Hey everyone. It's been an interesting 24 hours of governmental events, no doubt, but that's not my business. I write about Auburn sports. It's no less interesting these days.An example:
I'm wondering what Auburn plans to do about this emerging situation involving its head coach of 10 years. The program is at its lowest point since Brother Oliver was in command. Coach Tommy Tuberville's team has a poor offense, a weakened defense and more injuries than they can count.
The offensive implosion affected the defense in negative ways. We know this.
We know the whys. Tuberville made several poor decisions involving Tony Franklin, his alleged offense and the way that alleged offense was implemented. There are at least five reasonable ways to view this situation:
- Tommy Tuberville stinks.
- Tony Franklin stinks.
- The offensive assistants stink for not providing Franklin more support.
- Tuberville doesn't necessarily stink, but made some major personnel errors.
- A mix of everything above -- like a "suicide" drink at summer camp.
That doesn't solve the most pressing issue now.
Is Tuberville going to coach at Auburn in 2009? That's something athletic and university administrators (along with a few others) are pondering these days. The coach has his backers. He has detractors. I believe they're in approximately the same ratio they were two months ago.
I've heard sound logic applied to the idea of firing Tuberville. These folks say recent recruiting hauls have been weak, the team has been less powerful in the SEC each year since 2004 and the Franklin Foulup has been a killer.
The Tuberville backers say he is the program's best-ever coach, a good representative of Auburn and, basically, he's better than almost anyone else the Tigers could lure. With vacancies at Tennessee and Clemson already drawing indirect interest, this "offseason" market will favor coveted coaches. Auburn could find itself bidding against some deep-pocketed programs if Auburn chooses to pursue The Hot Names.
If Auburn doesn't make a decision soon, though, it risks a replay of 2003.
Tuberville was fired in 2003. The decision had been made. Only a twist of fate altered that plan.
If Auburn doesn't make a firm decision on Tuberville's future -- and go public with that notion -- it may again find its future in someone else's hands.
What if Tuberville wins the Iron Bowl this year?
Is that unlikely? Of course. Alabama has an outstanding team this season.
Still, what if? Is Auburn really going to spend $7.2 million to fire a staff that just beat Alabama for a seventh consecutive year?
I'll believe it when I see it.
Perhaps having Tommy Tuberville and Tony Franklin wrestle at midfield at halftime of the homecoming game to decide who will be the coach next season would work. I imagine the game would suddenly become a sell out and we might even put it on pay per view to grab some more cash.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather see a Tag Team match.
ReplyDeleteCaptain of Team One: Hugh Nall
Captain of Team Two: Tony Franklin
Replace "Franklin experiment" with "Franklin Project". As in the Manhattan variety. Both were nuclear.
ReplyDeleteSome fans find it therapeutic when the coach admits mistakes. That's what Tony Franklin told me, anyway. Fine. Did Franklin really say that to you?
There are things I like about CTT and things I don't, but I'm with you they need to make a public decision about it one way or another. I just can't focus on who I should think the OC should be or if needed who a new head coach will be until I know about CTT's future. Also, I think that which ever captain gets yox would win...dude is jus one big muscle.
ReplyDeleteWould probably take Nall's team though, they could just chop block franklins side.
ReplyDeleteGreat rant Jay.
ReplyDeleteMy response to the Tuberville backers that say he's better than almost anyone else the Tigers could lure.
Is Auburn not able to find a coach that even in this so-called "one bad season" capable of fielding a team that can put up one victory against an opponent with a winning record?
Every single win has come against an team with a 3-6 record. If we don't beat UGA or Bama, we would not have beaten a D-I team with a winning record. Pitiful.
Can you honestly say that there isn't one coach out there that could do better?
Monica: I figure the Mea Cupla Project™ made that opinion pretty clear.
ReplyDeleteThe best answer? Who Knows.
ReplyDeletePeople on both sides will argue until they are blue in the face (or maybe orange and blue)
We can all agree on one thing. Some change has to be made on the staff.
No Offensive Coordinator is going to come to Auburn now, knowing what happened with Tony Franklin, and just bring himself. He's going to want to bring his own assistants.
Which means some of the BBQ bunch has to go. But who stays and who goes?
I say it's Nall, Ensminger, Knox, and Gran.
Nall. Because we've had a decline in the quality of linemen. They are being coached wrong. Plain and simple. Remember when Marcus McNeil dropped from a 1st to 2nd Rounder? What was one of the main knocks on him coming out of the combine? That he had bad form. Terrible form. Who taught him that form? Hugh Nall. Also, look at Ziemba this year. How does a guy go from a 4 star freshman stud...to a frustrated sophomore making careless procedure penalties.
Ensminger. Because he's terrible. He's not an OC but he wishes he was. As a tight end coach, he's useless in a spread offense. We have 1 playable tight end (Tommy Trott) and our best TE from last year is on the defensive side of the ball.
Gran. Sadly, this will just be because he was the wrong place at the wrong time. He should be a head coach somewhere. I have really bad feeling that he will be the main scapegoat for Tony Franklin because he sold Tommy Tuberville a busted bag of goods, by vouching for the guy.
Knox. This is the main guy, I feel, needs to go. Our WRs this year are awful. They have heart, yes. But they can't get separation, make frustrating drops, and quit on routes. That starts one place, their position coach. I bet when Tony "the ghost of Patton" Franklin made his big rant during practice. His main focus was on WRs. Also, he's the recruiting coordinator. If our recruiting has suffered, and we had to get a new "spread" offense to bring in more recruits...who's fault is that? The OC or the Recruiting Coordinator? Plus, we are getting beat in state by Alabama. He's gotta take the blame for that.
Outstanding first post, fiji.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Gran vouched for Franklin. He simply was the guy Tuberville chose to spearhead the "interview" process.
Mea Culpa Project - so true
ReplyDeleteI have trademark envy.
AUsome post, Fiji! (which also means I totally agree)
ReplyDeletefiji is pretty much spot on!
ReplyDeleteHasn't the administration learned from their lesson? I've got to think that if PMarsh and Jay can articulate this so well- -surely the PTB can come to the same conclusions? OR is it because one side is trying to lobby the other side, and it's bogging down?
ReplyDeleteHey Jay, at least some of the AU faithful got to role Toomer's Corner last night. That might be the most meaningful victory of the season if we cant find an offense by UGA.
ReplyDeleteWithout a true OC I dont expect to find much offense in Nov. I do expect to see improvement in some areas and KB is showing that. Is there no better coach out there than CTT at this time. In a word...no. Not if you measure a program's success in more than wins and his w/l ratio aint bad.
On a side note, I had lunch with Pat Dye today...sorta. He was at the small restaurant I was in. I dont think I realized how much he has aged since my undergrad years. He looked like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. I should have asked him his opinion on the CTT controversy but I didnt want him to cast a spell on me.
Maybe Auburn should be an inovator, an example for the rest of the nation. We could be the first school in the nation with an offensive coordinator drive thru.
ReplyDeleteAnother job will open today, maybe not a great one but it is a Big 12 school. Ron Prince is stepping down at K-State at the end of the season.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jay, Auburn needs to make a decision one way or the other. But when do they make that decision? Do they make it during the bye-week or do they wait until after the Iron Bowl? I think they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. If a decision and statement are made before the Iron Bowl or right after and Auburn wins that game (miracles still happen, so I'm told) what kind of message does that send to Tub's replacement?
Jay how can you even consider Auburn beating Alabama? When you do your comparisons, what position(s) would Auburn have the advantage? I can't think of any.
ReplyDeleteJay, if CTT makes the changes that most people want, do you think he has it in the tank to get it done again? And also how safe will he be next year? Do think next year may be a repeat if things are not better? Thank You. I will hang up and listen.
ReplyDeletefiji,
ReplyDeleteHugh Nall in my opinion is the best position coach Auburn has. The reason for firing him? Cause Marcus McNeil slid to the beginning of the second round? I assure you that his chronic back injuries that plagued him throughout his career at Auburn and are bothering him this season were to blame way more than his form.
No reason to fire gran either. The dude is a good coach who develops players well and busts his ass recruiting.
Ensminger and knox, I agree completely.
I disagree with Fiji on one point - Gran. CEG is a great RB coach who's put a nice list of guys into the NFL. He's also recruited some of our better offensive players since he's been here. I don't blame him for CTF, you have to give him (CEG) the benefit of the doubt and assume that he figured the staff could work with CTF instead of against him.
ReplyDeleteJR -- strange things happen sometimes.
ReplyDelete17-16. I just don't think we can expect another miracle.
ReplyDeleteAU beating Bama? It's POSSIBLE, but not PROBABLE.
ReplyDeleteNo team is unbeatable. That's one of the great things about college football. I could point to numerous HUGE upsets from every year going back 20 years, but I won't bother. Not to mention that the Iron Bowl is special - I don't care what kind of season either team is having or what the records are - it doesn't matter.
2004 - AU was the most dominant team in the country. Bama, well, sucked donkey. Bama led at halftime on arguably one of the best college football teams ever.
AU could have not won a single game and I'd still say they had a shot at beating Bama. It's THAT kind of game.
KJ - I love this line, "Thank You. I will hang up and listen."
ReplyDeletejr - that's one of the reason's games get called miracles - nobody expects them
ReplyDeleteron mexico, I agree that Nall and Gran stay. People underestimate Nall because as an offensive coordinator, he is a great offensive line coach. As for Knox and Ensminger, I don't know. Knox is a big question mark because I can't understand how we are turning high profile receiver recruits into non-factors.
ReplyDeleteTommy has to go. I like him but a move has to be made. The $$ at Auburn will still be ready to fire him if they have another mediocre season in 2009.
ReplyDeleteAuburn needs unity and the only way to have that is to start fresh with someone new. If I were Tommy i wouldn't want to work with the "bosses" constantly looking over my shoulder just waiting for a screwup.
I can easily see us beating Bama. If you look at what has went on with Bama this season, their two most impressive games have been against outstanding teams such as Clemson which has now been de-Bowdened and Georgia who didn't get beat by Florida. They got that weird boot the Georgia announcer has mentioned placed on their head immediately.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't likely that we win the Iron Bowl, but it is possible. I do think we have the better talent, which brings us back to coaching. So, who is gonna bring the rope?
anon ... this is the path he chose.
ReplyDeleteTuberville had the option of repairing those bridges. All he had to do was give the word. He didn't do it.
Another thing to defend Nall is that when a sack or a tackle for a loss is given up the blame immediately goes to the O-line. 75% of the time it's the playcalling or the quarterback that's the one who should be blamed. It's hard to block when the defense knows exactly what you are doing and you have no element of surprise.
ReplyDeleteRon, ability is not the only determing factor. Nall may be the best. However, if he stabs everyone in the back (read: chemistry) then that hurts Auburn.
ReplyDeleteJay, When do you think they should drop the "hammer" on tubs if they are planning on doing so?
ReplyDeleteJay
ReplyDeleteHe may have chosen to constantly battle these trustees (ego...) but AU does not need any more of this BS. Tommy has a 7-5 season next year and we go through this again. New coach has 7-5 season next year and it is an improvement. No one will be satisfied with 7-5 but at least (hopefully) they wouldn't be looking for another coach...AGAIN
If I had my choice I would boot Knox, Ensminger, and Nall. I believe this staff and program need an infusion of new blood, new talent and new ideas. The word stale comes to mind when I think about our offensive performance since 2004. Very predictable and very safe.
ReplyDelete"if he stabs everyone in the back"
ReplyDeleteIs the everyone franklin? or are there others?
Jay that was some excellent commentary. My only addition to the rant would be that the real issure is the stagnation that the program has seemed to be over the past few years. Give the guy credit for what he has done I am completely down with that. However, recently the passion and fire that once surrounded this program seems to have been extinguished or at least the flame has been fanned a bit. Ways that we can tell this is recruiting which I know where we stand this year but that is based on our large number of commitments where many programs in the country have nearly half the commitments that we do. What we will see if the class remains the same is that on signing day Auburns class will plummit like the Hindenburg to somewhere in the 15-25 range. Which is where we seem to be landing lately when it comes to recruiting classes, which is unacceptable to me. Auburn should be able to just show up and land a 15-25 ranked recruiting class. There have been HS coaches in Florida and Alabama that have openly criticized Tuberville and his lack of appearance at there schools when the other in state college coach is making those visits personally. The hire of Franklin was an absolute move of desperation in my opinion. Tuberville has said that the reason they made the change in philosophy was related to the way that we were getting killed when it came to recruiting Wide Recievers. What I don't understand is why our recruiting coordinator is the position coach where we are getting killed. This is a sign of very weak or inefficitive leadership. Great great great rant Jay.
ReplyDeletePersonally I am on the side that wants to keep CTT. He is a quality coach who has surrounded himself with mediocre coaches. I am not in AU..I don't have an inside track but from the my perspective CTT has allowed his loyalty to those less talented coaches to drive our program to the state it's in this year. What is this staff doing differently now than what it did in'04. I mean we praised this staff and Borges genius after that year. WHAT CHANGED?! When things go badly we find people to blame and when things go well we praise those same people...I am just confused...I will say this though. The problems CTT has with the program can be fixed by him. CTT has shown the courage to try to change things if they become stagnant or aren't working. He did it this year. It just didn't work. I am frustrated and confused but I belive CTT to be the man to get us to a championship. Like any fan though I find myself fickle. One more year of this garbage and I will be screaming as loud as the next guy for CTT to go. But for now I remain another CTT stooge. Taken in by his apperance of constant vigilance...for now..Nice post Jay same for you fiji..really got me thinking. Even if it is in random thought
ReplyDeleteJGT, you were throwin' seeds ... SEEDS! ... until you hung a what-if in the 9th inning? Don't go away from the money pitch, brah.
ReplyDeleteHe ain't beatin' Bama as much as I want him to.
But because you're an all-star, you figured it out and went back to being Johnny Appleseed, flinging cheese past us.
"He had the option of repairing the bridges."
He didn't, and so with no bridges, there's no ambulance, no reinforcements, no nothing on its way.
No, he went for the pound of flesh and the easy ego trip in first class. Sure, he got Walker and Housel -- but that's low hanging fruit, dude.
Combine residual anger, the other band has a hit album, and the Tubs Fire-O-Meter wouldn't strike a match, well, it seems that you oughts to be monitoring jets again.
But they're wise to you -- they're using code names! And riding a stage coach. That's what you do when you're going to Texas. Or North Carolina. Or wherever.
We're still pulling for you. Stick with the ol' No. 1. It's your best pitch.
I have to disagree about Nall. He is not the best position coach we have. He's hardly the worst, but he's no where close to the best.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at the positions that we have struggled at this year. Sadly, offensive line is one of them. Numerous holds, procedure penalties, etc. We have too many drives killed because of mistakes on the OL.
The bottom line is this. Auburn is moving to the spread.
Nall is one of the speed bumps that is preventing the spread from taking affect. He's a run-blocking coach.
Yes, Nall is a talented recruiter. Yes, he can develop NFL players.
However, He sealed his fate a long time ago.
When Nall and Ensminger combined to form the Voltron that was "Nallsminger", Auburn suffered. He'll always be a target because of that.
As for Eddie Gran, I don't want to see him go. I just think that if wants to move on to a head coach position. Now is the time. Maybe I was reading too much into his connection with Franklin, but that's why I felt he was a target.
Fiji I agree with you as far a Nall is concerned. He has developed very good run blocking offensive linemen. With AU's new offensive phiosophy Nall has become an antiquted reminant of what once was at a school that built is reputation on a tradition of running when you knew that they were running and still doing it anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe way that I would evaluate this staff...if they're so good why hasn't anyone come in and tried to hire them away from AU? Any assistant coach will likely have the goals of moving to a coordinator and eventually a HC one day. With the case being what it is then why hasn't any one tried to hire away AU's assistants? Answer because they are not very good.
ReplyDelete" Numerous holds, procedure penalties, etc. We have too many drives killed because of mistakes on the OL."
ReplyDeleteI agree that was a problem, but that hasn't been a problem since we ditched Franklin and his mickey mouse offense, and that's not a coincidence. That offense and offensive coordinator were to blame when it comes to penalties not hugh nall.
maybe they just leave their cell phones off most the time, biscuitator. Coaching search committees are notorious for not leaving voicemails.
ReplyDeletejet g. ate: Talk about taking a no-hitter into the 9th and giving up a gopher ball! Stage coach?
ReplyDeleteRon: They'd better make a decision before the Iron Bowl.
Hey, I've got a joke I just made up:
ReplyDeleteQ. Why do our lineman pull like 4 yards into the backfield, at least two yards deeper than any other college line?
A. Because they have to get around the other linemen who are baseblocking and being pushed into the backfield!
Wait, that's not really a joke. sorry for the false advertising.
you think he would hang around and finish it out or hit the road? and if he did leave who would interim?
ReplyDeleteJay, what could CTT have done to repair bridges? Not understanding that.
ReplyDeleteKJ-
ReplyDeleteI feel like our offensive philosophy since 04 (and even in the 2nd half of '04 season) was to get up by 14 or 21, and then get conservative as all get out and hold on. I wish we would for once keep the hammer down and blow somebody out.
CTT needs to to for this reason- since Jetgate as Jay has said he has chosen not to try and mend bridges with the PTB. That was his choice and understandable. However he has put himself in the position of talk starting on his job standing anytime AU struggles. Those that say bring in a new offensive staff, do you not think they see what is going on? No one with a future is going to come here knowing with one bad year they AND Tubs are gone.The constant instability is hurting and will continue to hurt recruiting. It just seems to me to have reached the point where there is no choice other than to make a change with both parties involved helping to cause this situation.
ReplyDelete"Is Auburn really going to spend $7.2 million to fire a staff that just beat Alabama for a seventh consecutive year?"
ReplyDeleteBetter yet. Auburn lets go of a couple of coaches at the end of the year. Then, hires a new OC and two new assts. for two year contracts. The team doesn't improve, then TPTB decide it's time for change.
Then, we pay even more money and even more people not to coach.
Steve
ReplyDeleteWas that the hob nailed boot? I think it was.
Agree with you. UAT has beaten a very bad team in Clemson, and then took advantage of UGA's penalty/fumble fest in the 1st half of that game to hold on by 10 points. Then they struggle against Tulane, UK, and didn't really do much against Arky State this weekend. I don't think LSU can beat them, but again- -they will get undeserved "credit" for beating LSU, if that happens this weekend.
I believe that the decision should be made the wednesday of the Georgia week. Why...because the last time we fired a coach was the Wednesday before an off week.
ReplyDeleteMr. Sens-
ReplyDeleteand we try all that when AU students are struggling to pay for school. Sends a heck of a message.
The Auburn Board just want to do it's share of spreadding the wealth...
ReplyDeleteBiscuit
ReplyDeleteWe lost that game, though. So we should wait an extra day this time. Do it on Thurs. Preferably live on mindbomb.
Wdewg,
ReplyDeleteWaaaaah, Waaaaah, Waaaah.
Tell me the last time that 87,451 people showed up to watch some college kids learn. That's the message!
you're right. absolutely. just looks bad, and if it could be handled better, faster- -then I'm for that
ReplyDeleteJust Kidding. Had to quote one of the great college football movie "The Program"
ReplyDeleteRon Mexico's assessment of the offensive position coaches seems about right.
ReplyDeleteJay G, have you ever thought of writing a column for the Montgomery Advertiser in addition to your other works?
ReplyDelete"Jay, what could CTT have done to repair bridges? Not understanding that.
ReplyDeleteWhen people came to Tuberville -- or his intermediaries -- and wanted to apologize or whatever, he ignored them. Repeatedly.
I'm not criticizing him for that. I hold grudges. I'd behave in a similar way had I been in his position after the 2003 Iron Bowl.
I'm just explaining what's up.
Beat hacks like me aren't supposed to write columns. It's a journalistic no-no.
ReplyDeleteIf you're sensing some cognitive dissonance about how objectivity may not dovetail all that well with what I write at the HABOTN, well, you'll have to figure that out for yourself.
Saith JGT (correctly): "Tuberville was fired in 2003. The decision had been made."
ReplyDeleteJet G. Ate's logical extension No. 1 for 2008: The decision has been made.
Saith JGT (correctly again): "Tuberville had the option of repairing those bridges."
Jet G. Ate's logical extension No. 2 for 2008: Tuberville has been fired -- whether he knows it yet or not.
Jay, this thread from you is spot on, in that it plainly spells out the questions at hand. While I am not qualified nor educated in the situation enough to have an opinion, I do know this: Whatever the decision is, it must be made QUICKLY. There is nothing worse for a program than uncertainty, and right now, thats the only adjective that can be used to describe Auburn's. This recruiting class is absolutely critical to the future of the program....it falls apart and we begin the deaththrows of a prolonged downward spiral. If Tubberville is to be kept, those deciding to keep him must come out and say as much NOW, and do so without room for interpretation. Conversely, if he is to be let go it must be done just as expeditiously so that we can compete for a better coach (which I am unconvinced exists at this time). I am pretty sure the Trustees meet just prior to each year's homecoming game....perhaps something will come out of that if indeed that meeting occurs. Thanks for the shoulder Jay, in these most difficult of times.
ReplyDeleteNo, not at all. I was just saying this was very, very good, but I understand how the game works for you on the beat.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your insight.
Gang, my buddy Will Shelton over at the Southeastern Sports Blog has an interesting read on the coaching carousal.
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a read if you have the time.
CLICK HERE
wdewg,
ReplyDeleteI could not agree with you more. for most years our philosphy has been to get ahead and hold on. I believe and correct me if I am wrong that we beat florida without even scoring an offensive td. That sure is odd. I am seeing that a good "D" is great but you need an "O" to go with it. And I agree we never hammer down. That is what cost us in 2004. Like it or not style points matter.
Auburn has never fired a coach that beat Alabama to end the season
ReplyDeleteSteve you really don't believe Auburn has better talent than UA do you? Some people on this board need to face it, AU is NOT GOOD.
ReplyDeleteIf Stead had been on his game Sat, Ole Miss would have won by a really big margin.
Ron, the OL penalties will be a problem again when we play Alabama, guilty or not.
ReplyDeleteAlabama. The least penalized team in the SEC the last 8 years running. Alabama's opponents the most penalized teams in the SEC 8 years running.
And like a whisper in the dark, Tuberville will not be HC at Auburn next season.
jr - save yourself some keystrokes. Steve's "optimism" is diagnosable. We love him for that.
ReplyDeleteJay - Why is that a journalistic no-no? Is that some sort of reverse snobbery?
Won't it be fun when there is something new to read/post about? These many dead horses are stinkin' up the joint.
I thought the only Koolaid that was served is red.
ReplyDeletenot kool aid - optimism
ReplyDeleteI just put this post up like three hours ago.
ReplyDeleteCrudup, I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but i have actually noticed this trend during Alabama games. I think I have watched four or five of their games and not seen one holding penalty called on them. Something that happens on pretty much every play.
ReplyDeleteAnd I concur Tubs won't be here. I think he should stay, but i don't see it happening.
Ron - You make an interesting comment. I would be interested in peoples thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDo you think he should stay? Yes
Will he stay? No, hope I am wrong.
Jay a friend in Knoxville says the local sports station is claiming CTT is going to Clemson like this week, a deal is done, any validity?
ReplyDeleteI hate putting stuff like this up but he said they are talking it up not just an off the cuff comment.
Tuberville would do really well at clemson.
ReplyDeleteI don't buy this Clemson talk at all. Not one bit.
ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteThis dialogue is why I am an avid reader of this blog. This blog is my sports related cocaine...
Great stuff. Very knowledgeable posters.
FSJ
Jay, the more I think about it, I agree. Tuberville will either be the Auburn coach next year or he will be on the talking head circuit. I figure he will be a talking head.
ReplyDeleteFSJ,
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel about your team's chances of really putting the hurt on LSU this weekend?
On Clemson, what is Lake Martin not good enough for Tubs? LOL!
All this fodder flooding message boards about Tommy Tuberville being a “done deal” as Clemson’s next coach is just speculation.
ReplyDeleteSo agrees Tony Barnhart, the respected Atlanta-based reporter of all things southern college football – and who allegedly reported it as fact.
Not so, Tony says.
I found this on a Clemson blog. Definitely not as hot as this one.
Mr. Sensible,
ReplyDeleteI think we win by double digits. We are better on both the offensive and defensive lines. Additionally, I think we have the edge at QB if you can believe that.
And, don't take my previous statement the wrong way. I am not being cocky at all. I just honestly think LSU has several spots where they don't match up well with Alabama.
Icetiger- When has a coach at Auburn been fired or resigned after the Alabama game? I wasn't around for Barfield, maybe he is the exception.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the Tuberville to Clemson stuff, unless Tommy Bowden left his Clemson wardrobe hanging around and they want a guy who has roughly the same build and look to replace him and save on clothing.
ReplyDeleteFSJ,
ReplyDeleteI don't think you are cocky. You have every reason to be confident.
That's good analysis. I may "borrow" that for the show Saturday. I'll reference you, of course.
:-)
Eddie,
ReplyDeletePat Dye in 1992.
FSJ- I believe that you win the game, but I bet it is very close. I agree with the matchups, but I think everyone is going to be jacked up to rudely welcome Saban back. Should be a fun game to watch.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I thought you said around the Alabama game, not after.
ReplyDeleteMy bad.
RK- Not true, Dye was out before the Alabama game. I know he coached it, but his fate was sealed before it. That was the point I was trying to make.
ReplyDeleteLSU's secondary = horrible
ReplyDeleteJulio Jones = the opposite of horrible
Alabama 31
LSU 13
Tuberville just knows so many people. He's a networker. If he gets fired, he'll find something to do with his lottery ticket.
ReplyDeleteI just don't see him coaching after this.
The predicament with Tubs I see it stemming from the 2003 jet gate:
ReplyDeleteTubs did not accept any apologies, probably rightfully so, but Tubs did get his coveted buyout.
I see things as equal now. They don't have to talk and he drew the line in the sand with his contract issues after 2004 and last year.
That's my 2 cents.
If I had $6m I wouldn't coach. Don't need the stress.
ReplyDeleteJust like what Spurrier said of Fulmer..."He got a good deal."
I so wish I could cover that Alabama @ LSU game this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe atmosphere there will be The Most Nutty Situation In SEC History. I cannot imagine how rowdy it will be on Saturday.
I mean, they stoned buses, threw bottles at coaches and created a 10-foot, um, male body part to "assault" a 10-foot Tiger for Auburn in 2001.
Now it's Saban. Holy cow.
Watchout Senator Hooths, Tubs is after your gig if he needs something.
ReplyDeleteI think Bama beats LSU. LSU has turned to caca recently, but that isn't the reason. It is the attitude Bama has developed that I be leave will make the difference. LSU has the edge in talent, but team chemistry is much more important. Heck I know a team with talent better than almost anyone they have played, but they have lost 5 games. Team chemistry matters.
ReplyDeleteImagine if that game this weekend as a late kick off.
ReplyDeleteThe Bama fans have it lucky that it's the CBS game, that may save an attempted murder or two walking two and from the stadium.
LSU fans are the worst in the SEC. I was on the team buses in 1999, and they had kids, women and men mooning / rocking / flipping the bird at us. When we got off the bus, we walked thru Tiger Walk but due to Stadium construction, we had to walk by a group of LSU fans who cussed us out and threw things at us. Of course I did get a cigar out of that game :).
ReplyDeleteMy brother was there in 2001 and said people were throwing punches just to get on the team buses. That is just crazy.
I forgot that it's 2:30.
ReplyDeleteThat will cut the number of assaults in half.
Many of you are forgetting a very important fact. This is a new season for Auburn. Obama has been elected president and from what I understand, he will fix everything. I expect to see a dramatically improved Auburn offense this week.
ReplyDeleteeddie4au, from what I have heard about LSU fans, you are correct. I know people bash other teams, but the LSU fans have the worst reputation in the SEC.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of all the guessing about the future of Tubs. I'm ready for someone to make a decision either way. I hate this uncertainty.
ReplyDeletePMarshall states in his considerate manner that AU needs to either endorse or fire CTT soon...and I thought....hmmmm makes sense.
ReplyDeleteJGT directly (and without spin or hidden agenda)outlines the consequences of inaction by the AU PTB...and I think...H-LL Yeah.
I don't want CTT fired, but I'm gonna be angry if the PTB wait and fire him any later than next week.
The only reasoning I can think of for waiting is to try to negotiate CTT down in buyout as the losses mount. If this speculation is correct, the PTB are probably hoping more fans will turn on CTT. Well, they are risking losing even more recruits and damage by waiting.
You know? CTT tried to get his buyout reduced last year during the contract renegotiation..... Good move JJ!
With all this Clemson talk you CTT will get a raise from Auburn out of this, it has worked before.
ReplyDeleteHoopie- you have to love the games that the PTB and Tubs play. Just when one thinks the upper hand. The table flips.
ReplyDeleteI believe Tubs could have his buyout removed and let go if he wanted it. I don't believe he wants it. I don't buy into the Clemson talk. I don't think the Clemson fans want that either.
ReplyDeleteJay!!! I was NOT talking about your post to the blog being old, dead horse stuff!! I just meant we've not had any real news and no excitement about a game this weekend. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of nor have heard a valid reason for waiting to announce "whichever decision" at the end of the season. The gamesmanship is only hurting AU. It is another indicator of our "baggage".
ReplyDeleteHoopie- I can understand it better back when news paper was your main source for info, but in today's up to the minute info, there can be no good in waiting, especially if he is staying. Recruiting is such a year round thing and delaying the announcement of a decision does not help the situation.
ReplyDeleteAre we playing a game this weekend?
ReplyDeleteSorry..couldn't resist
We planned a fishing trip for this weekend. Get on the lake with cigars, beer and the game on the radio....Kicking It Old School.
Yeah, I'm excited about that Hoopie. Did you want me to bring the beer?
ReplyDeleteWhat time is the game this weekend?
ReplyDelete2:30 EST
ReplyDeleteThis will be the first home game in a long time that I have not attended.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a hard time finding someone to go with for the UGA game. I guess I may have to break down and bring a good UGA friend of mine. How pathetic.
Eddie - If you got a hottie tailgate going you'd have somone to go with ya.
ReplyDeleteI know I am late in the game, but Fiji is on the money. Jay G is also right on the money.
ReplyDeleteMonica- I'm all up for a hottie tailgate. I've mentioned it a couple of times to no avail.
ReplyDeleteIs there any interest in having a HOTTIE tailgate for the UGA game? If so speak up here or email me at monica_wareagle@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteMonica- -Heck yes, I'm excited about the game this weekend. We have a shot to win, and it's been ages since toe has met leather in Jordan Hare.
ReplyDeleteEddie- Please, please, please don't bring a UGA fan. We can take up a collection and by the ticket, or bring somebody that's a Ga Tech fan- -something!
Jay- -thanks for the answer on CTT's grudge holding. Certainly understandable, but also a good opportunity to be the bigger man. Looks like he passed on it.
I figured if I stay at home I'll be tempted to watch the game on ESPN 360 again.
ReplyDeleteMon....we're pretty docile nowadays. A six lasts the entire day. My buddy(an Oregon hippie) votes the opposite of me and won't stop discussing politics.....maybe you should bring beer and your wit to rescue the situation.
If I came to the tailgate, is there a possibility I get on the bottom rung of the cover page?
ReplyDeleteA new category:
Long Time Reader, Sporadic Poster, Likes Ribs at Tailgate
You have mail monica.
ReplyDelete"Many of you are forgetting a very important fact. This is a new season for Auburn. Obama has been elected president and from what I understand, he will fix everything. I expect to see a dramatically improved Auburn offense this week."
ReplyDeleteSteve, lmao! friggin' ausome.
wdewg- I can't even get my wife (an Auburn Grad) to go. She has stated from the start of the year that she hated the spread and believes it has been the reason for the bad season. I'll keep looking for an Auburn fan, but i'll have to wait and see.
ReplyDeleteEddie
ReplyDeleteCould be worse, you could be married to a UAT fan. I love her, but it's really been a long few months this year.
The race is on to get our daughter to chose a side. I came home from work one Friday, and she greeted me with "Roll Tide, daddy" with my wife laughing in the background.
I threw up in my mouth.
If anyone has two UT-Martin they don't want to use, I'm in the market.
ReplyDeleteI'm not trying to go all Stub Hub on you. Just askin'.
ReplyDeletewdewg- I feel for you. She will have your daughter brained washed before long :). My fear is that if my wife and I move to Athens, Ga, then our daughters would want to go to Georgia. I can't stand Georgia. I like them about as much as I like alabama.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Hoopie - Let me put a Jay G.esque percentage on this for ya.
ReplyDeleteWhile I would like to hear those conversations, I wouldn't be able to listen and not "contribute" (shocking,I know). Thus, there is 100% chance you would drown me or worse.
I bet you guys have fun.
I know this coaching horse has been beaten to death but what about the idea of bringing in Rich Rod?
ReplyDeleteHe's already on the hot seat in Ann Arbor. He's a spread guy who considered a jump to the SEC last year. He could prob make Burns a superstar QB and do a lot with this 09 recruiting class.
Plus with the way he left WVU he may be shady enough for our board of trustees to consider (See Bobby Petrino). Imagine the story line if he's AU HC when the mountaineers come to town next year. Just Sayin'.
my mom is going in my place this weekend or you could have mine JG. give her a wave on the way down.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed the rant today. i think $7.2 mil is way too much to get rid of a good football coach. KEEP TUBS....at least until if/when another meltdown happens. then i'll reevaluate the situation.
Tim- I would like that, but I don't see Rich Rod leaving Michigan. Michigan is a more patient program than Auburn is in my opinion. Rich finally signed his contract a little over a month ago and I don't buy that he is on the hot seat.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with being married to a Bama fan.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Mrs. FSJ
wdewg - I'm not sure if you can tailgate your way to the top. I'm a simple community organizer working for the good of the HOTTIE NATION. :-)
ReplyDeleteI grew up in GA and have disliked them most of my life, well mostly the fans. In fact, I had some college roommates that turned on me after I went to a AU/UGA game with them (and we beat them). Forget the year, Dameyune Craig was QB, so 96 I think. Anyway, I've never gone back to that place, and won't unless I can get seats in the AU block.
ReplyDeleteTim's post = repulsive
ReplyDeleteI bet if he stayed at WVU for one more season he'd be high on AU's list.
ReplyDeleteCareful Mon- that'll get you elected to really high office!
ReplyDeleteI know. :-)
ReplyDeleteTim- if he stayed at WVU one more year, he would be a lifer. I still believe he has regrets aobut that. Secondly, have you seen his wife??? She would not fit in Auburn :).
ReplyDeleteIf Rich Rod has taught us anything, it's that trying to change a program's identity (pro style versus spread) takes more than 1 year- -EVEN with bringing in your own staff and folks that know you. To try it with 1 half-shaven man pulling one way, and the rest of the group the other- -well, we see what we get.
ReplyDeletethe '97 game vs. UGA in Athens was a good time wdewg. 96 was the 4 OT loss.
ReplyDeletei've never really had an extreme dislike of the dawgs. i guess my extreme hatred of all things crimson takes up most all the hate i got.
I disagree. Rich Rod has zero regrets about leaving WVU. Let's don't go Finebaum on his wife.
ReplyDeleteScottie- How do you feel about Tennessee?
ReplyDeleteTo the game this weekend. . any score predictions?
ReplyDeleteIf we do get up by a decent amount (praying that happens), and then if it appears we are getting really conservative- -you'll hear something explode from the upper deck.
that'll be my head.
I was joking about it Monica because Finebaum made such a big deal about it. I thought it was ridiculous, but people really seemed to beat that bush consistantly when they thought Rid Rod was hired.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Dang it. The 4OT as a gut grenade. Winning over there was pretty sweet. If I remember, we had control of it for most of the game. Which was nice.
ReplyDeleteIf the altitude hasn't gotten you, your safe wdewe.
ReplyDeleteI've stopped predicting scores of victories. I just hope we win. blah it sucks to be so luke warm about it
wdewg- I would like to see Caudle get some playing time. That would be something.
ReplyDeleteI agree. sad that I am pinning alot on a homecoming game.
ReplyDeleteI'm out. You guys have a good evening.
WDE
eddie, you've got to feel for a guy that is from this state (TN) and put in 35 years of his life for the big orange. 35 freakin' years! i agree that it should've been done and if you KNOW you're going to fire the guy 100% then doing it on Monday was the way to go. give him 3 games as a farewell and let him soak it up knowing it's his last shot. Mike Hamilton was under extreme pressure to make a change. they showed a poll in tv yesterday that 70% of the state agreed with the decision.
ReplyDeleteon the other hand, my wife was pissed. it was funny.
Oops, I'm back.
ReplyDeleteEddie- normally, I'd agree. But I think KB needs as many live reps as he can possibly get, so in this case- -I'd only be in favor of Caudle really late in the 4th. When hopefully me and Dad are the only ones left in the stadium and the scoreboard reads 55-3 with 4:34 to play. I haven't had a dream or anything. . yet.
Jay,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I wish I could be in Baton Rouge this weekend, but it is not to be....
It will be a circus type atmosphere down there. Drunken corndogs, err Cajuns by 8AM, the smell of raw sewage mixed with puke, chants of tiger bait, pushing, shoving, fighting.... and that is just at the hotel....
Nick Saban, Les Miles, and ESPN Gameday only add to the fun.
wdewg- I was putting up the head sets in the 96 game and then Charles Dorsey got a sack that should have ended the game, but he picked the ball up and threw it in celebration which caused the refs to stop the clock. They were then able to down the clock with 1 second and threw a miracle TD just like in 2002. We single handly cost ourselfs the game by what Dorsey did. He sacked GA with less than 10 seconds to go with no time outs and they stopped the clock because of it. That game still hurts.
ReplyDeleteInteresting Scottie. People feel sorry but still want him gone. I've heard similar things from my family in Chattanooga.
ReplyDeleteI remember that. I also remember the no call push off in 2002 when I nearly broke my hand slamming it into the hardwood floor. Bad memories.
ReplyDeleteLet's start a new set of good ones in 1.5 weeks.
eddie, WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BRING UP OOH-LAH DORSEY???!!!!!
ReplyDeletei just got a sick feeling in my stomach.
eddie, don't feel too sorry for the guy. he's getting $125,000 a month for the next 4 years to sit on his butt.
ReplyDeleteif i had that kind of deal i would LOVE to get fired.
Scottie- sorry in advance for the 02 memory. yeesh. i can still picture it.
ReplyDeleteI'm going into work tomorrow to ask for that deal. Will let you all know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteG'night
It would make my year a lot better if we could win one of the last two games. I really would love to believe it could happen, but this is about as low as I can go in believing that Auburn has a chance.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lottery ticket, baby!
ReplyDeleteFulmer's got it made in the shade.
thanks. good luck tomorrow.
ReplyDeletePoor Mrs. Faker
ReplyDeleteI'm going to put a ticket exchange kind of thing on the Facebook group. Maybe that will help some of you lost souls.
FYI -- I'm going to save the video until tomorrow. Topics are at an all-time low right now.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel sorry for Phil at all.
ReplyDeleteI used to caddie at the Honors Course in Chattanooga while I was growing up, and I regularly caddied for Johnny Majors. I don't think Johnny would piss on Fulmer if he was on fire for nothing. He passionately hated Phil.
I'm just going to miss being able to reference "The Great Pumpkin"
Jay Gs reason number 4 is pretty much what I have been expousing. CTT doesn't stink,,,but he made some stinky personnel decisions. In the business world those types of decisions could get people terminated with extreme prejudice.
ReplyDeletePoor Mrs. Faker?
ReplyDeleteNot so..She feels like she won the lottery too!
:-)
I know you are BSing about the two tickets, but I have two.
ReplyDeletehypothetical questions-
ReplyDeleteIf tubs gets axed before the iron bowl does he finish the season out? I wonder if there is something about that in his contract.
I guess paul rhoads would interim if he left.
I'd love to go to the UGA game, but only if someone was giving away a pair of tickets.
ReplyDeleteI just dropped a ton of money this week on Guitar Hero & tickets to the Christmas Jam up in Asheville.
Ron,
ReplyDeleteI think Tub would work the rest of the schedule. I don't think he's the type of person to walk away from the kids like Bowden was.
Ron- I don't believe it is in his contract if he was to "resign" or take the buyout before the Alabama game that he could not coach through out the rest of the season. I would bet he would finish out, and if he didn't, then I believe the interim goes to the Assistant Head Coach, which I believe is Hugh Nall, but I'm not clear on that one.
ReplyDeleteTuberville being canned just creates more instability at a very unstable time. That's the last thing Auburn needs.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note... "FEELING THE HEAT!" Woot! I am honored and will do my best to live up to the greatness of the HABOTN
Denny - I thought he was being serious. Sometimes I just can't tell.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Jam is having Gov't Mule and a couple other of our faves. That will be a great time.
ReplyDeleteHave yall reach the conclusion that if Tuberville is to be fired it would have to be before the Iron Bowl or after?
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteNothing but a gut feeling, but if the decision is made to let Tuberville go, I would suspect that it would be announced during the bye week.
Still trying to recover from Panic in new Orleans this past weekend. Help
ReplyDeleteMy gut tells me to eat some Doritos. And I will shortly.
ReplyDeleteKeep tubs or let him go I want that pile of cash in the bucket!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jay, and lots of good comments. Its a slow news day, nearly the end of the thread, so I might as well give you a list of things I dislike about AU football and college football in general today.
ReplyDelete1) I hate it that our head coach thinks he needs to lead the team onto the field before the game. Seems sophomoric to me. Shug Jordan never ran onto the field at the front of the line - the players did that. He came last, and he walked - the way a distinguished head coach ought to do it.
2) Football should be played in the sunshine in the Fall of the year. That means start about Sept 20, and the fans should know before the season starts that all of the games will begin at 1:30, exactly when a football game ought to begin.
3) The football season should be 10 games. That's plenty for the players to have to endure. A bowl game should just be a reward for the players and nonsense like the BCS should be outlawed.
4) Money should not be the primary reason that AU plays football. Maybe it isn't now, but it sure seems that way. For years I had season tickets and went to every game. Finally gave them up after the 2005 season. It seemed like Auburn was doing everything they could to try to make me stay home and watch it on tv, so I finally decided that I would. One early season game would start in the morning when it was 100 degrees, then they switch the next one to start at 8:30 at night. They did all they could to make parking and tailgating as inconvenient as possible. No scheme was missed to try to get more of my money.
I realize these things are not unique to AU, but I just got tired of putting up with it.
I don't like what college football has become. Wish I could just quit watching it - I can't. I'm an addict. ;)
A good evening to all.
Monica,
ReplyDeleteChristmas Jam pretty much always has Gov't Mule, since Warren Haynes is the person who puts it on.
I've always wanted to go up there for that, so we have tickets to both nights. Should be a lot of fun.
If they really want rid of Tub, they would have to announce it before the Iron Bowl, because if somehow we win that game it'll be a tough sell to some fans to fire a guy who has just won 7 in a row.
ReplyDeletePlus if it was done before, they could try to use it to rally the troops to win one more for the Tubber.
Alan, we were watching Widespread from the blog via iclips.com! Great show.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Flam for giving us the heads-up.
Jay,
ReplyDeleteYeah, I heard a lot of positives about the live stream of the show on Halloween. I need to check it out myself sometime. If you know a good one coming up, let me know.
There's lots of good stuff over there on iclips, that jason isbell from voodoofest is pretty killer.
ReplyDeleteAight, I can't go through 190 comments to see if someone's mentioned this or not, so if it has, forgive me.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much with Jay on how we view Tuberville. The guy's done some good stuff. He's won some games. He's run a clean program. He's a good face for the school.
But here's the problem: How do you get the crap back in the bag at this point?
I mean, how do you erase all that's happened? How do you tell recruits and possible future assistants to just forget all the things that have gone down the past few weeks?
You can't do it. One of the trustees has already said that the school has the money to fire Tubs, so the buyout means nada. You can't tell Tubs that you're gonna give him one more year to get stuff straight, because what coordinator in his right mind would sign on for that gig? Recruiting would suffer even more than it has been, because all those kids would hear from every coach who came along is that Tubs won't be around.
Basically, AU's in a position where it has to do something one way or the other. Either fire Tubs or come really close to giving him an extension. And the latter option is just insane.
It's one heck of a bad situation.
Does anyone think Will Muschamp will get the job if CTT is fired? I think he would be a good and quick fix to the program.
ReplyDeleteI think auburn needs a leader, CWM is not that leader IMO. Insomnia....
ReplyDeleteJosh- I can't speak for all us Hotties, but I think you have summarized how a majority of us feel. It just seems to have gone to far for Tubs to be able to save his job at this point. I believe a decision has been made but not announced. It is way too quiet for nothing to be or have happened.
ReplyDeleteJosh Moon,
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point and you're probably right on with it. Here's my thing and this might be wishful thinking, don't you think that all it would take to rectify the situation would be a solid endorsement from Jay Jacobs? You know he could give the whole, Tommy had an off year, he made a change that didn't work out, those things happen and i'm sure he'll get things back on track.
The main player in the equation seems to the trustee members. I'd like to tell them all to go a mile into the earth, but without their green Auburn wouldn't be where it's at today. It's just sad that the fate of our football program is in the hands of a bitter bank owner with a broken ego from 2003.
I'd like to continue this conversation, but i got to head to work. Yes, the HABTON is part of my prework routine.
I'd like for someone to sell me on how Muschamp would be a good hire for Auburn. Right now I'm just not buying it. I don't see Auburn hiring a guy who has never been a head coach anywhere and letting them learn on the job.
ReplyDeleteI definately don't see him as a "quick fix".
RK- I'll try to sell Muschamp a little bit here. Muschamp is a top notch recruiter. He is a players type coach, meaning that the players love to play for him. He has been the DC for Saban, Tubs and now Mack Brown, so he has seen 3 different ways that proven football coaches run their operations. In being on all those staffs, he has a lot of contacts to be able to put together a good coaching staff. He energetic. He would bring great enthusiasm and excitement to the program.
ReplyDeleteI know that some believe he needs to wet his feet first, but I don't believe that to be the case. He is a seasoned, yet young, defensive coordinator. His roots are in the south and he can flat out coach. I know people will point out that he has struggled at Texas, but I will point this out: Texas has improved from last year this year. Maybe not by much, but they ONLY RETURNED 4 STARTERS of Defense:
2007- 25.3 PPG
2008- 20.7 PPG
Look at his first 2 years at Auburn:
2006- 24.8 PPG
2007- 24.2 PPG
If I remember correctly, most people were pissed to see him go. He is actually doing a good job at Texas in the all offense league, especially given the fact that he had ONLY 4 RETURNING STARTERS.
Anyways, not sure that many will buy into this, but thought I would try to make the Muschamp case.
"Look at his first 2 years at Auburn:
ReplyDelete2006- 24.8 PPG
2007- 24.2 PPG"
Those numbers can't be right. That may be the offensive #'s Auburn put up in those years.
Defensively in 06 & 07 we were giving up less than 15 per game I believe.
I know Muschamp has had the chance to watch some good coaches, but you don't know if he can apply what he has learned.
I also think he needs to calm down a little before taking a big time coaching job. You can be emotional as a head coach, but probably not as emotional as he gets on the sidelines.
I eventually think Muschamp will be a good head coach, I'm just not sure he'll be like Stoops and step in and be good right away.
Are we going to be the JP game (Raycom) vs. Georgia again this year?
ReplyDeleteMy understanding of the order is . . .
1. CBS
2. ESPN
3. JP/Raycom
4. ESPN2
The games that day
1. SCar at Florida
2. MissSt at Bama
3. UGA at Auburn
4. Vandy at UK
ESPN2 has already picked & set Vandy/UK.
I don't think we've played 2 home JP games to get out of it. (I remember So.Miss, but that's it)
If we are playing UGA at 11:30am again (we did last time), what a miserable way to end a miserable J.H. season.
RK- Your right, I typed in the wrong numbers. That's what I get for working and trying to post at the same time.
ReplyDelete2006- 13.9 PPG
2007- 16.9 PPG
Sorry about that.
I agree with you about it behing an "X" factor decision. He could be awesome in stepping in or he could struggle, but I believe he is worth the gamble if a Butch Davis coach isn't on board.
Landon- The rumor is that we will be the ESPN game more than likely, but Raycom is not out of the picture, just as CBS is not out of the picture. I know our record is terrible, but we have been very competitive in games and that helps us in being selected.
ReplyDelete