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12.13.2008

Done deal: It's Chizik

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard has confirmed the hire.

Gene Chizik will be Auburn's next football coach.

"Gene (Chizik) confirmed for me today that he is accepting the head coaching position at Auburn. I’m disappointed for our Iowa State fans and student-athletes that he has chosen to leave our program after only two seasons," Pollard said.

How about that?

UPDATE @ 8:40 p.m.: Auburn still hasn't acknowledged the hire.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.

269 Comments:

Quitstina said...: I'm numb.; 5:47 PM
Anonymous said...: ISU is actually disappointed. That's the amazing part.; 5:48 PM
Unknown said...: Kristina, would you like me to bring out some Pink Floyd for you?; 5:48 PM
Quitstina said...: No, Steve, this isn't comfortably numb at all ;-); 5:49 PM
Anonymous said...: JGT - I will repeat what I said earlier to get your thougths. I think the plan was to bring back xCTT. He decided no, which surprised AU, we had a Plan B....we are now on Plan D?; 5:50 PM
Denny Crum said...: I am comfortably numb.; 5:50 PM
barkley for governor said...: Oh yes, I'm sure the Iowa state fans are just crying their little eyes out. He did so much for their program. Go to Iowa State's Rivals page to see just how disappointed the Cyclone fans are. The headline reads: "Auburn can't count"

This is pathetic, I give up on Jay Jacobs.; 5:50 PM
Unknown said...: As a service to the Auburn community, I propose the following as the theme song for the evening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkJNyQfAprY

As I said a few days ago, when I look at our list of candidates, I feel like Charlie Brown saying "I got a rock".; 5:51 PM
Anonymous said...: If not lower on the Plan Pole.; 5:51 PM
dan dan the AU fan said...: If there are any positives, he did have a stretch of 29 straight wins as a DC for AU and UTexas, he is from Florida and has recruited the area before. That's all I've got. o more sunshine to pump.; 5:51 PM
Romberry said...: I just posted this very info in the last thread (and emailed it to JGT as well.)

The statement from ISU AD Jamie Pollard is available here at Cyclones.com.

Time for fans of Auburn University to act like fans of Auburn University again and get behind the new coach. Tuberville is yesterday's news.; 5:51 PM
Unknown said...: I can't believe these people actually get paid to make these decisions.; 5:51 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Roman, that ain't happening.; 5:51 PM
Unknown said...: jay, before this am,what was your % for this hire? Less than 10%? 20?; 5:51 PM
barkley for governor said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 5:52 PM
riskman108 said...: This might not be to bad of a hire... I was just looking at the players that have committed to Iowa State and they were all 1 star and 2 star players. No 4 star or 5 star players like at Auburn. That may be one reason that he couldn't do it at Iowa State. Granted I have heard that Chizik isn't that great of a recruiter but still. I am willing to give this guy a chance.; 5:52 PM
Anonymous said...: "Last week, Chizik stripped offensive coordinator Robert McFarland and defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt of those duties and reassigned them within the staff. He also fired quarterbacks coach Tony Petersen and secondary coach Shawn Raney."SOURCE

Another fine tradition continues...; 5:52 PM
dan dan the AU fan said...: That should say, NO more sunshine to pump.; 5:52 PM
GregD said...: Yepp - we apparently have a head coach. Time to get behind him.; 5:52 PM
Anonymous said...: I should be happy!! My ID is AU1N04. He was my DC in '04 11pts per game.

Welcome Back CGC!!

Man that is just hard.; 5:53 PM
krewe said...: Holy Chizik! That's a bad hire.; 5:53 PM
barkley for governor said...: Auburn has its man and he is former Iowa State coach Gene Chizik. No, really. Chizik has agreed to a deal with Auburn that will release ISU from it's six-year obligation to pay him one million dollars per conference victory. Needless to say, ISU did not make a counter offer. The powers that be in the Cyclone athletic department will take the buyout money and begin searching for a new head coach, once they quit laughing and toasting Auburn for taking the most unprepared, overmatched and incompetent head coach of the modern era off their hands.

There's the Iowa State reaction.; 5:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Chances on any of the Tubs staff staying around?; 5:54 PM
Miller said...: Why would he be disappointed? Auburn just helped them out of a hole...

From an ISU beat writer...
"When Chizik was hired, I told some media colleagues in confidence that his stay at Iowa State would be three years maximum. Either he would fail miserably and be fired or he would have a little success and jump on the very first opportunity that came along to move back south. Now I must admit, even I am surprised at the bizarre turn of events whereby he failed miserably at Iowa State and still got to jump on the very first opportunity that came along to move back south. What the hell Auburn is thinking is anybody's guess. And who cares. Because it just unburdened Iowa State of its most unprepared, overmatched and incompetent head coach of the modern era."; 5:54 PM
Unknown said...: Crazy, just crazy.; 5:54 PM
Unknown said...: Folks, it is way to early to decide if this was a bad hire. The best indication we will have soon is the staff that CGC brings in. Keep your fingers crossed. It is the coaching staff that usually makes the coach.; 5:55 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Well, at least this way, nobody will be expecting Auburn to beat them, so there may be an extra win or two in the schedule.; 5:55 PM
Unknown said...: is it weird that the news comes out on a weekend, not during the week, or were we all just expecting it to be sometime during the workweek?; 5:55 PM
ddragon1221 said...: I hope he prove us all wrong..HC you got your work cut out.......WAR Eagle; 5:55 PM
weagle251 said...: F that, Roman. There's 9 months before next season, so I think everyone has plenty of time to get their Pollyanna on. Let people be royally pissed for a while. This hire makes no sense no matter which way you look at it.; 5:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Peter, it's also safe to assume we won't be wondering who is coming after the coach at season's end while he hunts/fishes/doesn't try to recruit.

LOL!; 5:56 PM
Kris said...: You've got it wrong Roman. Its time for the administration at Auburn to start acting like it and hire the most qualified coach that is willing to be hired.; 5:57 PM
Anonymous said...: I think the big splash we wanted was actually cement blocks tied to peoples legs who just jumped.; 5:57 PM
Unknown said...: I would just like to take a moment to thank all the Tuberhaters. Without your help, none of this would be possible.; 5:57 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: WHY IS HE NOT IN AUBURN YET PREPARING TO GO ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL?

You're wasting time already, Chizy.; 5:57 PM
AUBigCat said...: This is some BullChizik!; 5:58 PM
Hardin said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 5:58 PM
Romberry said...: JGT: Roman, that ain't happening.

I'm sure that you are right. The childishness of it all is stunning. The same crew that was yelling loudest about how failing to support Tuberville would hurt Auburn (as though Tuberville somehow was Auburn) will be the same crew yelling their non-support for Gene Chizik at the top of their lungs. Go figure.; 5:59 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 5:59 PM
Anonymous said...: 2 hours ago JJ gets off the plane and tells JGT to his face that there is not a deal yet. JJ sees the protestors at the airport. Now ISU says that there is a deal.; 5:59 PM
Unknown said...: Mr S., this was directly related to fan support, as well as the BOT.; 6:00 PM
Unknown said...: i decided to put a new photo on my profile/avatar. Guys/Gals, get used to this facial expression of our new HC over the next 3-4 years.; 6:00 PM
Anonymous said...: I am officially prostesting for a bit.; 6:01 PM
Hardin said...: i really cannot believe this.

What will Gill do? Stay at Buffalo?

Who will be our new OC? what about DC? i doubt CPR will stick around

Auburn needed a home-run on this but decided to bunt instead....; 6:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Chris as to your earlier post regarding xCTT catching AU off-guard. Depends on your viewpoint....if its that they miscalculated his actions to their latest round of withdrwn commitments....maybe they did. Their egos are large enough to cause that miscalculation.; 6:02 PM
Quitstina said...: Roman, you seriously beleive we aren't acting like Auburn fans because we don't agree with the decisions being made there?

I would propose the opposite is true and that it's because we love Auburn so much that we are truly shocked about the events that have taken place over the past weeks.; 6:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Ok, Steve. Please email me your thoughts on that. mr_sensible_auburn@yahoo.com

Thanks.; 6:02 PM
Anonymous said...: I hope we are all wrong and that I feel like an A*# in 1 yrs time.; 6:02 PM
barkley for governor said...: Blame it on fan support if you want. You won't be able to blame Gene Chizik's failure on fan support, because there won't be any.; 6:03 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: I wonder if he made any contacts with any Texas HS QBs while he was playing over there? Pretty much my one wish for recruiting this year is a Texas HS QB, so maybe Chizy will be able to bring it. I doubt it, though.; 6:03 PM
michael said...: This certainly says something about the prestige of Auburn football. It is now pretty obvious that none of the behind the scenes candidates we were hoping for were interested.

I don't know how many arguments I have gotten in around here about how we are not Alabama or Florida or a a bunch of other schools. I think many Auburn fans' opinion of our place in the football world is way overblown. I have even been accused of having an inferiority complex. Well, it turns out I have a superiority complex. Here all along I thought we would get a better coaching hire than Miss St. I was wrong.

Chizik may turn out to be great. I sure hope so. That was a hard school to win at. But just the fact we had to go to him shows us how far we've fallen.; 6:03 PM
Unknown said...: Folks, remember that after the 2004 season Chizik was considered one of the top HC candidates in the country. Give the guy a chance.; 6:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Peter and I have the same wish.; 6:04 PM
michael said...: Anyone read Bill Simmons? We sure could have used a VP of Common Sense on this one. How on Earth did this happen?; 6:04 PM
augirl said...: I thought Auburn fired Tuberville so we could get better. I'm no rocket scientist, but I'm confused. Hiring a coach that is about to be fired from an inferior team seems, I don't know, really stupid. Surely, if we threw enough money at Muschamp, Davis, Gill, one of them would take the job. Chizik will not be able to recruit against Saban. Bamers are laughing their butts off. Seriously?????; 6:05 PM
AUant said...: After they stop laughing...They will do the right thing and hire Coach Gill...This is CRAZY...I'm still in shock!!!; 6:05 PM
barkley for governor said...: You're right, Mississipi State just made a better hire than Auburn did.; 6:05 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Dear Chizzy, please have lied on your resume at some point. That way, we can get Tyrone Willingham....errr, nevermind.; 6:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Hoopie - I mentioned it before as well. I do believe that AU miscalculated that xCTT would leave. That they were caught off guard.

That xCTT coming back was the plan.; 6:06 PM
Kris said...: That was before he actually got a HC gig Steve.; 6:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Roman...I was for CTT. I will not scream against CGC and will give him all chances.

My problem is with the PTB that are behind every aspect of this situation.

Our PTB are so infamous they can only do a deal with a Sexton client. Looks to me that all of the others ran.; 6:08 PM
GregD said...: We can't fault Chizik if we don't like the hire. He didn't appoint himself.; 6:08 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Roman, when money is no object and you hire a guy who lost 10 games in a row to end a truly dreadful reign at Iowa State ... you have to expect turmoil.

I can't wait for Monday!; 6:08 PM
barkley for governor said...: FSJ, I hope you are enjoying this. Hires like this will ensure we'll always take a back seat to your program.

Congratulations.; 6:10 PM
michael said...: And let's be clear about this: me and most everyone else here will be supporting Chizik next year, no matter what people are saying in this time of anger. And we may end up being pretty good.

I think the anger is directed toward the people who think it is a good idea to hire a guy that went 2-10 while in the Big 12 north. For those of you who think this was a smart hire, well, like, that's your opinion man. I am one of the people who wanted Tubs to stay, and I also am upset about this hire. It is ok to be upset about it. We are blog commenters. This is what we do.; 6:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Things that make you go hmmmmmm.; 6:10 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: as my wife's aunty helen used to say: "watcha gonna do?'; 6:10 PM
Anonymous said...: At least we aren't the Dysfuntional Cowboys.

I hope the new coaching staff can get those guys together.; 6:11 PM
barkley for governor said...: Jay, I'm so glad you aren't being a sunshine pumper like some other journalists will.; 6:11 PM
Quitstina said...: Thanks Hoopie. I'm tired of being lumped in with the Tubs haters because I think this is a bad hire.

I'll go to the games next year and continue to support Auburn with all my heart. BUT something is very very wrong and it needs to be addressed.; 6:11 PM
Anonymous said...: For AU1N04 and all others.

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM; 6:12 PM
michael said...: This hire definitely wasn't a home run, or even a bunt. This was a crap-in-your-pants-while-watching-the-third-strike-go-by hire; 6:12 PM
Quitstina said...: I think the anger is directed toward the people who think it is a good idea to hire a guy that went 2-10 while in the Big 12 north. For those of you who think this was a smart hire, well, like, that's your opinion man. I am one of the people who wanted Tubs to stay, and I also am upset about this hire. It is ok to be upset about it. We are blog commenters. This is what we do.

Thanks Michael. Well said.; 6:13 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: I'm with Michael....

...but seriously, recruits need to be talked to. Why is he in Memphis (or Iowa), and not Alabama right now? I don't give a crap about contracts needing to be worked out. Had Franklin even signed his before the bowl game last year?; 6:13 PM
Unknown said...: augirl, a big part of this is the perception of Auburn University on a national level. Perceptions are often more important than reality.

We are not viewed as a top position because of how coaches such as Dye, Bowden, and Tuberville have been treated. The Franklin experience added to this problem.

The view that the BOT is meddling in athletics adds to this. The BOT claims to have distanced themselves, but it really doesn't matter if that is true or not. What matters is the perception.

Jay mentioned it earlier. The Auburn job isn't seen in a favorable light. Firing Tuberville kind of added to the proof.

By the way, I think that the $5.1 Million and the way Tuberville went out was to hopefully avoid what is happening now. The problem was, nobody bought the story.

So, we now have to look to the positives. We have a defense that may be the best in the SEC next season. We have an offense that...oh..wait...we haven't got an offense. We need a top notch OC to come in and give us an offense.

The talent is there to win a lot of games as long as we have an average offense and this outstanding defense.

The other concerns will be players jumping to the NFL and recruits headed elsewhere.

As for Chizik, get Cotton back in the fold and I will sing a Monkey's tune for you.; 6:13 PM
AUfan said...: So Iowa State is disappointed he left, and AU fans are disappointed he is coming. This has to be one of the most bizarre hirings in recent college football history. And Barkley, yes I envy Miss St and their HC hire. Repeat I envy Miss St. Wow.; 6:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Well this will get rid of a bunch of bandwagon fans....good.

Now if we can fix the PTB situation.

As soon as myself and others can get a grip....we will have to circle the wagons.

I go to church with UGA,GT,UT,UK and Vandy fans. The question tommorrow....You hired who?; 6:14 PM
WRB3 said...: Okay. I was wrong. The BOT and JJ are stupid enough to hire Chizik. This beats anything i've ever seen. What is going on here? We just let Tuberville get away and replaced him with a guy who ran IOWA STATE's program into the ground in 2 years. This is truly astounding.

Oh, and about that smell test I mentioned earlier, and this hire not passing it? Well, there is definately a smell coming from the AU campus now, isn't there?; 6:14 PM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: i agree with michael. that said, it would have to be a little tough to recruit a coach to au with dye, tuberville and borges all hanging around.; 6:14 PM
michael said...: Roman, are you in someway related to Chizik or something? Do you owe him money? How can you think we are childish for disapproving of this horrible hire?; 6:15 PM
Anonymous said...: War Eagle anyway; 6:15 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Mr. S, how is Auburn different from the Cowboys?; 6:15 PM
Unknown said...: Michael just gave me the most terrible mental picture. We stared Saban square in the eye and crapped our shorts. Yes, it is ugly, but it seems accurate.; 6:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Mr. S - That is perfect...and the fact that you got that so fast is why you sir are in The Ring of Fire!; 6:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Peter,

As far as we know, the offensive skill guys aren't at war with each other of the offensive game plan. I know this because for most of last year, we clearly had no plan on offense.

Just sayin...; 6:17 PM
michael said...: "...but seriously, recruits need to be talked to. Why is he in Memphis (or Iowa), and not Alabama right now? I don't give a crap about contracts needing to be worked out. Had Franklin even signed his before the bowl game last year?" - frankenbummer

I am guessing Chizik wants this contract signed before they can pull it back. I don't blame him.; 6:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks, 1n04; 6:18 PM
michael said...: SERENITY NOW!; 6:18 PM
Josh_Moon said...: Been out of pocket today.

Anything going on?; 6:20 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: nothing much. just the end of the world; 6:20 PM
Taylor said...: im gonna wait and see.

i looked at ISU on wikipedia. for what its worth, that place is a black hole. no coach has had a winning career there.

it possible chiczik could be successful at AU. especially if he hires some all star assistants.

i hear from the BoT camp, that pat dye is very excited about this hire. if pat dye is excited about it, i can jump on board.

remember that no one that dye was a good choice when he was hired.; 6:20 PM
Quitstina said...: Funny, Josh. ;-); 6:21 PM
Emmett said...: Why am I so disappointed?
There was this big box under the Chrismas tree, and for weeks I have known it was the gift I always wanted. That was the Coaching options being talked about.
Turns out this Christmas I got a box of socks and underware. Something that will be good for future use, but nothing worth the build up.; 6:21 PM
Quitstina said...: Taylor, I reaaaaally hope you're right.; 6:22 PM
michael said...: The thing about Iowa State, Taylor, is that Chizik was actually able to make it worse. That is amazing.; 6:22 PM
ballin said...: Auburn is the laughing stock. I just never wanted to admit it.
Get ready for the late 70's; 6:25 PM
Anonymous said...: ISU's offense was ranked 42 int eh nation. That's 68 spots above Auburn this year.

See, there's some sunshine.

I am such a homer.

*hanging head in shame; 6:25 PM
barkley for governor said...: Good news: All you Auburn fans that had the S The Streak stickers on your car won't have to worry about taking it off. Chizik brings with him a 10 game losing streak.; 6:25 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Beat Bama, Chizy! I believe in Auburn.; 6:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Kristina - You going to be there to kiss him when he arrives?; 6:27 PM
michael said...: The reason I didn't want Muschamp is because he had no head coaching experience. It is totally different to go from coordinator to head coach. Different skill set. That is why the track record of coaches in the SEC who had previous head coaching experience is better than the ones without it.

You get a successful coordinator, I am guessing there is about a 28% chance of him being a successful SEC coach (just as Chizik has already shown he is not as good of a hc as a dc). You get a guy with previous successful head coaching experience, and that jumps to about 60% success rate (my statistics are accurate and inarguable).

The track record of unsuccessful head coaches being hired into the SEC? Well, we got the first, so let's see! At least we are thinking outside the box.; 6:27 PM
Taylor said...: seriously though

if he hires some genius assistants, he could come out looking like urban meyer.

im dead serious about pat dye liking the hire. a colonial employee who spoke with lowder told me

im surprised at all the backlash. it seems very anti auburn family; 6:27 PM
ballin said...: Oh I believe in Auburn. I just wonder if the power brokers really do.; 6:28 PM
ballin said...: At least Chizik should know what doesn't work.; 6:29 PM
FSJ said...: SFC....

LMAO at your quote about Saban....

Good Stuff; 6:29 PM
Anonymous said...: There is only one way to change the PTB perception at AU....change the PTB.

Keep an eye on the national press in the coming weeks to see what surfaces after all of the coaches finish whispering each other and they each realize that none of them anted to join the circus.; 6:30 PM
michael said...: I don't think Auburn is doomed or it is the late 70's all over again. I give Chizik about a 24% chance of being successful. We are definitely not doomed. It will depend a lot on the OC he hires, just as it would have if Muschamp had been hired. So we are not screwed. We'll see how it goes.; 6:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Alright the protest is over. JJ has decided to let his career ride on this hire.

It's a done deal and I will see what happens with huge skeptisism.

Kerplunk; 6:30 PM
Quitstina said...: AU1, I would have to be drunker than Collette to do that ;-)

Seriously, he may end up doing wonderful things here, but when money is apparently no object and this is who you get, then something is wrong and that is what concerns me.; 6:30 PM
ballin said...: You telling me Gill wouldn't have been a better hire.; 6:31 PM
michael said...: I love Auburn, but does Auburn love me? I feel somewhat antagonized at the moment.; 6:32 PM
ballin said...: Come on AU04 jj==JJ didn't make this hire. When you make what JJ makes you don't hire someone making 3 mil a yr; 6:32 PM
michael said...: I would so take crybaby Gill right now. I am sorry for making fun of you, Gill! I hope JJ didn't read my comments on this blog and then decide he shouldn't hire Gill. I sometimes forget the power I have.; 6:33 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: So, what's the latest on the Foy thing?; 6:34 PM
michael said...: I hope he isn't making 3 mil. Hopefully we got a discount.; 6:34 PM
Anonymous said...: Any word on the money involved in CGC's deal here?; 6:34 PM
michael said...: they are renaming it "Chizik Student Union," Frankenbummer.; 6:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Jay G,

Any chance of a campfire tonight? I can help with traffic control.; 6:36 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: figures.; 6:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Mr. S....theoretically there is not a deal. JJ said so only 2 1/2 hours ago when he arrived at the A/O Airport.; 6:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Ok. Thanks, Hoopie. Guess we'll learn more by Monday/Tuesday.; 6:38 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Dear AU Undercover,

Don't send me a dadgum email with a link embedded in it that you know darn well that I won't be able to access if I click on it.

Can someone tell me what Ray Cotton said?; 6:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Hoopie,

Take a guess at it.; 6:38 PM
Unknown said...: Okay, time for a change. Why don't we remove the AU from the sides of the helmets. We could replace it with WTFU. I can think of multiple things that could stand for.; 6:39 PM
Unknown said...: AuburnUndercover just had a conversation with Ray Cotton Sr.

Here is basically where they stand at this point.

Coach Willis spent a few hours with the Cotton's last night in their home,
and said that they are very comfortable with him. Willis' presence on
the staff will help create a good dialogue with coach Chizik. Cotton
Sr. said they will discuss the hiring as a family tomorrow, and he
said he will call us and tell us what they plan to do next.; 6:40 PM
Anonymous said...: South Panola Mississippi's David Conner says he's interested in Auburn again after decommitting following the end of the Tubs era.

Can't see anything on Cotton. Not that it matters. We have 4 QBs already on the team.; 6:40 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Wait, so Chizik had already contacted Willis last night to let him know the deal, and that Willis was still employed??; 6:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Sorry...I don't have the code.

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/firejayjacobs/; 6:41 PM
Anonymous said...: According to Charles Goldberg, Chizik's deal is worth around $2mil a year.

LINK; 6:41 PM
michael said...: Frankenbummer- was just looking at last post, and to answer your question, I dubbed you Frankenbummer when you said we probably wouldn't go to a bowl game. I think it was prior to the W Va game where all we had to do was win one more game in addition to the D-3 school on our schedule. Arkansas and Ole Miss were remaining. Seemed pessimistic at the time...; 6:41 PM
Unknown said...: David Conner spoke with IMPACT Sports' Jamey Givens at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game. Here are a few quick quotes from him.

Is Auburn back in the picture after hiring a coach?

"Right now I'm back on them pretty hard, because I know they got a
great coach. I know when a great coach comes in, great things happen."

Thoughts on Chizik being a defensive coach:

"It excites me a whole lot. I know he is a great coach. Everybody will
see where I go on signing day."

On being named MVP for the Mississippi All-Stars for the
Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic:

"It's an honor for me to come out here. It's been a dream for me to
come out here and play well."; 6:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Peter - I heard somewhere that this staff is going to have a big Auburn flavor. Whatever that means.; 6:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Ummmm $1.2 mil? That's enuff to justify an AU FBHC hire, but not too much since he was on the hot seat anyway.; 6:43 PM
Anonymous said...: His buyout was $750K. Not bad, I suppose, by today's standards.; 6:44 PM
Anonymous said...: Any truth to the rumor that Gill turned down the job?; 6:45 PM
Unknown said...: I just ordered some Domino's pizza online. Their website said I should tell them what is on my mind once my pizza arrives. Do you think they mean it?; 6:45 PM
Hardin said...: http://www.auburntron.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/epicfail.jpg; 6:46 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Seemed pessimistic to me, too...I've been having a lot of Nostradomus moments this year...First, I laughed and made fun of my fantasy football league for applauding the first pick of our league being Tom Brady, now this.; 6:47 PM
michael said...: I think we could all use a Domino's delivery man to direct our bewilderment right now, SteveFC; 6:47 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Sensi ... 14 percent of what they paid Tuberville.

Not much at all.; 6:47 PM
Jet said...: Plan chiZ.

Bye, Jays. Thanks for playing.

I will always love Auburn, but I am deeply disappointed.; 6:48 PM
Anonymous said...: Here's an interesting read from Paul Clark of CycloneReport.com.

LINK

Remember, Jesus said in Matt. 10:14, "If no one welcomes you or listens to your words, as you leave that house or town, shake its dust off your feet." Matt. 10:14

Maybe this will be the right move for CGC and Auburn. I'm done complaining.

Welcome Coach Chizik! War Eagle!; 6:49 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: EpicFail pic is great, Kirk.; 6:51 PM
James in Auburn said...: I've been out all day and just got in and read this news.

This may end up looking like a brilliant move 2 or 3 years from now. Right now, JJ looks like an incompetent ass.

This is even more reason to believe everything coming out of his mouth at last week's presser was total BS (as in "money is no object"). Apparently incompetence is no object either on the part of Auburn's AD.

Very surreal.

I'll check back in later - maybe I will wake up and this hire will just be a bad dream...; 6:55 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: My biggest questionmark with Chizy is whether he has the propper CEO ability to surround himself with the right coordinators and assistants....Oh, who am I kidding, he's not going to be the on making those kinds of decisions, right? right?; 6:55 PM
Anonymous said...: S...if that fellow in the Cyclone Report has even the least little bit of a clue about football......this ain't good for us.

I couldn't finish reading that scathing gloat.

I'll be done complaining also......DONE!!!!!!; 6:56 PM
Klaus said...: During Chizik's introductions, will Jacobs even mention the pit stop at ISU or does he cough during that part--Pat Dye style.; 6:57 PM
Anonymous said...: It read like some serious sour grapes and ridiculous expectations, Hoopie.

I mean, I know we are "just Auburn," but it's still way above Iowa State. So what? He wasn't that good there. Oh well.

I will say this is a strange hire, but whatever. It's done and time to move forward.; 6:58 PM
Anonymous said...: James...this ain't JJ...he's just the puppet. Look to that common genesis of our problems that is carefully hidden.; 6:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks for the breakdown on that money, Jay G. Just caught up with that.; 7:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Well this will just about have to be an AU-flavored coaching staff. GDG just fired or demoted most of this years ISU staff.

Willis-yes
Dunn-yes
Borges--sure, on the payroll anyway
Off Assts--OOPS; 7:03 PM
ron mexico said...: $650,000 for your offense to get coached by Steve Ensminger

$5.1 million to get rid of one of the most successful coaches in your school's history

$900,000 raise to someone on a 10 game losing streak who was about to get fired

This IS Auburn Football; 7:07 PM
Anonymous said...: According to the Rivals ISU site, they run the Power I.

Guess that means buh-bye spread.; 7:08 PM
krewe said...: The MSN homepage says it all "Auburn hires football coach with 5-19 record"; 7:08 PM
Quitstina said...: Oh Ron, putting it that way is making me even more depressed.; 7:09 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Gene Stallings had a losing record. I sure hope it works out for AU the way it worked for UA-T... minus that whole Gene Jelks probation stuff.; 7:11 PM
Unknown said...: People, I keep picking up bad vibes in here about the new coach. It may be me, but some people just seem dissatisfied. To help reduce the tension and show how something like this should be handled, I refer you to the movie Liar Liar. Watch the movie. Watch when Jim Carrey is getting his car back from the impound lot. He gives some very good advice.; 7:11 PM
Brawndo said...: Not your best work, CARR Sports Associates. May not want to put that one on your resume.; 7:12 PM
atlantatiger said...: Lets Fire JJ and hire Tuberville for AD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 7:12 PM
Unknown said...: if anyone is interested in making extra holiday, if they have a knowledge in college football... i have a Yahoo College Bowl Pick'em League -- named HABOTN, group id# 21568, password= jaygtate . It is a way to make the bowl games interesting, as it is 20 bucks a head, Payouts: 1st place 60%, 2nd 30% 3rd 10% -- payments to be mailed to the winner after BCSNC game. anyone interested, sign up...a reason to watch TCU vs. Boise St. or ND vs. Hawaii or Fresno ST. vs.Colorado St. or Troy vs, Southern Miss. or Rice vs. Western Michigan. God, I cannot believe some of the teams bowling and we are not.; 7:13 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Disney world isn't helping me feel better about this move. Fire Chizik.; 7:14 PM
Quitstina said...: Oh Eddie, you must feel reaaaally bad then! Well I would rather be at Disney World hearing about this, than here in Auburn. Think of it that way and go ride Pirates of the Caribbean for me ;-); 7:16 PM
Unknown said...: atlantatiger, Tuberville has about as much change of being the athletic director as Gene Chizik has of....oh, wait a minute. Nevermind.; 7:16 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Kristina- spectro magic right now. Pirates next.

Hate auburn PTB and fire chizik.; 7:18 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm going to eat a HUGE bowl of ice cream with hot fudge and watch Its a Wonderful Life. That's the strongest medicine I can think of right now.

I'm guessing I'll wake up tomorrow as a Chizik fan, not that I have a choice.

WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!; 7:19 PM
atlantatiger said...: Exactly! See stupid things do happen.; 7:20 PM
Hardin said...: after reading his wiki entry, here is my spin on him...

look at the good since he started at auburn:

he coached in and won 3 bowl games (music city, capital one, sugar)

he coached undefeated teams in 2004 and 2005

he won the Broyles Award (given to the top assistant coach in the nation) in 2004

he has an SEC Championship ring

he has a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ring

the bad:

he has won 5 games since he took a head coaching job two years. ISU isn't exactly a premier job, competes in one of the best conference's in the nation, and is hard to recruit to.

he was dealt a bad hand but hasn't been able to make it any better after two years.

at first i felt like the sky was falling but now i feel just a little bit better.; 7:22 PM
atlantatiger said...: Im spent...need a beer and anti-depressent so that i can wait up all foggy again tomorrow so that i can go to the falcons game tomorrow with my Auburn hat on and do the walk of shame; 7:23 PM
Unknown said...: Laz, in terms of risk, Chizik isn't that much bigger of a risk than Gill or Muschamp. They are all unproven as head coaches. This isn't as bad as some may thing, although it isn't even in the ballpark of the type of hire I would expect when we fire one of the most successful coaches in school history.; 7:25 PM
Unknown said...: Look at the bright side. Chizik won as many games at Iowa State as Tuberville did in his final season at Auburn.; 7:27 PM
atlantatiger said...: Still, I do think that TUrner Gill was the right one if you take a gamble.; 7:30 PM
Unknown said...: Gill was one of the better options on this list.; 7:31 PM
Unknown said...: I just heard one of the biggest verbal flubs I have seen on television.

I am watching the ultimate fighter. They have a troubled fighter on the show that Dana White thinks is trying to get thrown off the show. Dana's remarks to the other fighters was remarkable.

"This isn't Survivor, you don't vote people off, you beat them off. Oooh, wait, that didn't sound good did it."; 7:34 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm pulling for Tebow to get Heisman #2, but I don't think it will happen.

What do you all think?; 7:40 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Still no confirmation from Auburn.

Weird.

Heisman: I voted Tebow, Bradford, McCoy.; 7:43 PM
AUBigCat said...: Steve I think Chizik is more than unproven as a HC. He has been a failure as an HC both on the field and in hiring/leading staff. Maybe he gets those winning ways back once he gets that AU on his chest.; 7:44 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Kirk, you make some good points.

Iowa State was a really bad decision for Chizik. He should not have gone there.

He's a good coach and certainly better than 5-19.

With that said, is he someone who can get Auburn back on track? I certainly understand the pessimism ...; 7:45 PM
AUBigCat said...: Jay was Tez the last AU players on the team that was here when Chizik was?; 7:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks for posting your Heisman votes, Jay.; 7:45 PM
Miller said...: Jay G... Is there ANY chance that AU could back out of this? Any chance at all?

I need hope right now.... something to believe in...; 7:45 PM
Unknown said...: AUBigCat, Chizik hasn't coached enough years as a head coach for us to know. The same can be said of Gill.; 7:46 PM
wes said...: Is it April 1st by chance?; 7:46 PM
Unknown said...: D. Miller, if Auburn were to back out now after Chizik told Iowa State, you can forget about any other coach wanting to come to Auburn. Our reputation is damaged enough. That would likely be the fatal blow.; 7:47 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I don't think Auburn will be backing out of it.

Expect this staff to be a Who's Who of former Auburn guys who are good.; 7:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Jay G,

Care to throw a few names out even if unconfirmed.; 7:50 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: The guys who interviewed plus Searles, Tracy Rocker.

I expect that kind of stuff to happen.; 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...: I was hoping you would say Rocker might be in that mix. That's good to hear.

Welcome home, fellas!; 7:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Sam Bradford wins the Heisman.; 7:55 PM
KJtiger said...: please tell me i did not fall off the ladder hanging lights and woke up in the twilight zone. is this the best au could do. a coach who was 5-19. get ready folks the arrows are coming and rightfully so.; 7:55 PM
ron mexico said...: wouldn't mind seeing dameyune craig either. he's running backs coach at south alabama and they do a radio show on wnsp and he's on it all the time. He's really enthusiastic something we need right now.; 7:55 PM
Jet said...: Old man in the run-down hotel in the Blues Brothers: Where's my Chiz Whiz, boy?; 7:56 PM
Anonymous said...: 1. Bradford
2. McCoy
3. Tebow*

*Tebow received more first place votes.; 8:01 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Craig is out-recruiting UAB ... and he doesn't even have a team on the field.

I'd hire him.; 8:01 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I DO NOT understand the Heisman voting.; 8:02 PM
Denny Crum said...: So it sounds like the other interviews of Auburn people were just the PTB getting the staff lined up? Pat Nix I dunno, Rodney Garner and Tracy Rocker sounds great, Searles ditto.

Let's remember the good of Chizik and try not to think about Iowa State. As a matter of fact, he never coached at Iowa State,,,,yeah, that's it....he was teaching some classes up there in Astrophysics and taking some time away from football and just to be nice he sponsered the football team like faculty members do to club sports. 'Cause as we all know, Iowa State played like a club team. So, that's what the deal was....he and his wife, Morgan Fairchild....; 8:02 PM
snydebt said...: Jay G.,

First time, long time.

The headline at Phillip Marshall's site is "Chizik accepts dream job."

I think "Chizik accepting dream job is a nightmare for Auburn fans" would be more appropriate.

Great work all season, especially this last week & a half.; 8:05 PM
Anonymous said...: As posted a few days ago, a fix to Heisman voting.

First Place Vote = 1 point
Second Place Vote = .5 point
Third Place Vote = .25 point

That makes more sense to me, but oh well.; 8:05 PM
Hardin said...: Jay G. Tate said...

Kirk, you make some good points.

:high fives the dog:

for the sake of discussion:

is Chizik's move from UT to ISU comparable to Mullen going from UF to MSU?; 8:07 PM
Denny Crum said...: Kirk makes another good analogy.; 8:08 PM
Hardin said...: i got nothing better to do on a Saturday night; 8:10 PM