AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDid race play a factor in the Auburn decision?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few final thoughts/questions about Auburn’s hiring of Gene Chizik as its head football coach:
1. Did race play a factor in the decision? Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs talked about Chizik being the best “fit” for the program. Jacobs was clearly talking about the fact that Chizik had worked at Auburn before and understood the expectations and the unique culture of the place. But you can’t ignore the fact that to others the word “fit” has an entirely different meaning. It is code for doing the thing that is comfortable instead of doing the thing that is right.
Turner Gill of Buffalo, an African-American, had a great interview with Auburn officials. It is my understanding that President Jay Gouge really liked Gill and understood that it would be a significant hire in Auburn’s history. Gill’s wife is white.
There is no way to know what factor race played, if any, in this decision. You can’t look inside people’s hearts. I hope that it didn’t because Gill, aside from being a good coach, is a fine man.
But it can’t help Auburn when Charles Barkley, one of the most famous athletes in school history, trashes his alma mater on national television and claims that race was THE factor in the decision. Charles has been known to go over the top from time to time but if you’re an Auburn fan it would not be wise to simply dismiss what he said. Barkley’s words did some damage yesterday. And understand that in this part of the world recruiting is a contact sport. Fair or not, Barkley’s words will be used Auburn on the recruiting trail.
And also understand this. You can’t just dismiss the race issue out of hand and pretend it’s not there. Not when there are only four African-American head coaches out of 119 schools. Not when a man like Gill, who is infinitely qualified, gets passed over at Syracuse and Auburn because other coaches were a better “fit.” Not when a man like Charlie Strong, the Florida defensive coordinator, is still waiting for his opportunity with one of the most impressive resumes in the sport.
This is a serious issue for college football and those who don’t think it is a serious issue are simply putting their heads in the sand. It is not going away.
2. Members of the Auburn family have a big decision to make: There is no question that a lot of Auburn fans are not happy with the hire. Some wanted Gill. Others wanted a big name coach (which Auburn was not going to get). Still others wanted somebody with a proven track record on offense. But Chizik is now Auburn’s head coach. One of the constant threads than ran through Alabama’s struggles was that the fan base was divided and never could get on the same page behind any coach. Auburn fans can get on board and back this guy or they can sit on the sidelines and complain. The longer the fan base is fractured the longer it will take for Auburn to be relevant again in the SEC. Divide and conquer. It works in war and it works in the world of college football. Just remember how Auburn fans reveled in the misery that was going on in Tuscaloosa before Nick Saban came.
3. What if Chizik was still at Texas? Chizik was the defensive coordinator on a 13-0 team at Auburn and a year later was DC on a national championship team at Texas. Chizik went to Texas because he thought it would be a better springboard to a head coaching job. He was right. After the 2006 season he became head coach at Iowa State. Much is being made of the fact that Chizik was 5-19 in two seasons in Ames. But what if Chizik were still the defensive coordinator at Texas, the No. 3 team in the nation? Would this hire be viewed differently by the critics? Iowa State was prepared to give Chizik a two-year extension so he must have been doing something right.
4. Georgia had better keep an eye on Garner, Searels: One of the ways that Chizik could heal his fractured fan base, I’m told, is to get some big-time assistant coaches to come home to Auburn. Two of the very best Auburn grads working today are Rodney Garner and Stacy Searels at Georgia. Auburn needs somebody to ratchet up the recruiting operation and convince the school’s verbal commitments not to jump ship. What better way to take on Nick Saban’s recruiting machine in the state than to bring Garner back to Auburn? What better way to solidify the offensive line than to bring back Searels, who is one of the best in the country? And if Chizik makes that move it serves two purposes: It helps Auburn and it hurts Georgia. Hey, it’s a tough game.
5. Where is Auburn President Jay Gouge? Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs is getting beat up pretty good in this process. He was heckled the other day at the airport. That’s kind of silly but, as Jacobs said, that’s the passion of the fans. At least the guy didn’t throw a shoe at him.
This process, as difficult as it has been for Auburn, would have been helped yesterday if the president of the university had stepped to the podium before Jacobs and said: “This hire was the recommendation of my athletics director and I signed off on it. I support it 100 percent. The buck stops with me. I’m Jay Jacobs’ boss. I am the CEO at Auburn University. If you want to complain to somebody, complain to me.” Jacobs sent a letter to Auburn fans yesterday asking that they rally behind the coach. It would have been helpful if the president had weighed in on this one as well.
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By WDE
December 16, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
AU wanted someone with AU ties, look for Coach Chizik to hire (or attempt to hire) Searles, Garner and/or Nix.
Charles is Charles, remember his comments at the NBA all star game in the 80s? That got swept under the carpet, anyone else would have been crucified
WDE
By Of course...
December 16, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
…race played an issue - and Auburn came in last in the race to name a new coach, and got someone who was not even on any other school’s radar!
By Jeff
December 16, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
I’m an Auburn grad, but Barkley is a tool. He should stick to the four things he knows: basketball, booze, gambling, and food.
It’s impossible for any of us to know what went into the decision to hire Chizik. Personally, I’m not happy with the hire, but I didn’t want Gill either because I don’t think two years at Buffalo is enough for him to be ready to move up to Auburn. I don’t remember anyone making a huge stink when Nebraska, his ALMA MATER, didn’t hire him last year and instead hired Pelini. Give Gill a couple more years as a HC and maybe he’d be ready, but Nebraska obviously didn’t think he was ready to step up to big boy football just yet, and I don’t think so either after just two years at Buffalo.
By CBrad
December 16, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Where was Gougue at the AU press conference? He was doing what he was told by the AU Board of Trustees. Watch Jacobs bleed under that bus he threw him under. The Board runs the show and they’re the reason why Auburn’s trophy case is going to gather more and more dust.
Also, why would Garner go back to Auburn???
On November 29th Auburn went back to being Bama’s baby brother. With this hire, they are now Bama’s baby sister!!!
By Palmetto State Dawg
December 16, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Tony, just because Auburn might want Garner and Searels doesn’t mean that they will get them. If Garner and Searels had wanted to work at Auburn don’t you think they already would have? I think too much is made about working for your alma mater. Look at Hugh Nall, Muschamp etc….. they never came back to GA. Heck, Kirby Smart didn’t stay in Athens very long (1 year). I don’t understand why you would leave UGA to go to Auburn. You have a better chance to win at UGA with the Johnny 5 stars in your backyard and the curb appeal that UGA brings to the table. Just my humble opinion.
By SecIsFootball
December 16, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I wont say it was race or that it was not. All I will say was it was a stupid decision and it will come back to haunt AU in a couple of years when they get rid of this guy. 5-19 is what they just hired and it makes ZERO sense. I would be shocked to see Garner and Searls leave a good situation to jump onto a sinking ship at AU. Hell, if this past year provides an evidence, if Chizik has a bad season, he might be canned by Lowder.
Did you ever think you would see the day where it looked like Miss State made a better hire than AU?
By The man that made ROSWELL ED famous
December 16, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
I’m Roswell Ed and I’m right here.
TB is absolutely right. What if Chizik had stayed at Texas?
Where would he be considered amongst coaching prospects?
I don’t know if he is going to win SEC and NC but at least I’m on board for now.
WDE!!!
Besides not everyone should be so hard on AU for the mistakes that they may have made in this process.
Remember what happened when other SEC coaches were fired after a long tenure?
It took Bama 5 tries to get it right. It took UGA 3. It took UF 2.
Chizik has succeeded at the highest level of college football. He then took over arguably the worst BCS program there is.
I don’t think he just for got hos to coach in 2 years.
Sometimes that dog just won’t hunt!!
By SecIsFootball
December 16, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Jeff….makes sense that you didnt want either coach you are saying that 2 years at Buffalo is not enough proof. If your AD is deciding between the 2, would it not make more sense to go with a guy who turned one of the worst D1 programs into a conference champion as opposed to a guy who won 5 games in 2 years?
By Dogbyte
December 16, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Why would Garner and/or Searles want to climb on a boat that, if not sinking, is certainly taking on water? In hopes of getting the HC job? Not likely that Auburn will hire from within if Chizik fails. Just a thought.
By Joe
December 16, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Paul Westerdawg has a very good write-up on why it’s unlikely that Garner and Searels would go to the sinking ship that is Auburn. People should go over and read it.
But, if they do want to mess with job security and go to a place with a maximum 2 year shelf-life, then they should go. I think that UGA would severely miss Searels, as he has proven to be the most competent coach on the staff, but I am not so sure that Garner may have reached a time in his career where he is too comfortable at UGA and UGA is too comfortable with the job he is doing.
Should be interesting. Auburn is now a trainwreck. And where will Tubs land? What a collossal screw-up.
By Manus
December 16, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
The reason that Jay Gouge did not step up and speak and voice his stamp of approval at the press conference is simple. He was not even at the press conference. He was at another engagment. That should be raising some eye brows.
By BigDaddy
December 16, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Does anyone else ever tire of being talked to by Tony as though he were issuing orders? Somebody somewhere taught him that brevity was more important than politeness in writing articles. By starting off so many sentences as he does by saying: “Understand this” it becomes a little grating. The scary thing for him about being a college football “expert” is that the subject matter is so light weight that the blog is also filled with lots of “experts”. Tony should adjust his style to take account of this fact. I would certainly pit my inside knowledge on the SEC team I support against yours with a great deal of confidence.
By Big Daddy
December 16, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Which is the worse hire ChiZook or Kiffin? You make the call!
By Jim
December 16, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Auburn = racists Atlanta African Americian Recruits need to stay away from that school. Woo Eeegel
By rok dawg
December 16, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Do Coach Garner and Coach Seareles really want to risk their careers on a man who won 5 games in TWO YEARS at Iowa State?
You must not think much of their analytical skills Mr. college footbal.
By chuck
December 16, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I am not clear how Clemson, San Diego State & other schools who filled coaching vacancies recently can escape this same crap. However, Auburn who seriously interviewed Gill, but decided to go another direction, catches all kind of crap. Barkley is a loud mouth who has no idea what he is talking about. He needs to shut his pie hole & hit the craps & buffett table.
By bhamwreck
December 16, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Having the white wife was a death blow to any black man’s chances in 2008 of being the first black head coach at AU. And honestly, it was probably a prudent decision not to hire Gill. You would just be asking too much for the majority of the fans to swallow. In 20 years it may be different but for the time being if you want to be the head coach in the SEC and you are black, then don’t marry a white woman. Thats just the truth - it offends blacks as well as whites. If Croom had a white wife I sincerely believe he wouldn’t have been hired either.
By Miles
December 16, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Just as the ouster of Logan Young provided the impetus to put ‘Bama back on track, I suppose a similar situation with Auburn’s Lowden would be a step in the right direction. At this point, however, the most obvious question is, “What is an Auburn man?”
By Daniel Carver
December 16, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I am sick & tired of those people crying and whining about racism. You’d think those people would be happy with a black President… they will never be happy. WAKE UP WHITE PEOPLE
By Elvis
December 16, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Roswell ED…
Did you just compare Tubbs to Dooley and Stallings????? Interesting.
Tony…
Hopefully the fact that the Fightin’ Lowders did not think Garner was good enough to be their HC will prevent any warm fuzzy feelings about returning. I hope he stays.
Nobody on these boards has any clue WHY Gill was not the choice, it could be a legit reason. However, we all know WHO made the decision. THAT is why auburn will have a hard time getting another good coach for a while. It could/should be a great job, too bad the booster is such a vocal jerk. He has tainted one of the top 15/20 jobs in the country.
By IM4BAMA
December 16, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Chizik may not have been succesful at his first head coaching job but I’m sure it’s not easy your first time out.
He does however have Auburn ties and he is a good coach. It may not be popular right now. He might fail but the same can be said for Turner Gill. Look at the coaches both are/would have to face.
What is so special about Turner Gill? Having a medicore record at a MAC school isn’t impressive to me unless it’s because he’s a black coach. No offense to him. Syracuse didn’t hire him, I don’t see anyone else hiring him so far. Why not rip Syracuse since he was so close by. Let’s see if Iowa State does.
Why is Auburn predjudice for exercising the right to hire whoever that want. The media and Barkley can go blank themselves.
By Mac
December 16, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
I am Black but I sick and tired of hearing ‘racism’ thrown around everytime people disagree with a decision. The Auburn decision is boneheaded, but racist, comeon.
By Will
December 16, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Big Tone,
I think coach Chiz should think outside the box a tad. Forget the AU alums Searles and Garner. You need a guy like Willie Martinez or perhaps a special teams genious like coach Fabris. They would be great hires for your new staff. If you like a stingy, bend and break defense-Martinez is your guy. If you like a pooch kick to the opponents 20 and then a 3rd team JV player makes the tackle on the 45-Coach Fabris is your guy.
Just think about it Coach Chiz. You would truely be loved at Auburn then.
By Spanky
December 16, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Wow. Can’t believe someone called out Gil for having a white wife.
Honestly, I think that with the money involved in this sport, if people could be convinced that Pat Summitt could win an SEC championship in football, they’d hire her in a second, no questions asked.
The only factor race should play is if it in some way affects the job the head coach is capable of doing - as in recruiting. As over 50% of D-1 athletes are black, I’m not sure how that would be a hindrance…
By WHOA
December 16, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Josh Payne and Daniel Carver!!!!
By jj
December 16, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Is it racism when a “white” coach with a better resume gets passed over for a “black” coach just because he’s black?? This country will never get over racism unless ALL parties are on the same page. Racism applies to all, not just white people.
How about Norm Chow in the NFL, where are all the headlines when he doesn’t get a head coaching job? Why does this country give in to those that whine the loudest?
By George W. Bush
December 16, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
5 or 6 years ago all the blacks were cryin because Alabama didn’t hire Sylvester Croom, and now you see why, he can’t coach, You can’t force a coach on a school just for skin color. Gill has two years at a low tier school, and people want to make him God. Every school has passed on him, so why pick on Auburn.
By richtfan
December 16, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
organizations and companies have the right to hire who they want for whatever reason they want. Would ohio state have hired jim tressel if they knew he had a black wife? who knows? but it’s the school’s decision, and they have to live with it. this is a big problem in society. neither the federal government nor anyone else should dictate hiring practices or regulations to any company. nobody tells jeri curl they have to hire whites.
By Pago Flyer
December 16, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Why not let her royal highness oprah just buy Auburn and then let sir charles pick his favorite coach, gill?
By Billy
December 16, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Don’t panic Auburn fans. Lowder is just waiting for Bobby Petrino. That he wanted the whole time. I they hire anybody other than Chizik risks AU having too much success to fire him after two years.
By Atlanta Gator
December 16, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Comments in response to Tony——
(1) I hope not … and I will leave it at that.
(2) Winning heals all wounds. Auburn needs to show immediate signs of improvement, especially on offense, under Gene Chizik. Given that Auburn is traditionally strong defensively, but has recently been feeble on offense, one might wonder why AU hired another head coach from a defensive coaching background. To have a decent shot at succeeding, Chizik needs to hire a strong offensive coordinator, and then make sure he has the offensive personnel for the new coordinator’s system to work. Otherwise, Chizik gets two seasons——max.
(3) Yes, if Chizik were still the defensive coordinator at Texas, he would look a lot more desirable as a head coach. His 5-13 head-coaching record at Iowa State, however, makes him look less than desirable for a perennial top-20 college football program.
(4) Calling all Auburn grads with a college football coaching background! But do any of these mentioned guys know anything about building an offense? Garner could certainly help with AU’s recruiting, and Chizik is going to need that help as the AU program digs its way out of a public relations hole.
(5) The Auburn president’s failure to publicly and vociferously back his athletic director and new head football coach is probably revealing about the president’s role in this decision. I’ll leave it to others to analyze what the university president’s role actually was and how much influence he had over the decision.
By JB
December 16, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Why would Garner and/or Searels hook their wagon to a guy that might be gone in Two years or so. Trust me, 5-19 at Auburn in two years, he will be gone.
By Billy
December 16, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Don’t panic Auburn fans. Lowder is just waiting for Bobby Petrino. If AU had hired anybody other than Chizik there was the risk that the new coach might be too successful to fire in two years when Petrino becomes available. Petrino is the one they wanted the whole time.
By jj
December 16, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
If Chizik had stayed at Auburn and been a great DC, would we even be having this discussion? Why no heat for Clemson or West Virginia when they hired from within?
By DawgGirl32
December 16, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if he was the best fit for Auburn, but Turner Gill has done a lot for his school. Buffalo’s only been a D1 school for like 6 years or something. To go from that to winning your conference championship (even if it is the MAC) is pretty impressive. I think what hurt Auburn the most with this whole racism accusation is the fact that they’re Auburn. They’re in Alabama…in the deep south…where racism has its roots. If it was another school up north or something, I don’t think the idea of racism would have even been brought up.
By SEC FAN
December 16, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Hire smells! Woulda, coulda, shoulda, Chizik may work out, Gill is proven in a real hard place to recruit. So if the GA coaches head home, will that take the place of a unified alumni base believing in a head coach who brings a winnning history. If Garner is so important why did they not give him the job? That is why if I were Garner and Searls I would not go back. Big question is who will direct putting points on board, AU defense not problem, offense is weakness. Until Saban takes his game to another location it will be tough recruiting in Alabama. The shortage of top tier talent in AL, MS, TN will make it a tough go for Chizik. I remember the after Dooley years, after Cutcliffe years, after Saban years. Good luck AU, I am not holding my breath for a breakout ‘09 season.
By DawgGirl32
December 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
JJ- Just my personal perspective: Clemson’s Swinney the chance to coach the rest of the season as an interim head coach after Bowden was kicked out and he actually proved to be relatively successful, especially towards the end, so they let him stay. Similar deal with WV. When Rodriguez(sp) announced he was leaving, they let Bill Stewart coach for the bowl game and they won. I guess you could say they were given trial periods to prove themselves and they did. Chizik’s chance to prove himself will come next year.
By KR
December 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Tony, I lost a lot of respect for you with this column. Frankly, I’ve come to expect better from you.
I attended Auburn at the same time Charles Barkley did and encountered him on numerous occasions. I can tell you he is a loud mouthed jerk who rarely thinks before opening his mouth. While it can be amusing at times, other times it is downright irritating. When dealing with Charles, you have to understand that he really only cares about one thing: himself. Please ignore him. Hopefully, he will go away.
Let’s compare resumes:
Gene Chizik has 18 years of coaching experience. Turner Gill has 7.
Chizik has been a head coach for 2 years. Gill has been a head coach for 2 years.
Chizik was part of the Auburn coaching staff that produced a perfect season and part of the Texas coaching staff that produced a BCS national championship. Gill won the MAC this year.
Tuberville’s record at Ole Miss was nothing spectacular, but he was still hired by Auburn. If you check out a lot of the comments on the internet, most people seem to think Tommy did a pretty good job.
Nick Saban had a dismal 2 years with the Miami Dolphins prior to being hired by Alabama. Yet things seem to have worked out okay for them.
While I’m not enamored of my Alma Mater’s selection, I find Charles Barkley’s comments to be poorly thought out and entirely self serving. In other words, typical Barkley.
WAR EAGLE!
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 16, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
For the next 3 years, it’s UF vs. Bama in the SEC Championship, period!!!
The SEC is now a two team league, with UGAg as the forever bride’s maid.
Pretty funny stuff though, the whole Nation was only laughing at the fleabags this year with the Black out fiasco, the Hiesman hurdle ESPN didn’t show enough of, waxing by UF, and the beat down in their back yard becoming the 2nd best team in the state instead of the number one team in the Nation…But I regress.
Now the Nation laughs at the SEC as a whole. I see where the Ol Ball Coach lost his recruit to UNC trying to trash the ACC. hahaha
It’s time for GT to start scheduling a SEC opponent for our homecoming game.
Really folks, get use to being the 4th or 5th best conference rotating with the PAC-10.
Currently ACC 6 SEC 4 but after the bowls…the gap widens.
Tony, please post your pre-season top thirty again and show why you’re the expert. It’s a good thing you don’t get paid for being right
By reality check
December 16, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
I don’t like the thoughts from #4. I would hope that Coach Rodney and Coach Stacy are DAWGS! I don’t see that happening since the overall mood is negative with this hire. I don’t see they “why” in the Gene hire. I do believe that Turner had a more productive resume. If he were at Texas still….. if we hadn’t had the injuries and penalties this year we would have a better record. If is a big word. He did leave for Iowa State and didin’t really proove he is a winner as a head coach. As a Dawgs fan, it will be nice for Auburn to take a step backwards. We need a break in our schedule before Tech now it seems. I would say please stay coaches, we will right the ship! Go Dawgs and Merry Christmas!
By dap01
December 16, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Charles Barkley is an idoit.
Race may be the only reason HE has not been fired.
By YoungDawg
December 16, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Tony, your thought on Chizik going after Garner & Searels crossed my mind especially when all the heat started coming about his hiring. Then after thinking about it I became less concerned.
One thing no one is talking about is Auburn passed over qualified alum in Garner as well so one could say maybe race played a role in that as well. You’re good enough to play for us & be an assistant to help in recruiting but not good enough to have a position on power type of thing. If that’s the case then to me that’s worst than not hiring Gill over having a white wife because it shows institutional racism not just circumstantial based on fears of unspoken local social protocol. I’m not happy about the President Elect but it has nothing to do with his race! Rather I disagree with about polices. What sex or color someone is shouldn’t play into hiring decisions! So if any of that is true or Garner felt snubbed why would he go to Auburn even if it’s his Alma Marta?
One of the reason Searels took the UGA job was to be in GA near his family which with Auburn being on the GA border than might not be a factor. However right now where would you want to be UGA or Auburn? If he does go then we should hire Hugh Nall. I doubt Searels would leave to be just the OL coach but the OC position might entice him.
What still concerns me is…During their interview process they talked to Garner & Patrick Nix so it makes you wonder if they were talking to them about more than just the HC opening. Could it be that the plan all along was to bring them in as coordinators & the HC interviews were just smoke screens? If so that would be a great coup. On the surface of things right now this looks a lot like when Nebraska hired Callahan but if they can bring in some big name coaching alums it would heal some wounds & maybe rally the Auburn nation. How would their supporters respond to them making a legitimate run at those coaches but getting rejected do? On the flip side what would the reaction be if they made a superficial run for pr purposes at those coaches? Weather the offers are serious or not would be determined by position & $’s offered.
By goober
December 16, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
OK help me understand … Chizik leads his Iowa State team to the lowly record of 5-19, a .208 winning percentage. OR a better way to look at it, a LOSING percentage of .792. AND more impresssive, his team lost its LAST EIGHT STRAIGHT GAMES this year!
So what does Auburn do? They REWARD a man whose teams lose 8 out of 10 games with a head coaching job and a $2 million contract at what USED to be one of the great SEC football schools! What a country! I thought only in major league baseball could you fail 80% of the time and still make $2 million.
Auburn has really raised the standards in the coaching world. Instead of demanding a successful, winning coach with a proven record of accomplishment to lead its (heretofore) vaunted program, it hires what might be the losing-est coach in the country for the last two years.
Hmmm, maybe this is a logical analogy: A corporate VP was part of a successful, money-making company. Then he was named the CEO at another company, which his command has huge, multi-billion dollar losses for two years. Then lo and behold, his OLD company hires him back as its new CEO and gives him a big raise, based obvoiously on his proven track record of failure in his current job.
Or, how about this: the student in school makes an average grade of 21 (out of 100) on the 24 tests he takes over two years. And then, VOILA!, he gets a free-ride, full-load scholarship to Harvard!
Congratulations, Auburn. I used to laugh at and hate you just because you were Auburn. Now I have a reason. Never have I witnessed a more stupid, illogical, asinine decision in all of sports in my 51 years. I thank my lucky stars that you are not my team and school. I can only imagige how your proud alumni and other supporters feel.
Oh, (and I agree with Charles Barkley), for all of you charging Auburn with racism … that’s being generous to the good old boys on the plains. What Auburn did is far more egregious: it’s called STUPIDITY AND IGNORANCE for hiring a coach with the fantastic record of 5-19 !!!!!
My God, what has the country come to?
By Big MIKE
December 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
‘G.W. Bush” you and your racist views, like all other hickc in Bama, would be crying like little bi*es if one A.A. player did’nt sign with Auburn, but like so many other hicks, you seem to think all we can do is run and jump! THERE ARE SO MANY MORE THINGS THAT A.A. can do like win the ‘WHITE HOUSE’, coaching is one of those task that we can do also. Really if you hicks in ‘AUBURN LAND’ had any sense at all TOmmy would still be the coach!
By DB
December 16, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Gouge+Jacobs+Chizik=Mediocre Auburn Football.
By Kendawg
December 16, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Iowa State has been a doormat in the Big 12 for many years. Anyone who would expect a coach to win more than five or six games in his first two years has been smoking locoweed. Give Chizik a chance. Auburn has the talent on hand for him to do well right away. I could see Stacy Searels going to Auburn for an offensive coordinator’s position. I can’t see him taking a lateral position. If he’s not the best coach on UGA’s staff, he’s close to it. Also, I think it would take a coordinator’s spot to get Garner to Auburn. That might be the opening he needs to eventually get a head coaching job. As for Charles Barkley, he’s always played the race card. If you don’t believe it, just take a good look at his history. They’ll never be happy until they’ve got it all.
By SISSY DAWG
December 16, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Charles Barkley is a loud mouthed idiot. He is more of a racist than everyone at Auburn. Auburn should be embarrassed to call him an alum. I don’t agree with the hire, not because of race, but because it will be impossible for Chizik to meet expectations. He was not the best choice. Turner Gill, Rodney Garner, or Charlie Strong would all be better hires regardless of their color.
By Gen Neyland
December 16, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
If the newly hired at Auburn had been black, would we ask ourselves if race played a part in the hiring process..? Personally, if I were doing the hiring, I’d have offered the job to any number of coaches, black or white, instead of Chizik. Don’t we all have to believe to a degree that the braintrust at Auburn knew that picking Chizik would enflame the bigots, one way or the other..? Along with the hiring of Chizik, if the Auburn fans get into the business of brick tossing, it won’t go down as a hate crime…or maybe it could.
By Auburn Alumnus
December 16, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I agree that the number of African-American head coaches in major college football is appalling. However, Auburn University is receiving very unfair criticism right now. I realize that Charles Barkley’s unfortunate comments give editorial license to the feeding frenzy, but they do not justify it.
Ironically, if Auburn had never interviewed a African-American candidate, the criticism would be far less severe. What message does that send? Is that what the Black Coaches Association wants? Does that help improve the number of African-American head coaches? Instead, Auburn conduced a wide search and interviewed a number of candidates, including two African-Americans. These were not token interviews and, supposedly, Turner Gill was near the top of the list. From what I understand, the fact that Gill had never spent a day coaching in the Southeastern Conference and was not able to lay out a clear plan for potential staff hires proved to be troublesome for the interview panel, which also included an African-American. Despite these reservations, Gill remained a very serious contender for the job.
In the end, what did Auburn do wrong? The BCA works to insure inclusion in the process and Auburn exceeded this requirement. Criticizing Auburn for the way this coaching search was handled only works to chill future interviewing opportunities for African-Americans. The worst part of this story is that if Auburn had followed the University of Alabama’s lead and never interviewed a minority candidate in the first place (see e.g. Alabama searches in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2002, and 2006 and notwithstanding the purported Sylvester Croom interview in the spring of 2003) then the criticism would have been avoided.
Your column seems to suggest that Auburn took the easier path by hiring the one time internal candidate instead of breaking new ground by hiring an African American. I disagree. It would have been much easier and, perhaps politically advantageous, to have hired Gill. It was, in fact, much more difficult to take the leap of faith with Gene Chizik. As you columns explains, the Auburn family was not initially supportive of the decision to hire Chizik. If the decision had been Gill, the excitement would have been substantial, but that is not to say that he would have best the best choice.
Personally, as lifelong Auburn Tiger and alumnus, I can’t say whether we made the right decision for head football coach. I like, every Auburn person I know, was quite upset about the divorce from Coach Tuberville. I, like most Auburn people, have many question about Auburn’s leadership and these concerns go back decades. But in this instance, you -a faithful Georgia Bulldog- are barking up the wrong tree.
I do, however, agree with you that the Auburn family is currently fractured. In my estimation, very few wanted Tuberville gone and many have serious questions about the University’s overall leadership. The announcement of Chizik initially served to widen this divide. Yet, some good may come from all of this. I believe the intense outside criticism of Auburn for hiring Chizik and the undeserved cries of racism have begun to galvanize Auburn people. Proving the naysayers wrong is almost a tradition on the plains. As you know, us Auburn folks are usually at our best when counted out.
War Damn Eagle.
By Matt
December 16, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
one of the problems facing black head coaches is guys like barkley. Everything is racism to those guys. People are afraid to hire black coaches because you can’t fire them on the merits due to “racism”. Most AD’s don;t want that type of baggage. Also, did Ty Winningham, Ron Prince, and Sylvester Croom resign/fire because the were black, or because they didn’t win? I’m sure Sir Charles thinks raacism…..
By anotherdawg
December 16, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
I wonder if I will live long enough to see the day when race will be a non-issue. Statements like Barkley’s create racism. Whether someone is passed over, or given the job, based on race, it is simply wrong, and just divides us as a country. It will be a wonderful day when people are judged by performance and the other stuff is not even mentioned. Judging by the presidential election and the fact the president-elect won support from a broad spectrum of people from all races, maybe there is hope.
By longtimeSEC FAN
December 16, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
This Gator agrees with IM4BAMA and many other bloggers-“what is so special about Turner Gill…Syracuse didn’t hire him…” etc,etc,etc Aub made its choice as it had a right to do and alums should get behind him and give him a fair chance. Same controversy as when FL hired Zook except I don’t remember race being injected then but I do remember the TV blogs “Fire Zook” before he arrived in G”ville. Fans are fickle.
By Call it Like it is
December 16, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Bottom line:
If you are qualified and will be a good fit, then, you are hired.
Otherwise, stop whinning about race.
What about the 70% that start on a Div 1 level? Seems no one is concerned about a level playing field there.
You know why? Most deserve and have earned their spots to pay.
Therefore, same goes for coaching.
Enough Said!
By Preseason #1
December 16, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
You lost me when you cited Barkley as some sort of authority. He’s a buffoon who’ll give a half-baked opinion on anything. Charles is all about Charles, he’ll say anything that’ll shine the light of publicity on him.
By the way, Gill was 15-22 at a no-name school in a no-name conference. His coaching resume isn’t very impressive prior to that. There is absolutely no indication that he’s ready to coach an SEC school. All the Big XII schools, including his alma mater, have shunned him.
By Paddy
December 16, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
I have no idea if it was a race issue at AU. What I do know is that there are some real rednecks voicing racism in this blog. Makes me sick and mad. AJC can ‘t you block these neanderthals from this space? Maybe offer them some new cammo outfits for their Sat. night meetings.
By Kanye West "The voice of our genration"
December 16, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Auburn does not care about black people
By Daniel Carver
December 16, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Just another DAN… good hire Allbarn. Wake up white people
By The Wizard
December 16, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
I am quite confident that the University of Georgia would tell Coach Garner and Coach Searels the same thing that the AJC would tell you, Mr. Barnhart, if either you or them decided to leave to accept another job, and that would be…..Don’t let the door hit you in the A$$ when you exit.
I don’t think either of those scenarios are likely because Auburn has already snubbed both these coaches by not wanting them as their head coach and I can’t imagine anyone coming after you…..duh!!!
By BigDaddy
December 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
The real question is why Syracuse didn’t hire Gill. The man knows the area and has built quite a rep up there. He could have restored Cuse to its old ways. To be honest TG isn’t that great a fit at Auburn for all sorts of reasons unrelated to race.
If there is one thing that has been proven repeatedly, the athletic decison- makers at both Syracuse and Auburn are pretty boneheaded.
By ABRCWR
December 16, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Chuck, how can you say that Barkley does not know what he is talking about. He, more so than most, knows whats going on there. Make no mistake about it, this was and is a bad hire. Much like Shula at that other school. I will support the team and the university, but the damage done by this hire will hurt for a while in terms of recruiting and wins. We have lost 7 commits and solid verbals have turned to soft. We will be on top again, it just might be a while……….
By yurtle_the_turtle
December 16, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
What has Auburn done that is wrong or immoral? For all you idiots that immediately think that the Chizik hire was racially motivated, where is your proof? Evidentially the court of opinion doesn’t like using common sense, does it? Barnhart is an a*. He doesn’t know any more than we do at this time, but he has to come out looking good. Does the hire of a white coach always precepitate this type of rancor? Please. What has Turner Gill done that is so spectactular that he rates above Chizik? He has had one decent year in the MAC and didn’t even win the regular season. Gill has no ties to the south, yet you all expect him to come here and out-recruit Saban. I’m not an Auburn grad and Barkley is an idiot. I want proof before you make accusations.
By Born2Buzz
December 16, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Chizik @ Auburn = Gailey @ Tech.
Get ready for 6-7 years of mediocrity and a split fan base.
By GT
December 16, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
That is almost funny. I think Auburn would hire a black woman if they thought she would win. The guy at Mississippi State, Sylvester Croom did not help the cause any. Seems to me a great number of black players would come to a black coach’s aid and go to his college. Seems like they would be knocking the doors down. Not the case. Florida, Georgia and Alabama get first pick. Now they don’t want to play for Croom but they want the college to hire him or other black coaches. The power is in the black athlete’s control, but we never hear about that.
By Dogbyte
December 16, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I don’t really have a dog in this fight, or care either way, BUT if Turner Gill had played or coached in the SEC this race-card stuff might have more momentum. As it is, I have to accept that Auburn found Chizik to be a “better fit”.
By supa
December 16, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
You think Petrino is cursing himself for leaving the NFL 12 months too soon? He’d be perfect for Auburn…until someone else came a calling.
By Dawggone-it
December 16, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Modest prediction: Auburn finishes last in the SEC west next year.
By jksauburn91
December 16, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure I’m dumber for reading these responses, especially from the racist comments that have been made under the mantle of free speech. Thats even more disgusting that what is going on in Auburn.
Lets hope Chizik is more like Pat Dye than Chan Galey.
By RJS
December 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
A few years back, Barkley recommended that Auburn hire Jeff Capel for their basketball coaching vacancy. Instead, Auburn hired Jeff Lebo. Barkley 1, Auburn 0 Anecdotal evidence says Barkley is smarter than Auburn decision makers until proven otherwise. Personally, I think it’ll be Barkley 2, Auburn 0 by this time next year.
By RJS
December 16, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Forget Turner Gill, how about Charlie Strong? Somebody give this guy a HC job and get him out of the SEC.
By RJS
December 16, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Dogbyte: Urban Meyer, Mark Richt, and Nick Saban (when he went to LSU) all had no connection to the SEC or the universities that hired them. I think they’re all pretty good SEC “fits” (even if Saban is now fitting in at Alabama I doubt LSU will return that national championship he brought them).
By Proofread much?
December 16, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
“Fair or not, Barkley’s words will be used Auburn on the recruiting trail.” - this article “Only four players defensive players have been players been selected MVPs” - Ryan for MVP article
Does the AJC have anyone who reads the articles prior to posting them? I know that times are tough for newspapers, but it seems like I find errors in at least every other article.
By Spike
December 16, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Oh please, Tony. Not you too. I cannot believe you buy into this nonsense. The hiring was indeed stupid and inept to be sure, but racist. First what proof do you or anyone have that this is true? Zero. I’ll bet. Second do you really think that as competitive as SEC football is that AU would hire a white coach who is a loser, and not a black coach who is a winner simply because he is black? If a coach is a winner or they even think he is a winner a school would hire him if he were pink, purple. or polka dotted. This racist cry grows so tiresome. Since when do we care what Charles Barkley thinks anyway?
By The Voice
December 16, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Turner Gill was not the only one passed over for the Auburn job. Dereck Dooley, Rodney Garner etc. all had interviews and didn’t get hired. Not everything unfortunate that happens to a Black is because of race. Thats a fact. The Voice has spoken and it is so.
By G8R GRAD
December 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
So what is the pecking order in Auburn?
A) Lowder
B) Jacobs
C) Dye
D) Gouge?
By G8R GRAD
December 16, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
RJS:
Bite your tongue!
UF can’t stand to lose its OC and its DC before we play OU!
By G8R GRAD
December 16, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator, help me out here:
Didn’t UF’s President and AD come from Utah and not long thereafter recruit Coach Meyer to Gainseville?
By IM4BAMA
December 16, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Ok, I’ve thought about it a lot as to why Auburn hired Chizik. Personally I like the guy and think he a great defensive coordinator and if he gets the right offensive coordinator and good recruiting staff he could finish 4th in the SEC West. But here’s what I think.
He is the interim coach! The real prize is Bobby Petrino; but Petrino couldn’t leave Arkansas so soon after just getting anialated in the media for leaving the Falcons. He has to save a little face and ride out one more year, maybe two or most likely, the reason is his contract had some heavy penalties for leaving for another division school. Auburn couldn’t go straight to Petrino without more controversy too.
Auburn will finaly get the guy they have wanted for a long time, it’s just going to take a little more time. They needed a fall guy between the Tubberville and Petrino regimes.
By azcat225
December 16, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
G8R GRAD, the Auburn folks would know better than either you or me, but based on more than a few comments made here in the past week, I would be inclined to rank Dye ahead of Jacobs. And I’m not sure Gouge is even worth putting on your list…
By Iowa State Sucks
December 16, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Give the guy a chance. Who cares that he was 5-19 at Iowa State. Can anyone be successful there? He was doomed before he even started. At least he gave it a shot, got some experience and now it has paid off with a great HC job at Auburn. Most of you are getting way ahead of yourselves…
By j
December 16, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Dear Football World, Because Auburn considered an African American Candidate and then did not hire him —- Now Auburn fans have to hear about the “race card”. Well I am sick and tired of it. It doesn’t surprise me that an article like this would come from the AJC, the land of reverse racism.
Now on the Auburn topic, yes Auburn has its share of old-school grey haired old men that throw lots of money at the University, including Bobby Lowder. Lowder probably is a racist.
But, let me tell you that the University as a whole, the fans as a whole, are not racist. In choosing “their candidate” the powers that be, I hope, chose them on credentials.
The same second guessing that is taking place is the same “arm chair” quarterbacking that takes place on gameday.
Let me remind you that Chizik was the “hot” coordinator before Muschamp. Chizik was the coordinator of defenses that went undefeated at Auburn and Texas, he won a National Championship at Texas, and his teams won 39 straight games against teams like Alabama, USC, Oklahoma, LSU, Tennessee, etc. He also recruited a ton of studs on Defense, and should be able to continue Tuberville’s style and success of recruiting. Chizik had DB’s that could actually defend the ball, make pics, and shut down recievers, UNLIKE Muschamp. Chizik’s player love and respect him (ask the current NFL players).
Now for Gill, yes he has turned “A” program around (at least for this year), and he happened to beat an OVER-RATED, undefeated team from the MAC. Good for him. Yes, he MAY be a hot candidate in the future, he MAY not. Gill is probably a good candidate, but I feel people are jumping on the wagon a little early.
Remember Chizik was around first, Chizik has coached at higher level programs and has much more experience. Becareful in your comparisons. Remember Hawaii was undefeated last year and got stomped in the Sugar Bowl.
If Chizik was hired 4 years or 2 years ago he would be praised at Auburn.
Auburn fans are more upset at the events that occurred, how Jacobs handled the interviews, how Lowder get in the way of the program, as well as Pat Dye.
You can’t win in the “race” world, in the race game. A school is in trouble if trouble if doesn’t interview a candidate, it is in trouble if it does interview the candidate and turns him down or the school is in trouble if it hires the candidate and then eventually has to fire him (all coaches lose their job as some point). Auburn was given pats on the back for considering Gill, and now crucified for not hiring him. If Auburn had hired someone with the fanfare of Urban Meyer or Nick Saban, this discussion wouldn’t be taking place.
As for me, I’ll embrace Chizik, I would embrace Gill, or the OC from Florida or Oklahoma, or the Head coach from Tulsa or TCU or anywhere. I just want whomever gets the job to do well.
By DEMARCO MURRAY
December 16, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Demarco Murray OU’s starting RB will not play in the NC, will that impact the outcome of the game?
By the truth
December 16, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Well said Tony B. Much respect to you!
By Tarheel fan
December 16, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
No Worries Auburn fans. BIll Belichick stunk at Cleveland then became who he is in New England by the drubbings he took in Cleveland
By AUTIGER87
December 16, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Yes, it would have been nice if Gouge had been at the press conference - but he and the other college presidents in the state of Alabama were called into a meeting with the Governor about the state’s budget crises. Not exactly something you can say “no” to.
By Tom
December 16, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
After reading this blog it seems that its more than just the Auburn administation that are racists. It seems like their are many fans and alumni are just as bad. I would not want to be a black athelete going through the troubles that are about to happen at Auburn for the next several years.
Basically I think Auburn got what they deserved in firing Tuberville and not giving Turner Gil a fair shot. Good luck Auburn because you will need it trying to spin this into something positive.
By jacketbacker
December 16, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Every black coach that has been given a chance at a big time program has failed…Turner Gill has had one good year at a small program…So what!….NO WAY this guy should have been hired at AU. The blacks will take every chance they get to complain and cry racism…Screw ‘em….They will not be happy until 104 of 104 D1 coaches are black….
By j
December 16, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Good article Tony B, J
By Bo
December 16, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hey RAMBLE ON!!!:
Seriously, you need to get a life, or at least a little class. No one with any knowledge of sports would classify a 3-point victory as a beatdown. And let alone, if it’s your first victory in 8 years.
GT is a fine institution with a great football coach and an up-and-coming team. But, your senseless posts make your school look bad. Are you truly an alumnus?
By the way, I have no direct allegiances to UGA or GT. I enjoy good college football, and generally root for all ACC and SEC teams. I also enjoy blogs with spirited and reasonable debate. You should grow up or leave the room.
By enyawnilknarf
December 16, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Well said j, The NFL instituted the Rooney rule so that minority candidates could get there name out there. It took time but more minority coaches have been hired during that time. This critizism of AU could only hurt any other minority coaches chance of getting an interview. Why would a school want to interview minority if they are going to get hammered by national media if they do not hire them. Turner Gill’s name is out there because AU and Syracuse interviewed him. He will get a good job. This could be a good thing for minority candidates but it will take time. As for AU, Jacobs was hired to be puppet of Lowder and now Cheezit was hired to be puppet of Dye. I expect Pat Dye to have Neil Callaway back in AU by next week to run offense.
By Pago Flyer
December 16, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
We all hope that Auburn wins it all next year.
By tr
December 16, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Face it. Big name coaches with experience in the SEC (one of the top requirements listed at the start of the search) were all familiar with the power structure at Auburn, and only one seemed truly excited about getting the job. And he got it!
Black or not, Gill wouldn’t have lasted long at Auburn.
Chizik may not last long, either. But at least he’s very familiar with what he’s getting into.
Okay, his record at ISU leaves more than a bit to be desired. But it would take more than a great coach to recruit and win there in two seasons. Auburn already has twice the returning talent that ISU had when he got there.
Defense is still what separates the SEC from the rest of the NCAA, and Chizik was, is, and will continue to be one of the best at it.
^^THAT’S** why he was hired - his knowledge of Auburn, the SEC, and how to put a great defense on the field!
Charles Barkley is always outspoken and rarely lets political correctness get in the way of saying what he thinks!
He is also often correct in saying what a lot of us only wish we could get away with saying. But he’s waaaaaaay off base on this one. Stick to the NBA this time, RMoR.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Is it true Terence Moore is coming in from his vacation for this one?
By Shoe on the OTHER foot...
December 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Since the vast majority of Big$$$ boosters are white, I think there needs to be more white representation on the playing field and on the court.
Its all very tiring.
By rod
December 16, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
this is so stupid, no one is complaining about how many hispanic coaches or asian coaches there are. big deal. boo hoo.
By Eric1
December 16, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I don’t think this is an issue of race…at least I hope it’s not. But the perception that’s it’s racist will be just as damaging among recruits. That needs to be rectified asap. While I’m disappointed with this whole mess, I have no choice but to get on board with Chizic. He’s the man. If I want to support my Tigers, I have to support the coach. I wish him all the luck in the world. WDE!!!
By Navigator
December 16, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Auburn always get’s high rankings at the beginning of the season, only to fall. Those days are over, as no voter will give them the benefit of the doubt. Let’s be real, they lost to Chan Gailey teams twice in a row, and that pretty much says it all.
By Sid
December 16, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
An African-American coach at Auburn or Alabama? When Hell freezes over!!!
By Ken Stallings
December 16, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
You really want to believe that we’ve moved beyond race as a criteria for either hiring someone or worse not hiring someone. But, the more I think about this decision Auburn made, the more suspect it becomes.
Turner Gill took a wobegone program, hopelessly mired in losing year after year, and quickly turned it into a winning program. Gill established historic levels of achievement for the team. Further, by every measure of a man, Turner Gill is someone a school can be genuinely proud of.
He didn’t seem to cut corners by recruiting marginal student-athletes. He didn’t have his kids running amouk. He ran a class program.
Auburn had an opportunity to hire someone with proven excellence in every facet of football coaching, plus a man with a stellar college playing career. If they had hired another coaching super star, then perhaps one could understand. But, they didn’t. They hired a man with a losing record at a school with more advantages going in that Gill had with Buffalo.
I don’t understand. At least I don’t understand on any objective measurement. Left with no other logical alternative, one must directly question if there was a truly sinister influence that worked against logic.
By G8R GRAD
December 16, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
I think IM4BAMA’s onto something.
Chizik’s a means to an end - Bobby P.
By Bernard
December 16, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
It is very sad that first and foremost that in College Football, there are only 4 HC that are of color. That number is very alarming.
I know some people would say what is the problem? The problem is that a majority of College Football athletes are of color, particulary Black.
I have never been able to understand that Blacks are good enough to play the sport or good enough to recruit or coach skill positions, but never good enough to be the HC. It is really sad when you look at Florida’s defense coordinator, the job he has done year after year with Florida’s defense, we never hear anything about the job he does, but we always hear about the HC.
College Football is a joke, these colleges make millions of dollars off of these black athletes, but black coaches can’t get even a opportunity to be a HC unless they go to HS.
It is extremely sad that we are even having this conversation at this time in history when our country has just elected the 1st Black President in American History.
Its also extremely sad that our HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM in America is still practicing RACISM and DISCRIMINATION!!!! These are the people who are responsible for educating our children!!!!
NO WONDER OUR COUNTRY IS SO SCREWED UP!!!
By billy
December 16, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Black coach,white wife,wow these rednecks would have taunted the hell out of them.”FOR SALE” signs would have been on their yards weekly.I have lived in AUBURN,48 years.I remember players telling us they use to tell the black players if you wanted to party Tuskegee is 20-miles that way!!As a player at Tuskegee and high school player from auburn,the racism has always been there.Former basketball coach,stated once he would never play 5 blacks at once,but he lied.During a local home game he was subing players so fast he looked up and saw there were 5 black players playing,HE called a time out and put this guard STAN IN THE GAME.WE pronounced his name (pet-cabbage).yes ebonics!!BARKELEY KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED WHILE HE WAS HERE,SO THEY WILL NOT SAY TOO MUCH TO MAKE SIR CHARLES TELL HIS STORY…..ASK BO JACKSON WHY HE DO NOT WANT HIS KIDS TO COME TO AUBURN????
By jim
December 16, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Eric Kesilias (sp?) on ESPN radio had it right. Auburn is like the girl who is a 6 but thinks she is a 9. Program at Auburn will never be what it could be as long as influential alumni ( think Lowder ) look over the coach’s shoulder. Tommy T. would still be there if that were not the case. Auburn might ask themselves why no name coach was the least bit interested in the job. Who would when you have people out of the chain of normal command that must be answered to by the coach. What a joke.
By Joey
December 16, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Just keep UGA out of this discussion - our white head coach has a black boss.
By no clue
December 16, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Billy, one of his sons is at Auburn abd his daughter will be attending. Please do a little internet search before posting. …………………….