Mal Moore in Tuscaloosa, he is a pro in hiring 1 good coach and 4 bad coaches!! ROLL TIDE FOLKS!!
By Rebel Rouser
December 15, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I actually had a friend that played for Chizik at Auburn (you know his name). He really liked playing for this guy & said he’d make a great HC one day.
I gotta agree with GatorsOnwDawgs - wait & see, I think he’s a Very Good coach.
Now Charles Barkley (a frickin basketball player) has the nerve to make it a racist decision. Will it never end? There’s too much money involved for it to be about race. There’s a Black President on the way - is there really prejudice involved?
Go Rebels!
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry I meant to say: * GATORS OWN BAMA*
By Chris
December 15, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’m also a die hard Auburn fan and will support the coach. But I think if a young and upcoming Coach like Turner Gill is sitting and waiting on the offer why would you not give him the chance? He took an aweful Buffalo program and won that conference. Why not call Jim Grobe at Wake if he was willing to listen. Most people are right, I think that Good ole’ boy politics is all over this.
By George W. Bush
December 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
It has come to my attention that a financial bail-out package will be needed to bail out several SEC schools after the irresponsible coaching hires they have recently made. Under an executive order, I am authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to use a portion of the $700 billion passed by Congress to help these schools. The failure of these football programs could lead to devastating effects for our economy and would cause the loss of many jobs. Tennessee and Auburn are tops on the list. Note that Mississippi State has intentionally been left off the list since they still don’t pay their coaches bupkis, so it really doesn’t matter anyway. Besides, they’re not used to having any money, and would only misuse the money to by more of those damn cowbells. God bless us all.
GWB
By John
December 15, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Execuse me, but how did Mississippi State do so well?
Why do I keep hearing that?
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Props to Rebel Rouser - does it have to be some conspiracy as to why Gill or another coach was not hired at Auburn? Auburn interviews prospects & who knows how any of them said in the interview.
I heard Barkley’s comments, saying it’s about race & that Chizik had the worst resume. That’s idiotic! Gill is a fine coach, but that doesn’t make Chizik a bad one.
Chizik engineered two defenses that went undefeated & won a NC. Chizik lost a lot of seniors this year & had a number of injuries - even still he had some close games with Neb, KS among others.
Maybe Auburn made the hire - because Chizik is a known quantity (like Zook was at Florida), why is that racist?
By SEC Fan
December 15, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
I have a question for all of your bloggers out there:
Who made the more stupid hire: Auburn or Tennessee?
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
We own Bammer & the Dawgs!
I just wish I owned my double-wide trailer
By Richard
December 15, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I never thought I’d see Syracuse get a better coach than Auburn.
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Why would I want a double wide? I don’t live in Alabama - good luck to the Tide against Utah you’ll need it). I’m betting yours is all decked out with a brand new couch on the porch!
BTW if Chizik ever beats Bama - how bad has the Tide then fallen? I guess new pressure comes to the Iron Bowl!
It’s obvious to me from your comments that evolution skipped a step in Alabama. Go play your banjo!
By typical bulldawg fan
December 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
allbarn made a terrible hire. At least kiffin has a hot wife to look at!
By DawgGirl32
December 15, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
I’m all for giving the guy a chance, and who knows- maybe he’ll be very successful at Auburn. I think the bigger problem here is that they needed someone who could come in and bring the divided masses together. If anything, I think this just divided the fanbase even more. That’s not a great way to start your new job as head coach. I think that even with Tennessee’s hire, Lane Kiffin gave them something to be excited about and some hope for the future. I don’t think the same can be said for Gene Chizik.
By dj
December 15, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
For all you Auburn fans that were complaining about possibly getting Houston Nutt, he sure does sound like a good hire now. GO REBS
By jim
December 15, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Gaytor- You definitely don’t know crap…Bama’s won 3 of the last 5 from fu and kicked the crap out of your little aubies. I have the contract on Saban and will be glad to read it to you in your double wide. Also anyone with a brain would know he is a bargin at that. Likely you are a barner hiding under a gator shield since the barn isn’t going to win anything soon. So keep your blathering and we all know that you hurting inside…heck you were likely the one at the airport booing…..hahahahahaha
By G8R GRAD
December 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
John:
Are you kidding?
The OC from the national-title-contending Gators going to MSU and you have the temerity (or sarcasm?) to ask why I see that as a better hire than either coach going to UT or AU?!!!!!!
By GatorsOwnDawgs
December 15, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
We own everybody except Ole Siss
But Nutt’s goin’ to Buffalo!
Wish I could correctly use parentheses!
Gotta go wash my jorts!
By gt4ever
December 15, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
SEC fan, I was thinking the same thing…. ABSURD in both cases!
By jBobby
December 15, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Auburn football is not about sportsmanship, it is as twisted a political system, as the Russian parliament under Putin but the name of the man responsible for this behavior, is Lowder. The mayor of Auburn meets this new coach at the airport, gives him a key to the city and states “we are behind our new coach” if the new man believes that, then pig’s can fly after all. Tubberville was treated disgracefully and I for one am amazed that Auburn could find a coach at all, who would want that job after reading the press for the last few years on how Auburn handles a decent and very capable man like Tubberville. The Lion and his pride have eaten their meal of Tubberville so the new coach and his staff need to be ready for their turn at the table of dismemberment.
By G8R GRAD
December 15, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
“The Round Mound o’ Rebound” has weighed-in, but race card play here threatens to dilute its potency.
Chuck crying wolf?
By Got 12?
December 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Let’s all sit back from the keyboard. Think. And be realistic about this. This hire makes absolutely no sense.
Chizik’s record as a head coach speaks for itself. And for those saying ISU is a place where you can’t win: In the six seasons before Chizik took over, ISU went to five bowl games. In his two seasons, they went 5-19. His record was not a result of probation or some other extenuating circumstances. It was a result of poor coaching. Ten losses in a row. Are you kidding me?
Don’t get me wrong, part of me is happy because this virtually ensures Bama’s dominance in the state for the next few years, but I do feel bad for Auburn. (I can’t believe and said that and meant it.)
By john scott
December 15, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I have been a War Eagle for nearly 50 years now, and this is the stupidest, most asinine thing yet from the morons down on the plains. Lowder, Jacobs, Dye: you could not have done a better job of torpedoing the future of Auburn football. Your choice should have been Rodney Garner, a very good coach and an even better recruiter who could have competed with Saban straight up. Might I also mention a very good ex-Auburn player? I am beyond disgusted here. Of all the decent choices out there and you choose a guy with a losing record with no name recognition and with no chance of suceeding at Auburn. I’m white, but I truly believe that race was a factor here, just as Barkley said earlier today. I truly believe that Bobby Lowder said no way to a black coach at Auburn and we all know that Bobby gets what he wants…at the expense of his university without regard to the destruction of a once proud program. You are a cancer, Bobby Lowder. Our country is in the shape it is in precisely because of rich, white, fatcats like you and now you have brought your destructive ego to the altar of the death of Auburn football. Hope you’re happy. Also hope every Auburn person with their head on straight gives you and your suck-ups hell for years. You richly deserve all the enmity from us that is possible.
By SEC fan
December 15, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Bobby Lowder University is on for a rude awakening. They should’ve kept Tommy Tuberville. If the Tigers start losing in football they’ll have no excuse to keep that school going. Because we all know that it’s not about academics.
By Rod
December 15, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
This site needs a report this button.
By Linky
December 15, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing to me how many of those on this blog have a crystal ball! Especially our arrogant, redneck Bama folks. Ask Carlos Rogers, Antarrious Williams, and Carnell Williams what they think. They’ve actually played for the guy, and have had nothing but positive things to say about Chizek. Do any of you Bama people remember what Chizek’s defenses did to you? As usual everybody’s and expert, especially those who don’t know &@*#. I too wish Mr. Lowder would fire up his jet and take a one-way trip, but it’s not gonna happen. Seems I remember an out-of-control booster at Bama buying and selling players. That stinks worse than anything going on at AU.
By Old Fashioned Ray
December 15, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Sir Charles seems to want an Affirmative Action quota system for hiring coaches,but not the same for awarding athletic scholarships. Hypocritical! Just leave race out of all of it.
By Clemson Fan
December 15, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
If Clemson wins their bowl game Dabo will have as many wins as a HC as Chizik, and two months ago he was a WR coach……….awesome.
By Loudmouth Lowder
December 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Oh no, don’t tell me they are still listening to lousy, loudmouth Lowder-the-loser at AU?
By Anonymous
December 15, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
“SEC fan”——For those of us other SEC fans who attended universities other than Alabama or Auburn, let me be the first to pop your bubble: there ain’t a tinker’s damn worth of difference between the academic reputation and substance of Alabama and Auburn.
Stick to football.
By G8R GRAD
December 15, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
John Scott:
Please disregard my 3:56 post. Occam’s razor dictates that your analysis is simply more probable and therefore more reliable.
I humbly stand corrected.
By Got 12?
December 15, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Has anyone looked up from his monitor and realized the mess we’re in as a nation?
This financial mess is precisely what happens when a proven loser gets a promotion in spite of his failures.
(I’m a Bama fan but this kind of stuff makes us all—SEC schools—look bad.)
By goes around
December 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Give Chizik a break. He is a good coach. The guy had no chance of winning at ISU. Here is a breakdown of their history
476 – 556 – 46 all time 44 winning seasons in 116 season history 2 bowl wins ever 31 head coaches (6 with winning seasons) Johnny Majors 24-30 1968-1972 (on to a successful career at UT) Last winning coach at ISU: Earle Bruce 36-32 1973-1978
Ames is a black hole for College Football.
By BamaBoy
December 15, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
More Experience Gill VS Chizik:
Gill Assistant Coach - 4 years (neb, N Tx, SMU, GB Packers) Coordinator - 0 years Head Coach - 3 Years (15-22 at Mac School - Buffalo)
Chizik Assistant Coach - 7 years (Clem, MTS, SFA) Def Coordinator - 9 Years (SFA, Aub, TX) - Won NC & Broyles Award Head Coach - 2 Years (5-19 at Big 12 school - Iowa State)
Is it really Racism? Does Gill really have a superior resume? Ignorance is bliss - learn to shut your PIEHOLE Barkley!!!
By ugablows
December 15, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
chiznik is the shiznit! i predict aubarn will go the big O-fer in the mighty sec next year
By Linky
December 15, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
To anonymous: For one so critical of AU and UA’s academic credentials, you can’t even put together a grammatically correct sentence! So why don’t you let us in on your little secret and tell us what fine institution taught you to write.
By john scott
December 15, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
G8R GRAD:
Consider it done. Pulling for your guys on 1/8. Tebow was robbed, too!
By Spike
December 15, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Still nothing from Roswell Ed? I’m beginning to worry. I can’t believe something finally happened to shut his big mouth.
By JWC
December 15, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Tony,
Your timing argument is silly and a really just a total guess on what you think will happen (which youre paid to do). All the media shock over this will subside in a few weeks. Is it scientifically possible to be worse on offense with a fresh new staff and new energy? and youre not going to tell me the defense will be below par because if anything it will be as good or better. Secondly your boy Rodney Garner will end up on the plains along with any other decent assitants you have in Athens, which arent many ….and with the leftover 2 mil per yr we had on the table for the “rockstar” coach we didnt get, that will just be allocated towards an oustanding staff of assistants.
You know Tony its ok not to go with the National Media Flow every once in a while. And it would make your columns much more interesting than reading something ive read 14 times today, only in a different format.
I say all this with affection.. we love you Tony.
By G8R GRAD
December 15, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
John Scott:
Thanks for the support.
Didn’t care for Tebow’s whining afterwards though. Seemed SO out of character for him. Still not sure how I’m going to characterize his conduct - sour grapes, frustration, inflated expectation?
By lynninsavannah
December 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I heard Auburn was going about our coach seales and garner. That would be awful for Georgia
By Monica "Hairdo" Kaufman
December 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Dear Tony:
Please define “Auburn’s place in the World?, as Lyle put it in a response to your blog. Over the last 25 years, our head-to-head record holds up pretty well against every one of our rivals. Some of your readers seem to be about 15 years old, as they lack even a minimal amount of perspective. Whatever time-slice you prefer - 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, Auburn has a solid, competitive place in the world.
My feeling is that Auburn’s place in the world is whatever we (Auburn alumni) decide it is. If Auburn is not content with our team, how can anybody criticize that? We want to win it all, just like everybody else.
Here is a serious question for Mr. College Football. How do we realistically neutralize a renegade booster like Bobby Lowder? He is too rich and too politically connected, so he can’t simply be voted off the island. The governor of Alabama picks the trustees, and Lowder positions himself to get re-appointed every time is he faced with an expiring term.
Should we help him “fall down his staircase” like Alabama did with Logan Young? That seemed to work out well for Alabama, not so much for Logan Young. Every school has this problem with Steinbrenner-esque boosters. You would be helping everybody by giving us some guidance here.
By Mike in Columbus, GA
December 15, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
“ONE Booster”…… Well said… I’m looking forward to seeing which team Tubbs coaches past Auburn….A sad day indeed…war eagle…
By Anonymous
December 15, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Monica:
I had no idea you took such an interest in Auburn Football!
BTW;
Love the blonde look!
By simplythetruth
December 15, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE…. WHO? I can’t believe that the Auburn fans are putting up with this. The AD and especially the Prez. need an attitude adjustment by the fans. Stop buying the tickets and tell the do-nothing jerks to take a hike, otherwise, nothing is going to change. The conference needs competition in order to maintain its reputation. This hire does nothing but detract from that reputation. What a joke… Barkley is right on target.
By Blackberry Cobbler
December 15, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
CMR is no longer among the stellar coaches of the SEC. With Saban, Meyer, Spurrier and now Kiffin, CMR is a mediocre coach.
Nice guy, but average coach and also possesses the same fatal allegence to his coaching staff as Tubbs did.
He better get UGA turned around next year or his a$$ is grass just like Tubbs, Fulmer, and Croom.
By turkey
December 15, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Ever notice how Georgia and Auburn mirror each other. CWM is still Georgia’s defensive co and Auburn hires a coach with a losing record. Go figure.
By Ken
December 15, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Chizik 2009, then Auburn fans will be dreaming about Tuberville coming back in 2010; but it won’t happen when you have a big Daddy Booster looking over everything. 2009 Auburn will be a loser and Mississippi State will be a winner. LOL !!!
By jc_atl
December 15, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
I am in a wait and see mode. While there were coaches who could have been hired instead of Chizik, he does have ties to Florida and the SEC. Whether he can coach SEC caliber talent to better results than he could a bottom-feeder Big 12 team will only be known when his first team hits the field next season.
Until he starts doing worse that Tubs I will support him. I was in favor of giving Tubs another season but apparently he was not willing to do whatever it was the AD and Bobby Lowder wanted him to do. I wish him the best and hope if he wants to coach again he is given that opportunity next season.
WDE
By shane#1
December 15, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Monica, having a bad hair day? I am going to withhold judgement on AU’s hire untill I see how his team performs. I would suggest that AU fans do the same. As to getting Lowder out of the picture, I remember some orange magnate creating mega problems for the Gators. I think he was giving players money and other gifts without the UF coaching staff’s knowledge. I hope Atlanta Gator or some of the other UF fans have more knowledge of this situation and can fill in some of the details because this happened in the pre-Spurrier days and I may have some facts wrong. If I remember correctly the NCAA told the UF AD to cut all ties with this booster or face the death penalty for UF football. I think Florida did some major house cleaning, including all the coaches. Lowder is probably too smart to dig himself such a hole so maybe you need to elect a Govenor with some guts. No one person should have that much power. As for CTT, I think he will be coaching the Razorbacks in a couple of years. I don’t think Mr Pertrino is going to get it done there.
By GT student
December 15, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
he will be the next chan gailey lol
By Michael
December 15, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Great Hire! GO DAWGS!
By JohnnyTide
December 15, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
All you people now wanting to be a Bama fan. You have to have a very big trunk.
By cheese it
December 15, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
you heard it here first. before the 2012 season, All Barn and UT-Knoxville will both look for new head coaches. Now if we can just get rid of Urban…oh, wait, he’ll go to Notre Dame after next years’ debacle in South Bend. Go Dawgs!
By RICO
December 15, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
“He will be the next Chan Gailey”..Come on, Chan did beat Auburn (twice) and lead Georgia Tech to the ACC Championship game, once. This new dude at Auburn will not even get to .500, EVER! He will be fired before game 5 of his second season.
By dh
December 15, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Uh Oh we’ve had it. TB has a double bad feeling about Auburn. This is the same guy that had a good, good feeling about UGA handling that “killer” schedule that only they could do. Wiser pundits voted UF to win the conf. Sorry Tony but you ar full of cliches and other stuff. I would also say timing just about applies to anything and everything. PS Didn’t want Muschamp, thanks though.
By FLA DAWG
December 15, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
I didn’t think I was sticking my neck out at the end of last season when I blogged that Bama would probably not win The SEC but they would be a whole lot better than what most were expecting.
I was more right than I realized and though I think it will take Auburn more time under “C”, I think he will do it. Auburn is a traditional school and got a Tiger who I think will do well with SEC caliber talent.
By rev. rufus L. brown; the L stands fo Lub
December 15, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Now lissen chilren: when we march on da screets uh aubun. We not gone be jus walkin, we gone be jawgin. Cause what us peoples got to do is jawgitize da sichiation. Cause aubun’s main hunkys up der at dee collet didnt compur apples to apples, dey compured apples and urnges. I know what dey did. Dey sed no to da brutha and yes to da hunky, jus axe brutha charles berkley. He dont lie, he tell da trufe. Can i get a amen from da congragation!
By Scott
December 15, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Thanks Auburn for the help.
Iowa State.
By Terri Hobbs
December 15, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Chizik is a good assistant coach, but he will never be a good head coach. He is a quitter who does not follow through. I hope Auburn doesn’t care if they win or lose….
By Terri Hobbs
December 15, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Chizik is a good assistant coach, but he will never be a good head coach. He is a quitter who does not follow through. I hope Auburn doesn’t care if they win or lose….
By bank walker
December 15, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Now rufus l. brown seems to be a very good motivational speaker. Take him to Auburn and he might be able to persuade the AD to re consider. LOL
By Cyclone
December 15, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
By athensdawg
December 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
the guy can’t win at iowa state? Who has?
Dan McCarney….Cheesestiks predecesor..5 bowls in 6 years, tied for Big 12 North one year. You are SCREWED. Chizik is the Ed Ogeron of college football..great recruiter, lost on the field as HC. All Hat, No Cattle. War Beagle! Chiz is a Dog.
By Becky
December 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Amen to this article. I just wish we (I’m an Auburn alum) could function without Lowder. As I stated in one post, he says he loves Auburn, but I think he’s a Bama fan in sheeps clothing. There’s not a great coach around that will touch Auburn as long as he’s around. I hate to say it, but Auburn will probably be at the bottom of the barrel in the SEC and we can thank Bobby Lowder and his cronies for this.
By Miles
December 15, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Mr. Barnhart, in addition to WF’s Grobe, who are the other four coaches that comprise your top five college football coaches in the country?
By War Eagle
December 15, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
We got to saddle up and ride the horse selected. I will SUPPORT Coach Chitizk and hope he brings Auburn some offensive power. I am very disappointed in Pat Dye last 12 years and know Colonial Bank(Director) and Bobby Lowder(owner) have become very important to him.
By Brent
December 15, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hiring Chizik away from Iowa State just cost me money. I had Iowa State only winning 3 games next year. I might have to call and change teams.
By Dave Johnson
December 15, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
alot of people are missing the fact that …Gene Chizik wanted the job
By Hutch
December 15, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
I am sick of hearing about what Saban has done. He won in a year that was down in the SEC. The SEC even lost to the ACC. Auburn has owned Alabama, but made an error in Offensive change that made them suffer, Tenn was down, Vandy was down, Georgia was down, LSU was down,Arkansas was down, and Bama almost lost three games. I don’t know about Chizik, but I do know that beating Saban isn’t what Bama would like to think. However I do know why Bama is so excited, I would be too, if Auburn was that bad for that long, WAR EAGLE, go gettem Chizik
By MrModerate
December 15, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
“I am sick of hearing about what Saban has done.”
Get used to it!
By Hutch
December 15, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Good to hear from you I lost you for oh about 14 years. One good season dosn’t make a program and one bad season dosn’t either we’ll be back. Unlike the rest of the unfaithful Auburn fans, I think Auburns talent level is as good as anyones, they have to fix offense, then hang on. War Eagle
By Cyclone fan
December 15, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Good luck Auburn, State got rid of a coach who betrayed a university and a state. Now you are stuck with him. The best part is ISU may get the coach in Gill Turner that many of Tiger fans were hoping for. This may not have turned out as bad for Iowa state as Auburn, but only time and wins will tell.
By Jeff
December 16, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Auburn? you would almost think they were on probation and could’nt hire a good successfull coach. I think that the Sabanation has got the auburn brass so upset that they can’t think straight and make idiotic decisions. The amasing thing to me is how far the Tide has risen and how far the Tigers have fallen because of Nick Saban. “WOW”
By Jeff
December 16, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
Auburn was ranked number 5 in recruiting by Scout.com before Tubbs left.
By Jeff
December 16, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
The 4 most hated words of a Auburn fan are NICK SABAN and Gene Chizik.
By War Jacket
December 16, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see the number of recruits already committed to other schools announce that they are now considering Auburn due to the hiring of their new coach.
What a joke.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 16, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
Leave it to “Sir Charles” to make this a race issue. I am so sick of that fat arse and his commentary on everything. No one gives a dam about you fat boy. Go eat a cheeseburger and chase some white women.
By Fleischman
December 16, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
This hire is worse than the Mike Shula hire back in 2003. Poor barners, I actually feel sorry for them.
By Hutch
December 16, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Jeff spit it out its Nick’s !!
By dr gonzo
December 16, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Lowder’s a Bama fan.
By Pago Flyer
December 16, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Yes, sir charles and her highness oprah will get Auburn squared away real soon!
By Trenton
December 16, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Waaaa Waaaaa Waaaa
You liberal crybabies make me want to puke! You people got obama and you’re still moaning and complaining! Just shut up, you pansies!
By Sir Saban Prissy Pants
December 16, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
I’m going to destroy Auburn for the next 10 years.
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 16, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Blackberry Cobbler, and Kiffin has won how many games in the SEC???? When he has averaged 10 wins his first eight seasons, won 2 SEC titles, played for a 3rd and finished #2 in the country come back and compare him with Richt. And so far Saban hasn’t won anything for that matter and you better hope he sticks around until he does. “Mr Saban, the Lions are calling….”
As some said above, the important thing is that Chizik actually wanted the job. You guys should give him a chance. From all appearances he is an outstanding defensive coordinator which is key in the SEC. Give him a chance. Pretty tastless of the fans booing him on the tarmac. BTW, looks like tight airport security there in Auburn. People running onto the tarmac to boo the coach. How do you keep the cows off of it?
By Michael
December 16, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
War Beagle. I like that.
By duane
December 16, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
This is great for Iowa State as we (the Cyclones) have gotten rid of the dead weight into Auburn.
By Terry Bowden
December 16, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I’m still looking for a coaching gig ( not that I would have considered working for that asshat Lowder again )
By CyclonePredictor
December 16, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Watch out Auburn. Gene is a lying sack of crap. Don’t think he wouldn’t do it to Auburn too.
By CyclonePredictor
December 16, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
P.S. He is not a nice fellow, he is a liar.
By Chris
December 17, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Since the 12/16 article is closed to posting…Charles Barkley is an idiot and no one should listen to a word he says. He’s a big mouth blowhard who just loves making headlines. Who cares what that nut thinks?
It is inconceivable that Auburn or any other major team would care if the coach is black, green, pink, white, or purple. First, racism is a media tool to sell papers and Internet/TV/Radio advertising, period. It is not as prevalent as the media would have you believe. Second, college football = big money. Winning = more money, losing = less money. I guarantee you Auburn would rather win with the best black candidate than lose with the worst white candidate.
One of the reasons that there are only 4 black coaches at major schools is that several of them got fired or resigned during/after the ‘08 season. Guys like Willingham and Crooms weren’t getting the job done. So suddenly there are only 4 left and it’s a major issue that there aren’t more black coaches. Well, the ones that do have jobs need to do a better job. Are you suggesting that 0-12 Washington should’ve given Willingham another chance? Horsepooey.
For full disclosure, I’m a Georgia fan. Sticking up for Auburn here because I think Barkley and the other media clowns are just fanning the flames of ignorance for their own purposes, as usual.
By dawg-in-bama
December 17, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I am so thankful for the new head coach at Auburn. I am in the market for a used travel trailer and the thousands of tailgaters in this area that will be selling soon should create a buyers market.