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12.17.2008

More talk about "fits"

Hey everyone. Looks like Turner Gill got the memo about how "fit" is the most important thing at Auburn.

The Buffalo News has a story in today's editions about the contract extension Gill signed with U. Buffalo yesterday.

At the bottom is a quote about his dalliance with Auburn.

"Auburn gave me a great opportunity to interview for that job. Again, it wasn’t a [good] fit. And that’s OK. I’m happy to be here at the University at Buffalo, a great academic institution and now going to be a great football program, and a great athletic program, and obviously a great city to be in sports.”

ZERO POINT ZERO: Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel, a distant HABOTN associate, writes today that Gene Chizik has a remarkably small chance to succeed at Auburn.

Best passage:

How could Jacobs and his cohorts possibly think the hiring of a 5-19 coach would be well received by their constituents? And how could they possibly expect Chizik to succeed under such divisive circumstances? How can there be such a vast disconnect between that school's powers-that-be and the people they (supposedly) serve?

Photo credit: Buffalo News

325 Comments:

David in Opelika said...: Thanks for the help, Gill!; 8:22 AM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: jan michael terri occasionally has fits.; 8:22 AM
Seanzie said...: Gill is nothing but a class act. Although this piece of news doesn't exactly fit with "the story" so it will be overlooked by the ESPNs of the world. So it goes.; 8:23 AM
atlantatiger said...: Now can we move on to what Auburn needs to worry about....getting coaches and players on the field for 2009.; 8:25 AM
wes said...: gill-

would you consider the PR position we are now hiring for.

signed,
the jays; 8:26 AM
Seanzie said...: It would be amazing if we could somehow pull off a half way decent recruiting class. That would go a long way to start the PR clean-up.; 8:27 AM
Denny Crum said...: At least Turner didn't have a fit of rage like Charles. I agree with Sean. Turner doesn't fit with what ax grinders at ESPN want to say. Speaking of fits, Jay G, weren't you and Jill Arrington seen at the Vintage Year in Montgomery discussing a new Sports SHow.; 8:30 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I love lumping Jacobs and Gogue into one simple tag: "The Jays."

Quality first name, I might add.

Also, The Jays definitely qualifies as Beat Writer Parlance!; 8:30 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I have no official association with Jill Arrington. We discussed doing a show together after Johnny Carson retired, but network execs said she wasn't "the right fit."

Said she wasn't hot enough.

I asked Jenna Fischer. She wouldn't agree to terms. Deal folded. Gave the gig to some guy from Boston.; 8:32 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: HOTTIES,
as an African American Male that always wants the best for Auburn, i have to admit i wanted CTG, not because of his color, but because it would have been a move to help unite the Auburn Family and a positive storm to help recruiting. I, as most of you was stunned by the hire of CGC, but have now calmed down and have gotten to the point the he's the guy, so let's go.

This is and never was about race, if CTG thought it would be, he should never have interviewed. I have always been a minority in the business and professional world I work, but i never let my color be the main focus of why i was hired and how i do my work..... Experience can never be taken away from any man or woman, if given the oppertunity.

Finally, let me say this, Auburn University and its people will always be bigger than the Coach, and it is about those young men out there that want an education adn to play football, for that institution, not that coach.....

We will survivie and Coach Gene Chizik is now the choach of my team, and i will always support that fact.

Now let's go Get'em

War Damn Eagle!!!; 8:37 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Quality post, AUn.; 8:38 AM
wes said...: solid post.; 8:40 AM
Loganville Tiger said...: Very Well Stated AUnMobile; 8:41 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: AunMobile,

I am here in Mobile as well and I agree 100%. By the way did you know Chizik was down here yesterday visiting Terrance Coleman and Lavoyd, the WR. Good news so far.; 8:44 AM
Just Win AU said...: Very solid AUn; 8:46 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Thanks Jay,
I so tired of all this negative press of all these people out there that are trying to say this was racial. I can speak from a position like others cannot as i live it everyday.... We have to believe in the human spirit adn that sometimes it was what it was....

JJ hire CGC....PERIOD!!!

these 18 year olds just want to play football and get to the league...PERIOD!!!

have you noticed that most of the people crying racism are all over 40 years old and not any of the young people of today are saying it.... its a new generation out there where children all inter mingle, there is not seperation, that is why so many young people can't see this as an issue...

I promise you this, as i have talked to many of young AA men, they could care less... like i said they want to play football and get an education....it will not hurt recruiting, except those 40 year old opp. coaches that want to play this card!!!!!; 8:47 AM
shesaid said...: Jay, don't you forget Jacobs and Gogue are not "The Jays." They're "The Va-Jay-Jays."; 8:48 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: PDWT,
Yes i did.... Btw, i talk to Coahc Parrish all the time and he said Colman or James never decommitted, never waivered...

WDE!!!; 8:49 AM
FrontRim said...: I heard he thought that the under armour shirts were too clingy, they didn't "fit" right.; 8:49 AM
shesaid said...: AUnMobile get the slow clap.

CLAP....CLAP...CLAP
CLAP...CLAP..CLAP
CLAP.CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPWOOOOOO!!!; 8:49 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Thanks She said!
Just thought i would give a different perspective; 8:52 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Did everyone catch Moon and Finebaum on ESPN's Outside the Lines yesterday?; 8:53 AM
shesaid said...: I had what I thought was a good post on the end of the last thread. I always wait until Jay G. opens a new thread to have a good idea. Halp! JayG, gimme heads up.; 8:54 AM
Just Win AU said...: RK, heard part of it yesterday and they have played the entire interview or discussion on JOX this morning; 8:54 AM
Just Win AU said...: Shesaid I saw your post on the last thread and it was very solid!!; 8:55 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Damn, shesaid, I missed it.

You have my permission to reprint it in this thread, which is a rare exception indeed.; 8:56 AM
shesaid said...: Thanks, Just Win.; 8:56 AM
shesaid said...: Nah Jay, I'm all talk anyway. The post was mediocre at best and probably sounded a lot like the previous 4000 from others anyway. Thanks though!; 8:58 AM
Alan said...: Of course JOX played it this morning, theyll play it every morning and will continue to do so until right around Feb. 2nd. Thats what they do. "Fits" their agenda.

Great Post AuNMobile. Excellent.; 8:58 AM
Frame said...: Stewart Mandel and Mark Schlabach need to do some research. Chaz Barkley is not an Auburn Alum.; 9:00 AM
Just Win AU said...: Anyone heard the rumors that Eltoro Freeman has contacted Ole Miss?; 9:00 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: let's get AUnMobile on ESPN's outside the lines. Oh wait, are intelligent comments allowed there?

AUnMobile, I have a man crush on you.; 9:04 AM
mytommyd said...: 5-19, 5-19, 5-19. I'm tirred of this 5and 19 cr@p. Would these "journalists" get over themselves?!!? From what I can see Coach Gill was 7-17 in his first two years. I guess that means he couldn't possibly be a good coach. Oh wait - he's just coached a conference champion. I mean I understand these "journalists" job is to sell space and get more hits, but it's sensationalism at it's worst.; 9:04 AM
Just Win AU said...: JGT, anything new on the Willis front? I know you mentioned yesterday that you may have something on this.; 9:09 AM
weagle251 said...: For AUnMobile; 9:10 AM
Hardin said...: zero point zero

great Animal House/Howard Stern reference jay!; 9:11 AM
Unknown said...: Great post AUn; 9:12 AM
Seanzie said...: Great, quality posts here folks, I'm stuck actually working hard for the man this week, so I'll be in and around not able to post much but I do enjoy catching the chatter.; 9:12 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I'm tired of hearing how huge of a difference the two resumes are between Chizik and Gill... well that and it being all about race.

Sadly had Auburn been truly racist and not interviewed Gill at all, nobody would be as outraged and ESPN wouldn't be making a big deal out of it at all.; 9:16 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Thanks HOTTIES!
hey let's turn this over to another thought....

Auburn has talent on that team and we all know it, weather it was coached up was the question....

They had a miserable year, we all know that, but these are some nuggets I see:

1. This team has talent, no way they win 9 games the year before then fall of the matt... Coaching and Execution?

2. Get back to power football...hummmmm UAT did that this year with a 5th year qb and steller defense.... Sounds familiar?

3. We have a hungry Coach...just like in business.... either you are an assett or a liablilty... nothing like the fear of loosing your JOB to make you work your a$$ of to keep it.

4. Great hires.... surround yourself with smart people and it makes you look smart also, plus you have a wealth of knowledge to draw from.

5. Us against the world mentality... no one and i mean no one is giving Auburn a chance to win ANY games next year.... Sounds familiar... can you say 2004?

6. Line up and hit somebody!. Football is not complicated... blocking, tackling, kicking throwing and running the ball.... my how we can go "Back to the Future" at Auburn......

We have a good "TEAM" to start with and I believe that they will prove all the "Naysayers" wrong.

Any body want to bet against a hungry Auburn Team now? Step up!; 9:25 AM
James in Auburn said...: AUinMobile,

That sir is a hall of fame post. In fact, I think it may be the best single post I have read on the HABOTN in my few months following Jay G's blog.

Like you I would have preferred a TG hire over a GC hire. It didn't happen. After the initial shock subsided, I found that I am ready to support CGC. Not so much because he is GC, but because I love Auburn.

War Eagle!; 9:26 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: anyone know who the Chiz is seeing today? JGT, can you get close enough to plant a GPS beacon somewhere on Chizik's person so we can keep up with him 24/7. After all, didn't he say in the presser he was gonna recruit 24/7? ;-); 9:27 AM
Seanzie said...: AUn, I'm ready to get in pads and hurt someone, I'm fired up!; 9:27 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: AunMobile,

i just tried to hit you up with an email but i got 'rejected'.

holla at me at brannsm@gmail.com. thanks.; 9:28 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: AUnMobile,
Dang, you've got me ready to go sit in my seat right now and wait for the kickoff. WDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 9:29 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Try this email address:

mstrmrk45@yaho.com

WDE!!!; 9:32 AM
AUTGR91 said...: AUnMobile...I think I'm developing a man crush too! I'm on board with you. Let's put this "crap" (for lack of other four letter words) behind us, and get back to being Auburn men/women and back to AU football. I supported XCTT and I'll support CGC, but most of all, I'll always support AU.; 9:32 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: opps
mstrmrk45@yahoo.com; 9:33 AM
mytommyd said...: Personally I was hoping Gary Patterson was going to get more of a shot. Regardless, we do have a great core for a team. Sure there are some critical positions, but I don't think we lose a horrible amount due to draft and graduation.

And its probably because I'm in Atlanta, but after watching what Paul Johnson AND Mike Smith did for Tech and the Falcons, I do believe if you have any bit of talent (which Auburn definitely does) and you have a group of coaches and players all entirely committed to each other, good things are bound to happen. I believe the non cohesive feeling with the coaching staff, plus a lot of injuries, is what put the team in the position they were this past season.; 9:36 AM
weagle83 said...: AUnMobile,

You da MAN!! Great Post; 9:38 AM
Hardin said...: Herbstreit was on an Alabama radio station yesterday talking about Chizik. Here's a summary of what he said:

1. Chizik is a great coach who made a bad decision to go to ISU - nobody could consistently win there and we need to concentrate on his years as a DC to know what he is capable of given the right mix of facilities, players, support staff, and FAN SUPPORT

2. By continuing to show disgust in public for his hire, we, the fans, are hog-tying him and making his job selling himself and Auburn more difficult. He remarked that as Saban goes around cherry picking all the recruits he wants around here, these same recruits are hearing that Chizik's fans are not with him and that could very well keep many of them from taking a chance on us and him.

3. He used the analogy of the new head coach at Miss. State- a great coordinator at Florida- suppose that he decided to go to Syracuse instead of MSU, and had a few mediocre to poor years- does that mean that he suddenly "got dumb"??? He reminded that Chizik was "Will Muschamp" - the hottest coordinator on the scene - a couple of years ago.

4. He suggested that Tubs leaving did indeed catch us offguard, unlike Tennessee, who had everything planned about Fulmer's departure and had the weeks from his firing to the end of the season to line up their new coach. To get Chizik, a great coach who "gets it" about Auburn, who has coached here, has SEC experience, and recruiting connections already in the area, made him the best choice in his mind.

5. The mudslinging brought about by the passing over of Gill was started by Sir Charles and that's what gave that story legs.

6. Give the man OUR SUPPORT, let him get out and recruit, get on the field and coach and then, after a reasonable time, judge him...by our not supporting him and fighting in public, we are making his job more difficult- why we would want to see our school not succeed is beyond his comprehension.; 9:42 AM
Seanzie said...: Kirk, Herbstreit is absolutely correct. I think as the shock factor is wearing off, more fans are starting to get "it". Granted it's not a sexy hire, but I think with the right staff, CGC will find success here.; 9:46 AM
coosa said...: Great posts Aunmobile!; 9:47 AM
weagle83 said...: Hate to say that I agree with Herbstreet, but, I do in this case.

I'm still disappointed in the Admin. but I know GC was and still is a great coach and this AU alum is going to be behind him 100%!!; 9:48 AM
Jet said...: Jay G ...

I buried this question in a post at the last thread, so I will take another shot at it:

Are you hearing anything peculiar about the the players-Chiz meeting? I'm hearing all sorts of tales ... would love to have confirmed or refuted in order to be fair.; 9:51 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I agree with Herbstriet, but I'm one of the rare people who usually think he's pretty fair and unbiased on his coverage.; 9:51 AM
weagle83 said...: Yeah, I know I mispelled Herbstreit. I think I did it subconsciously on purpose.; 9:52 AM
weagle83 said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:52 AM
Brad said...: The way I see it is that the Auburn Family does not want to see Chizik fail - I know I don't. But, I also don't want to continue under an incompetent and incestuous Administration of Jacobs, Rane, Dye, Lowder, etc. They are the ones who put Auburn in this spot, and they should be held responsible.

You want to see the Auburn Family unite behind Chizik? Jacobs should resign (or preferably fired) today, and a new AD hired - no, not Tubs. We need an AD that's respected and qualified and that will do the job the way it's suppose to be done without any meddling.

That, my Orange and Blue friends, would give Chizik the chance he needs to succeed.; 9:53 AM
War Eagle Girl said...: I had a meeting in B'ham last night and missed all the excitement. I got the Pat Dye letter and promptly wrote my response to them. I told them I didn't need Pat Dye to tell me how I feel about Auburn and that I thought they thought we were stupid to need his opinion on how to handle our reaction to this. I also told them I didn't want anything from Pat Dye especially money to the football players and to keep him out of the atheletic dept. I was very negative!!; 9:54 AM
weagle83 said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:54 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: A little late, but great posts AUNMOBILE. Well Done Sir.; 9:58 AM
War Eagle Girl said...: I am not a Pat Dye fan!!!; 9:58 AM
weagle83 said...: You Go Girl !!; 9:58 AM
War Eagle Girl said...: All I can say is that Chizik better not be a Dye puppet and lead us back down the path of destruction; 9:59 AM
Denny Crum said...: AUnMobile= Solid and HOF.

Kirk Lazurus,

you sir have echoed what I have been saying for the past few days. For everyone that wants to keep bitchin', If you aren't moving forward, you are going in the other direction.; 10:01 AM
Denny Crum said...: I am also one of those rare few that believe Herbstreit tries to be as fair as possible. He is fairly objective when it comes to things not concerning the big 10.; 10:03 AM
Just Win AU said...: WEG, I agree with you. But I am so afraid that Dye is going to be involved in everything, even the staff.; 10:05 AM
weagle251 said...: Jet,
Peculiar? In what way?; 10:07 AM
Fearless Freep said...: I have a totally different theory on Barkley's motivation.

I don't think Charles is ignorant. In fact, I think he's pretty savvy to the way the AU 'power structure' traditionally operates.

Lowder has been entrenched on the board for nearly 30 years now, more than double the supposed term limitations. Nothing that AU has done or been accused of doing over that time, even the threat of SACS probation/loss of accreditation, has significantly lessened his grip on the reins of power.

I think Barkley knows this. I think he also knows that the selection of Chizik over Gill is much more likely due to the former's ties to the men in charge than to the latter's race. However, he also knows that there is nothing that raises the public ire and can do more towards weakening an individual's reputation than an accusation of racism.

Do you think ESPN would devote as much time to a story line of "Chizik's hire is the result of the AU BOT meddling" as they have to "Chizik's hire is the result of racism"?

Just a theory, I know. But its' something to think about.; 10:08 AM
AUant said...: Over the last few days and having time to calm down over what you would have to admit most of us believed to be a bad hire. I'm not jumping on the CGC bandwagon...but walking beside it. I think the staff that is assembled will be the deciding factor for me. He has to surround himself with good quality assistants...and if he does...this just might work out for the best!!! Good Luck Coach; 10:11 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Fearless,

I think you are giving Barkley too much credit.; 10:15 AM
Brad said...: I know that banging on Jay Jacobs is a popular thing to do, but I ask this question: what proof do we have of his incompentence?

In his time at Auburn, there are really no significant hires that we can quantify in wins or losses. His first big hire came this year, when he went and got John Pawlowski to coach baseball. By all accounts, this was a fantastic choice, and I expect Auburn to be much better on the diamond this year.

He did not hire Lebo. He did not hire Fortner. He did not hire Slater. He started in December of 2004. Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think we can call him incompetent just because the AU public relations staff continues to give him bad advice and has obviously not trained him well on how to effectively speak in public.

What can be quantified is that under his watch, Auburn has made improvements to the football facilities, is building a state-of-the-art basketball arena, has signed a HUGE deal with Under Armour, and continued its lucrative media contract with ISP.

So again I ask, why all the hate for this guy? I would be willing to bet that 80% of the people railing him would have the same dumbfounded expression on their faces if a microphone and a camera were put in their faces too.

Time should judge him and his hires. Not our knee-jerk reactions, which we have become so accustomed to in our "need to understand everything right now" society.; 10:16 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Brad,
As you can see, my expression would be found dumber.; 10:18 AM
WarEagleRK said...: So Brad, do you personally feel that Jay Jacobs has any power in the athletic department?

Do you feel he's allowed to make the day to day decisions of the department?

If so, then that's awesome. Until proven otherwise, I'll probably believe it's business as usual at Auburn.; 10:20 AM
ADP said...: I honestly do not understand the hate for Coach Dye. The man gave the best years of his life to this school and now has chosen to give the rest. His motivation? He loves Auburn. Period. I can't fault a guy for that.

Truly, I doubt we would be where we are today, i.e. actually caring about whether we made a good hire or not, were it not for Pat Fain Dye. I'm asking you, what in the world has the man done to warrant so much criticism?; 10:20 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Phred,
I am very grateful for the accomplishments of Coach Dye. However, that whole breaking NCAA rules thing soured my feelings a bit. I don't want to go down that road again.; 10:25 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Phred,

I have all the respect in the world for Pat Dye. He is more responsible than anyone for the almost 3 decade run we've had of being a top level football program. I'll never bash him for that. He deserves all the respect in the world for those contributions.

I think the hatred you are seeing for him right now, are people looking for someone to blame for the way the coaching hire went down.; 10:25 AM
Brad said...: Tar Heel - Awesome! Put a smile on face immediately.

RK - I don't think any of us know if he truly power or not. Do I think that the BOT gives a damn about baseball in the long run...no. So if his hire turns out well, then that's a feather in his cap. Football is a different story, but I still think there should be a lot of apologies to him if Chizik works out.

My point was basically that I don't think it's fair to publicly lambaste someone without proper proof or reasoning. There is nothing to judge this guy on, except for the progress that has been made in the facilities and income over the last few years. Everyone is assuming that he's bumbling idiot who has no say, but there is not a single person who can prove that.

Put into this perspective: would you want someone cracking on your work performance if they do not know how the business actually works? Yes, he's a public figure at a public university, but he's also someone who deserves a fair shot before we tar and feather him.; 10:28 AM
mytommyd said...: On a side note - I never knew how addicted I was to this blog until it was put in lockdown yesterday.; 10:35 AM
ADP said...: okay, for the conspiracy theorists - If Coach Pat is secretly in charge and all powerful, what is the supposed source of that power? How does he influence decisions? Money? Prestige? Secret files of people doing things naked? What? I want to know.; 10:37 AM
FrontRim said...: Phred,
I think he must own Golden Flake or something; 10:38 AM
War Eagle Girl said...: Just think he should look pretty and stay out of the athletic dept; 10:46 AM
War Eagle Girl said...: mr tommyD...we all need a 12 step program!!; 10:47 AM
Denny Crum said...: Again, the only power Coach Dye has is that which has been given to him. In other words, if people defer to him, then that is the only way he is able to influence things.; 10:48 AM
Jim in Scranton said...: Phred,

I think you answered your own question with your earlier post. Auburn wouldn't be where it is without him. He knows that and so do the people in charge. He is revered for putting Auburn football back on the map and he is, to this day, a very public figure. It will always be in the best interest of the PTB to have him onboard with any decisions, even if that means allowing him to have some say in those decisions.; 10:55 AM
michael said...: Hey look at me! I am the quote guy!

I would like to thank weagle and jet for the nominations. I will send you a signed Jan Terri CD out of appreciation.

Why does everything have to be a conspiracy? The last couple of days is the first I've heard a chorus of peops saying Pat Dye has too much power. Can't the Auburn administration do dumb things on their own without being someone else's puppet?; 10:58 AM
ADP said...: michael - You made my point!

Seriously, he has power to influence only because of the respect others have for him. For the most part, that is deserved, NCAA allegations notwithstanding. It was never clear that he had any real involvement. Only Blakeney and Ramsey know that for sure.

So, the assumption then is that his "power" lies in others reverence. Why is that is fault? If somebody asked my opinion, and I gave it, does that mean I have power?

Personally, I think Michael really runs this blog and that Jay G is just his puppet. I kid.; 11:05 AM
ADP said...: Nick Fairley signs the dotted line today. That's one.; 11:13 AM
michael said...: My nickname in high school was The Puppet Master. But everyone laughed when they said it. I think they weer making fun of my puppeteer hobby. Jerks.

I wonder if we had hired Turner Gill if people would have been saying "Barkley has too much power." Isn't it possible that just because someone agrees with the hiring, it doesn't mean they had undue influence over such? And even if it was influenced, like phred has been saying, it's not like Dye is a huge booster and can say he won't build such and such building if we don't take chizik. He would have the role of adviser, and maybe is opinion was respected a little more than others, but it's nothing shady.; 11:16 AM
GregaPress said...: Any story that uses Paul Finebaum as a source for anything relating to Auburn instantly loses all credibility.; 11:16 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Phred,
Thanks for that update. WDE!
I sure hope CGC can create a sonic BOOM come signing day.; 11:26 AM
Just Win AU said...: JGT - any insight on Coach Willis? Anything? I'm hearing some rumors of Willis to LSU. Could this really happen?; 11:27 AM
Anonymous said...: Mack Brown's record at North Carolina 1988-1989:
2-20.

Just the facts.; 11:40 AM
Jim in Scranton said...: It's not hard to see that Dye does have some power, so does it really matter how he got it? I don't think that it's shady, but it appears as though he is influencing what is happening at Auburn more than the people actually running things.; 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Just Win, I think it's just rumor.; 11:42 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I may be slow, but I'm not very bright. Checking back at habotn.com it suddenly hit me how awful that mostly green carpet looks with an otherwise navy/burnt orange motif. No doubt some man chose that carpet. One even worse off than me.; 11:43 AM
Anonymous said...: Don't they usually consult a woman about those sort of things, TarHeel? Obviously, a woman wasn't available the day they picked out carpet.; 11:46 AM
ADP said...: It was Coach Dye. He picked it out. Blame him. Way too much influence if you ask me.; 11:52 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Phred,
I know I can count on witty banter at HABOTN to keep me chuckling throughout the day. Thanks :-D; 11:56 AM
Bfoster18 said...: AUN:

Thanks for your email. I was interested to hear your take on the situation. And I wanted to hear it for the most obvious reason. I hope that's ok

I wanted Gill as well for an immediate united front. I wanted him because he's inspiring and he can flat out coach. He's been a winner everywhere.
I would have been extremely proud to have Gill as Auburn's coach. Right now, I'm just trying to be content with what they did. But I think the people that know Auburn well know why Chizik was selected. It was truly a fit. A fit for the good ol' boys.

Will it pay off? It's going to be extremely tough. Our neighbors are cashing in on our deficiencies.; 11:57 AM
weagle251 said...: Jet,

If the meeting story you're looking to confirm includes anything about earrings or challenges, and if you received it by email, then regard it as badly written fantasy, lifted from the Croom and Orgeron first meeting stories from a while back.; 12:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Al G said, "But I think the people that know Auburn well know why Chizik was selected. It was truly a fit. A fit for the good ol' boys."

I agree 100%, Al G; 12:05 PM
Howard said...: Al,
I'll be honest with you - I agree wholeheartedly on the reasons Gill would have been a good choice, and I generally agree with your sentiments on why Chizik was hired; at least that's the way it appears to me sitting over here in S.C.

That said, there is actually a chance that Chizik presented Jacobs with a better plan for how he'd step in, handle recruiting (immediately), rekindle old flames with high school coaches he already knows, touch base with current and former players that he either coached or recruited AT AUBURN. And he may have had a better answer for "what happens when (such and such school) comes calling?".

I honestly hope that's the case. Unfortunately, none of that appeals to (most of) the media, and it's not likely to be a topic discussed openly by the PTB. So without knowing better, I've got to get on board behind my new coach (as you said - just trying to be content).

And I hope we can shore up the recruiting class and the coaching staff... soon.; 12:09 PM
Anonymous said...: The Good Ol' Boy networks definitely don't make decisions based on what's best for a program, company, etc. They do what's best for the Good Ol' Boys.; 12:10 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: Sorry, still not a Pat Dye fan...prefer Tubervilles style of developing the boys; 12:14 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I just heard a sick rumor..Eltoro to Ole Miss...say it ain't so eltoro; 12:15 PM
Jet said...: If Dye's sin is that coaches/boosters/etc gave Eric Ramsey money while he was at AU ... then give me a freakin' break.

If his sin is greater than that, then the NCAA didn't find much else.

It was a pep talk ... i'm sure it inspired some ... it offended some (the Society of the Perpetually Offended) ... I took it for nothing else more than a family email ... I figured some PR flack typed out his general thoughts and hit "send."

I'm gettin' bored with the Auburn Local 407 of the Fellowship of the Miserable.

Turner Gill has the good grace to walk away from this, and I'll join him. I guess he was the only choice that everyone would have been happy with because anyone else would have been designed as "the PTB" choice. I'm sorry I just don't see much difference in TG and GC's resumes.

Chiz wasn't in my top 5 ... but I've put on my scooby doo underoos, and I'm dealin' with it.; 12:15 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: LuvAu...why a woman? Why not a sweet man?; 12:16 PM
Howard said...: Jet,
I'm stealing your underoos line for my facebook status. Couldn't put it better myself.; 12:18 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: I don't really care what Dye did or didn't do just don't like him and that's just a woman's intuition and of course we know that all women are right!!; 12:18 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Was Turner Gill really the favorite of 90% of the Auburn fan base?; 12:18 PM
Unknown said...: I am kind of disappointed that this Gill story still has legs. It really is getting old.; 12:18 PM
Unknown said...: As for Gill being my favorite, he wasn't. Of course, Chizik wasn't either. I didn't have a favorite on the list of candidates interviewed.

I don't believe Gill was the favorite of 90% of fans. At least here on HABOTN it appeared that Muschamp was the guy, or at least it was close between Gill and Muschamp.; 12:21 PM
Howard said...: Steve,
I guess that was part of my point. I'm over it (TG) now, and I'm settling into hopeful optimism that our coach will be successful. I have pretty high expectations of Auburn in general, and the last time Chizik was here, he exceeded them. I'm willing to give him that chance. War Eagle!; 12:22 PM
Just Win AU said...: Jhag, I'm glad someone else saw that, I mentioned it earlier this morning and no one responded. I think one of the main reasons is because Willis is gone.; 12:24 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: jhag, that is a truly disgusting rumor. JGT hasn't said it, so it can't be true...yet.; 12:24 PM
Anonymous said...: War Eagle Girl, I'm not exactly sure which of my comments you are referring to. And, as far your comments about Dye, I'm with ya, Girl!; 12:26 PM
Anonymous said...: In case Monica is "listening," I should have said, "...to which you are referring..." ;-); 12:27 PM
Just Win AU said...: Since Freeman is in JUCO, they can sign LOI today, let's hope he sends it in today. We need to keep him.; 12:28 PM
Unknown said...: jhc, I agree. I am in more of a wait and see stance. I have to admit that Chizik getting rid of Willis bothers me, but I can't judge until I see who he brings in as a staff.

I also have concerns about bringing in Dye crew. One of the things I loved about Tuberville was that even with all the success, there wasn't a hint of scandal and we didn't have nearly as many players getting in trouble outside of football.

I don't give Dye a pass on the Eric Ramsey thing. I do believe that CPD may have just been trying to support kids that were in financial trouble, but you don't break the rules just because you don't like them. You accept them and possibly seek to change them.

One of the reasons that Tuberville may be the greatest coach that Auburn has had is that from all I have seen, he did things the right way and still was very successful.; 12:28 PM
Just Win AU said...: Steve, I'm with you. I have serious concerns aobut this staff. The only names that continue to come up are former players/coaches. If this staff is made up completely of former players & coaches, then I think it's a safe bet to say that Dye was very much involved in the Chizik hire.; 12:32 PM
ADP said...: So ... women don't like Pat Dye. Hmmm.; 12:36 PM
Unknown said...: I almost like the answers I have heard from Jacobs and Gogue. I read about an interview Gogue had with Auburn Undercover. It does appear that Gogue took the proper role of a school president in not trying to get involved with the decision, at least not in terms of the X's and O's. I know many put a big importance on football, but a school president should let someone that knows more about football worry about that. He should be more concerned with maintaining the image of the university and insisting on compliance to NCAA rules.; 12:39 PM
WarEagleRK said...: So does everyone buy the Roundtable's assessment of 90% of Auburn fans wanting Turner Gill to be the HC?; 12:39 PM
Just Win AU said...: Phred, I like Dye just fine. But I think he needs to stay away from the inner workings of the athletic department.; 12:39 PM
BinOBA said...: Once we get a decent list of who's stayin/goin as far as commitments the gill story will lose it's legs. I'm over it. I am glad to see Mr. Lowders stock under 2 dollars, hopefully it will get delisted next year if this keeps up.

Great to hear from Aunmobile that some of our kids never waivered through the strife.; 12:45 PM
mytommyd said...: RK, I wasn't opposed to the thought of Gill as head coach, but he wasn't the top coach I thought would work here. Then again I didn't even know Chizik was available.

I do remember one thing said by our illustrious leader, the head coach had probbly been chosen and wasn't a name that ANYONE mentioned. Mr. Tate on the nose again.; 12:47 PM
Jet said...: I would buy that 90 percent of Auburn fans would have been happy with TG as the choice ... 90 percent had him as their first choice ... nah, that's Dougie and Josh stirring the pot.; 12:48 PM
Unknown said...: I am 99% certain that the Round Table is full of crap when they say 90% of Auburn fans wanted Gill. If you judge by the HABOTN I would say Muschamp had the edge.; 12:55 PM
auburnhitman said...: Jay
Time for all of us to move on. Tell us about what the recruits think. Possible coaches that might get hired. If I cared anymore about Gill I would turn on ESPN or Pinebama time to move on.; 12:56 PM
Anonymous said...: RK - No that is a huge number. I, myself was interested in PJ or even Grobe who got a look late. I would have thought he would have had an earlier look.; 12:57 PM
Unknown said...: As for being happy with Gill, I wouldn't have had any problem with him and consider him just as qualified as the other candidates that I have heard we interviewed.

I consider any of the candidates that were interviewed to be disappointed compared with my expectations when getting rid of possibly the best coach in school history.; 12:58 PM
BinOBA said...: Turner Gill was the overwhelming favorite for the AU job. Muschamp was a pipe dream from the start.; 12:58 PM
Jet said...: If there are only two hosts, why is it called the Round Table? Shouldn't they have just a 2-seater, or maybe a booth?

Seems like a waste of a table.; 12:59 PM
BinOBA said...: spot on hitman.; 12:59 PM
Unknown said...: Grobe is one of the few that had a proven track record, although his record didn't really excite me.; 12:59 PM
BinOBA said...: call it the two top i guess; 1:00 PM
Unknown said...: I am not sure why anyone would say Gill was the overwhelming choice. He wasn't here on HABOTN.; 1:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Jet - Maybe just belly up to the bar.; 1:01 PM
Unknown said...: Maybe what the Round Table meant was that 90% of fans would have chosen Gill over Chizik. That might be fair to say.; 1:02 PM
Jet said...: Steve, that's entirely fair to say.

To quote Charles Barkley:

"I don't listen to people. People are stupid."

Just kidding, everyone.

A little lunch time humor.; 1:04 PM
BinOBA said...: Well for goodness sakes don't poke your head out of the HABOTN hole.; 1:04 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Thanks for the responses, because I didn't think it was anywhere near close to 90%.

I had Gill in my top 5, maybe top 3, and I think it would have been a good hire and a great PR statement, but I don't recall even 50% of us saying he was the # 1 guy.; 1:05 PM
BinOBA said...: wonder why this gill story still has legs? By the beard of zeus!; 1:07 PM
Miller said...: The Chiz spoke w/ Eltoro today and seems that The Bull has come to his senses and is sticking with AU...; 1:08 PM
BinOBA said...: They mean 90% of the time, half the auburn fans wanted CTG, this is my last post about CTG by the way, i say stop the madness and i wanted gill as the coach.; 1:09 PM
Seanzie said...: Just as a quick aside, we're going to have a linebacker named Eltoro, how freakin' sweet is that?? It's impossible to suck if your name is Eltoro...look it up.; 1:10 PM
Unknown said...: We really need to get an opinion from an indepent outsider. Has anyone contacted Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton?; 1:11 PM
Seanzie said...: Steve, those guys are usually prettu quick on the draw...I doubt they're coming after us.; 1:13 PM
Howard said...: Sean,
It's also impossible to suck if your nickname is "little ball of hate"... unless you don't actually get on the field. (Last negative comment today for me... I hope).

I'm absolutely counting on Eltoro to treat offensive linemen like so many red capes and goring various opposing quarterbacks.; 1:13 PM
Jet said...: Tray = Little Dime Bag of Hate

Eltoro = Little Bull of Hate; 1:14 PM
Anonymous said...: My numerous AU friends overwhelmingly wanted Gill(none of which blog). I seemed to notice that most Hotties wanted Gill. There were an equal # of posts for Gill as Muschamp. Then again, there was a huge Muschamp subliminal propaganda campaign carried on by just a few at the HABOTN.; 1:15 PM
Unknown said...: We could really use some guys in Klan robes picketing on campus that they want Gill. It would really confuse the crap out of the national media.; 1:15 PM
BinOBA said...: Yes, y'all-and, to the like beat-and
You could either dance or just have a seat and
Listen to the way-in, what i am displayin
A different kind of rapper language that i am sayin
To all the party people, ? the info
When it come to rockin parties i-am-a-nympho-maniac
Brainiac for doin my dance
And my record make the music, will put you in a trance-and
Hypnotize your body-and, like you do bacardi-and
You won't be fightin or illin, you just be partyin
Down, with the funky sound with yours truly
I'm the original b-i-z-m-a-r-k-i-be-the-e and
I came to have fun and, not be number one-and
Just hear to let you know, who's like runnin the place
And everywhere that i perform and do a show
*beatboxing sound* as long as you know, that *beatbox drumbeat*
Nobody beats the Chiz!
Nobody beats the Chizzzz

Sorry for the waste of bandwidth, i couldn't help myself.; 1:15 PM
Seanzie said...: I actually thought about Gene Chizik at one point, but then I looked him up and I thought for sure his record at ISU would keep them from even looking his way. As Ron White says: "Turns out I was wrong..."; 1:16 PM
Jet said...: Hoopie,

How could you (BOOM) spread such scurrilous (MUSCHAMP) lies? I find it unfathomable that anyone (ME) would send out subliminal messages (HIRE BOOM NOW) as Auburn's coach?

Actually, the positive of this for me is that while my candidate of choice did not get hired, and I didn't have Chizik on my radar screen, at least the logic I was hoping for has prevailed. Now, I get to see if it works.; 1:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Jet,
So, I guess what Barkley is saying is that we shouldn't listen to him.; 1:18 PM
Unknown said...: So, we really should be focused on who is being hired for the staff. Jay, you told me previously you thought we would here something by mid-week. Is that still the case?; 1:19 PM
Jet said...: Hey, Chuckster is the only guy I know who claims he was misquoted in his autobiography.

He can say anything he wants and not lose.

He's either:

a. Just being bombastic Barkley.
b. Or a social commentator.

When he speaks irresponsibly or without full information, there's no repercussion for him. Outlandish quotes are expected. If he becomes bland, he becomes irrelevant.; 1:21 PM
BinOBA said...: Maybe it's greg davis from UTx, i'd like to take some apples from their cart and send them looking for a coordinator between now and spring.; 1:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Why is it still being discussed? Articles are still being written. Tony Barnhart has written articles Monday, Tuesday and today about it. Jay linked to Stu Mandel's above. Jay's introduction promps the discussion. It's old news that I'm tired of, but it hasn't died yet.

When some asst coaches are announced, the subject will then be changed.; 1:25 PM
Unknown said...: Greg Davis would be a very interesting choice, although I think you will see an OC that is focused on running the ball down hill out of the I formation. I could be wrong, but that is my prediction. I don't see a flashy offense coming.; 1:26 PM
Just Win AU said...: Hoopie, let's hope that the staff hires bring us a little positive media, I'm about sick of all the negative crap.; 1:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Just Win, does it make you want to vomit?; 1:29 PM
Anonymous said...: I lived in Scottsdale Az. from '93 to '97. When I got there Barkely could do no wrong. Finally, by the time I left, the entire city was tired of his poorly thought out comments.

Chuck didn't..and doesn't care what anyone thinks. Keeping his name in the press, keeps getting him invited to charity golf events.; 1:31 PM
Anonymous said...: Think about it. Auburn is in the news everyday....who is talking about Alabama in a BCS bowl?; 1:31 PM
FSJ said...: That's fine....

We are content to be in the background right now...

;-); 1:32 PM
Just Win AU said...: Agreed AU1, but I would much rather have them saying positive things about Auburn. But I do love not having to hear ANYTHING about Bama.; 1:33 PM
Anonymous said...: FSJ in the hizzle.; 1:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Just - Trust me I agree, but AU is everywhere. Good, Bad or indifferent.; 1:34 PM
Jet said...: I just looked at Tony's M-T-W posts, and I don't have a problem with them ... they're fair questions ... and they have balance to them ... NOW TO MORE PRESSING MATTERS ...

Eltoro, Eltoro, wherefore art thou, Eltoro?; 1:35 PM
WarEagleRK said...: I'd much rather the media talking about the Sugar Bowl and giving Alabama all the praise in the world than having to watch the stuff we've seen on TV this week and listen to the talking heads stir the pot.; 1:35 PM
Unknown said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 1:36 PM
Just Win AU said...: I can not remember, did Bama get as much negative press for hiring Shula instead of Croom? I'm sure they got some, but was it as bad as what Auburn is going through right now?; 1:39 PM
Unknown said...: Bama is already screwed in terms of their bowl matchup. If I understand correctly, they are just gonna replay the Georgia/Hawaii game with teams in different uniforms.; 1:39 PM
Unknown said...: Bama got a boat load of criticism, but they didn't have someone like Barkley to help out.; 1:40 PM
WarEagleRK said...: I believe even Jesse Jackson was commenting on Alabama not hiring Croom. So they caught heat as well.; 1:41 PM
Just Win AU said...: Thanks Steve! Sir Charles really stirred the pot.; 1:42 PM
Anonymous said...: I am looking at this as the beginning of something huge with AU. I was listening to College Football Coaches Radio on Sirius this afternoon with Jack Arute and Danielson.

They both said they were confused by the choice. But one thing struck me, how many coaches that were questioned by Danielson that turned out to be really good. PJ to GT was one for example.

Let everyone question, and then we sneak up on everyone.; 1:43 PM
Just Win AU said...: I hope you are right AU1! I just hope that we get a solid staff in place. From all indications Chizik is recruiting his tail off right now - let's hope he pulls in a couple of surprises!; 1:46 PM
Harrison said...: what if sports predicted utah to beat bama in the sugar bowl. they simulate the game 1000 times and come up with a winner; 1:47 PM
FSJ said...: Wonder if they simulated Alabama's OL destroying Utah's undersized DL?; 1:48 PM
Harrison said...: i just heard the guy last night on fox radio..pretty interesting; 1:52 PM
Jet said...: FSJ ... if Bama's finest have a problem behaving on the Strip in West Vance, how will they do in the Big Easy?

And they're playing a team from Utah, which will avoid caffeine and other Bourbon Street stimulants assiduously.

Smells like trouble for the Tide!

Of course, it always stinks in New Orleans.

Actually, I don't think Utah is man enough to beat 'em.; 1:52 PM
Monica said...: Is it Fall 09 yet?

Luv - good lookin out on that preposition. ;-)

I guess it's up to me to point out the most obvious positive about Chizik. He's handsome. Nuff said.; 1:53 PM
Anonymous said...: So good....we get Fairley signed.....and then Chiz goes to Atlanta to see TE Lutzenkirchen on Sat.

Let the games begin.; 1:54 PM
Harrison said...: chizik has a large melon; 1:54 PM
Unknown said...: Bama will pound Utah. If I am a Bama fan I wouldn't want to play Utah simply because there isn't anything to be gained from it, but I see it very unlikely that Utah can win. I think their survival should be their goal.; 1:55 PM
Monica said...: H - don't hate; 1:55 PM
Harrison said...: ain't hatin..just statin'; 1:56 PM
Monica said...: perpetratin melon hate; 1:57 PM
Jet said...: Asking Harrison not to hate would be asking him not to breathe, and I don't think you want that on your conscience, Monica.; 1:57 PM
Monica said...: True, Jet - I'm just starting to warm up to him and his pocket protector.; 1:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Monica,
I knew you were a stickler, so I had to correct myself!

GC is easy on the eyes. The reason I came up with for not wanting PJ is that he's ugly. LOL; 1:59 PM
Unknown said...: I do think there may have been cranial size discrimination with this hire.; 1:59 PM
BinOBA said...: Bama's bowl is dubbed the inconsequential bowl by myself. They got nowhere to go but down in the matchup. It's like how Joe Paterno won't play pitt cause he feels they got nothin to gain from it.; 2:00 PM
Jet said...: So we can discriminate against fat people and people with large melons. Am I missing any other group?; 2:01 PM
Harrison said...: i'm gettin a reputation now. but i'm not sure how good it is; 2:01 PM
Jet said...: Among the best, H-Man.

Hate = Love in these parts. Except when it's just hate.; 2:02 PM