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12.14.2008

Player reaction to Chizik

Chizik met with the players just after 8 p.m. Players seemed impressed with what they heard.

Take a read ...

TOMMY TROTT, TIGHT END: "You can tell he's going to be out there motivating us. He sounds like he's going to be a little more hands-on. He's probably going to snatch you up at a practice. He's going to have things done his way, he said. We're going to get back to being physical. If you don't love football, get out, because you better love football to what we're about to do. In a weird way that's very inspiring."
JERRAUD POWERS, CORNERBACK: "I was just happy it was over. That was the most part. I'm glad they chose a guy like coach Chizik. I just think, from the players' standpoint, we're just happy it's all over. Now we can go back to no worries and just doing what we're doing. Lately, since the thing happened, it's been kind of crazy around here. We're just happy it's over."
WALT McFADDEN, CORNERBACK: "I'm kind of happy by seeing him come back. He's the one who got me here. He's the one who gave me a comfort of coming to Auburn, with me being from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. I didn't know anything about Auburn. He told me a lot. Just being around Carlos Rogers when I was here on my recruiting visit, he just comforted me and told me all about Coach Chizik and just gave me a lot of hype about it."

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

287 Comments:

Monica said...: Mark - Me either. That's just deflection on the koolaid crowd's part. What I am worried about is the overriding state of affairs at Auburn. The fact that Ranes, Dye, Lowder & Co are running the school I love into the ground.; 10:45 AM
Mark said...: I assume you mean Arkansas, LSU and Bama.; 10:45 AM
Mark said...: I have no problem with the boosters loving their school. But they should hire someone to run it and leave that person alone. Unless that person asks for your help.

That or take the job themselves. But that would take too much time away from running his bank into the ground.; 10:46 AM
Seanzie said...: Mark, when did Arky win the SEC Championship recently? Exactly, Only three schools in the SEC West have won the conference in the modern era. Ole Miss hasn't even made an appearance in the SEC title game and Arkansas is Ofer once they got there. Even MSU has got to the dance once.; 10:47 AM
Monica said...: Sean if you read as fast as you typed you'd know that I have said again and again that I will support Chizik. That doesn't mean I think it was a good hire.; 10:47 AM
Seanzie said...: Word, I haven't been here, Monica, and I didn't want to read through the thousands of posts, but I trust ya, and I'm glad you'll give the man a chance, after all, it's not his fault JJ is a joke.; 10:48 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Chizik = worst modern day hire by Auburn at this point. I would have to believe that Barfield was more popular at this point in his career. Only time will tell about this, but the guy is on a short leash.; 10:51 AM
Seanzie said...: Eddie, I agree it's a bizarre choice, but I can see how JJ thinks it makes sense. I just hope this ends up being a Pete Caroll type hire and not go the other way. I mean people cried bloody murder when he was hired at USC. Now they look stupid. I want to look stupid this time next year.; 10:52 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, what has Chizik done at Auburn that makes you think he is a bad hire?; 10:53 AM
weagle251 said...: Jay,
Who will be asking CGC about the statement he made when he left us for Texas back in '05? You know, the one about championships and how you can't win them at Auburn? Just wondering.; 10:54 AM
ADP said...: Oh, we are going to look stupid alright. Don't worry about that.; 10:54 AM
weagle251 said...: Steve, if Nix comes on as OC, then Chizik will only be the second worst hire.; 10:56 AM
KJtiger said...: Chizzle has only one way to go. And thats up. Hopefully ISU was a mulligan. I would not read to much into ISU's distain for Chizzle. It sounds like sour grapes. Kind of wanting a pony for christmas and getting a My little pony. They seem to feel they did not get what was sold to them. I just hope chizzle puts everything into this and proves me wrong.; 10:56 AM
Jet said...: This will be a little long ... all apologies.

The amazing about life is that if you pay the freight, you have an expectation to have a say in which way the train is going.

If I were chucking in six or seven figures a year, I'd be there with them. My last name would be cussed like the others. I've met 'em all, can't say they're my friends.

This is the program we've been on for 28 years ... rather successful ones in general.

From my vantage point, there was a plan, and this is the variation of the plan. Plan A was Muschamp with the same cast of characters being mentioned as staff.

A great plan in my mind. You see, for the most part, we're sheep. We'd love it. Exciting young coach, favorite sons coming back to get after the jerks on the other side of the state. For the first time in a while, we'd be pulling in the same direction -- which is what we need most of all.

But the shepherds couldn't bring in the big sheep. So Plan B wasn't abandoning the plan and moving in another direction, it was just a modification of the plan with someone who understands the program.

To be honest, this looks just like Alabama 1989 ... they had gotten soft under Curry ... and it required an old-school solution. So they put their band back together.

That's what we're doing here. I pray it works. It's not Kool-Aid. It's just reality.; 10:56 AM
Anonymous said...: AUBig,
Do you really think recruits worry about boosters and BOT members? Isn't there main concern who the coaches are?; 10:57 AM
Unknown said...: weagle251, what has Chizik done at Auburn to make you think he is a bad hire?; 10:57 AM
Seanzie said...: Good post, Jet. It wasn't that long. I don't mind a long post as long as there is good stuff in there.; 10:58 AM
KJtiger said...: I hope chizzle has a hugh budget to get a good staff. Since we are not paying 3 million a year on a head coach. Use 400-500 thousand on a good DC and OC. Remember we have no financial restraints; 10:58 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- Take your blinders off and look how people are reacting to it. I haven't found one person other than Herbstreet (probably because he knows he won't have to come to Auburn campus for Gameday in the future) are happy with this hire. Has there ever been a coach that started his tenure with Auburn with this much hate??? The closest comparison I can come up with in the SEC is Ron Zook. Mike Shula was not popular at bama, but he wasn't this despised either.

Now Chizik has let go of the most popular Auburn Assistant on the staff, Willis and we lost our biggest recruiting target Cotton ( I don't believe that should matter by the way); he had better be able to get Rodney Gardner or he will be in some real dark and muddy water up to his chest even before he coaches a practice.; 10:58 AM
Unknown said...: KJtiger, Iowa State gave Chizik a two year contract extension after this season, so it seems they thought they got what they wanted.; 10:59 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, people whining about the hire doesn't mean Chizik is a bad hire. It indicates an issue with the fans, not the coach.; 11:00 AM
AUBigCat said...: Luv I think parents that care about what institute their child goes to care a whole lot about how that institute is run. You can read Cotton Sr's comment to get an idea about that; 11:01 AM
Unknown said...: As for Willis, lets wait and see what happens with Chizik's staff.; 11:01 AM
KJtiger said...: Jet that sounds as good as anything else I have heard. "Chizzle was muschamp before muschamp was cool". Or "chizzle the original muschamp".; 11:01 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I have season tickets and I buy concessions, parking, beer, food and useless auburn items at games, so naturally the PTB call and ask for my opinion on these types of decisions. I must have been away from my phone when they called...:); 11:01 AM
KJtiger said...: I think cotton will be back. If chizzle can go to maryland and talk with them they will be back in the fold. I remember reading that cotton was committing to AU not to a staff at one point.; 11:03 AM
Jet said...: Recruiting is about emotional connection ... right now, we're disconnected with Cotton.

He may get reconnected ... maybe not ... the question is does our new staff think he's worth reconnecting with whatever our new philosophy will be.; 11:04 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- Go back and read my post, I said time will tell, I was just saying this guy is facing the most pressure I have ever seen by a new coach at a new school. Also, Chizik was FORCED to make staff changes to keep his job this year. That is a fact and you can take it to the bank. By the way Steve, Tubs just got the an extension last year also...how did that work out for him in keeping employement (Financially fine)?

Also, I am almost certain there will be no Willis on the staff this year.; 11:05 AM
michael said...: This was a horrendous hire.

I sure hope he is successful, though.; 11:07 AM
Aubie said...: I think the Joe Cribbs Car Wash has been reading my mind.
http://www.warblogeagle.com/; 11:10 AM
Brad said...: Guys - the reason Chizik's seen as a bad hire is because of the perception it will give recruits. Regardless of what type of coach he has been as a coordinator, he's seen as a loser as HC and as the lease qualified candidate for this position. That does not inspire confidence in recruits, and does not give them a reason to come to AU. Unless you are AU from birth - like most of us - most of our recruiting prospects are going to be wary of joining our band of brothers.

If Jacobs' didn't see this PR problem coming, it proves his incompetence. If he saw it and still did it, it shows his lack of respect for the fan base. Either way, it proves he needs to be replaced - immediately.; 11:15 AM
Unknown said...: At times, I think it is some of the fans that need to be let go, rather than coaches.; 11:15 AM
Mark said...: Sean, I hate to argue this point, because it does not matter much. But, too consider Auburn as a member of the "big Three" over Arkansas is a little silly.

Arkansas has been to the same number of SEC Championship games as we have (3). We did win one, while they did not. So I guess that gives us entrance to the Big Three.

Sean, like I said, we are in a world of hurt. Bama was down for 10 years with their stupid hires.

I hope this does not send us on a 10 year spiral.; 11:22 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: First, the recruits were recruited by the FORMER staff that ran the effin spread. See 5'7" rbs and WRs.

Secondly, he hasn't met with any of the yet, right?

Lets see who he adds to the staff.

Stacy Searles has recruiting connections everywhere AU recruits - and everywhere UGA and LSU recruits.

Rodney Garner - same same.

I fully expected Bammer smack today at work. Not getting it.

On the radio, i guess so but face to face, when asked what I think, I get nothing but "we'll see"s.; 11:26 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: You are right Steve, we should all live in communist China and not have a voice. We should be told how to feel about things and instructed on how to react. We should give up having opinions about things such as the new coach, rightfully and wrongly. Good point Steve.; 11:27 AM
Mark said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11:28 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Add Joe Whitt Jr and Joe Whitt Sr.

Dameyune Craig has ties to Mobile.

Anyone read Bill Oliver and Monte Kiffen in today's B'ham News?; 11:28 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Also Steve, I think you already know this, but I do like this back and forth with you and everyone else. That is why I like the blog so much, because we can rationally discuss things "most" of the time.

I just wanted to make sure knew that.; 11:28 AM
WarEagleRK said...: My problem isn't with Chizik, it's the same ol' $#!+ that we deal with from the people pulling the strings.

I actually think he'll be a good coach and don't think it's a bad hire, it's just not the home run that we were all hoping for/expecting.

If he makes the right staff hires, he should be a good HC for us.; 11:30 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I think the point is the only thing this hire has hurt is perception.

The guy hasn't done anything yet besides inspire the current players.

He's been on campus for less than 24 hrs.

But when people who say they love all things Auburn just bitch bitch bitch and when they're done, bitch some more, what's the perception?

At what point do you realize that he's been hired and that there's nothing to do now but support the program you say you love?

Does this really make you feel better? To sit in front of the computer and moan and groan?; 11:31 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I hear Pat Dye is holding the Assistant coaching interviews.; 11:32 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I have a question about the comment "Same of **** and same ole people pulling the strings."

Has Auburn not gone through a great time with its football program the last ten years?

Who pulled those strings?; 11:33 AM
astatguy said...: Pat Dye left the Auburn program in disgrace (Eric Ramsey pay for play). Ramsey's conduct slimy, but so was the Auburn coaching staff's. We don't need Pat Dye telling us how to run a football program.; 11:34 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I agree RK about Chizik.

We need to weather the "perception" storm. How do we do that? What's the best way?; 11:35 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, you got a link about Dye and the interviews?

I have read where people think Dye had a big part in getting Chizik to Auburn. I wish I could remember where I read it, possibly comments in the Auburn Undercover forum.; 11:35 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Ramsey asked for and was given food because he had a wife and kid.

Dear Jesus.

I'm done.; 11:35 AM
WarEagleRK said...: No doubt we've had a lot of success, but it's the public persona that we seem to put out on the path to success that always leaves people with a bad taste in their mouth.

Deserved or not, almost any time someone in power or influence in the athletic department at Auburn makes a big time decision it always at some point looks bad.

They sometimes turn out to be the right decision and it has led to a lot of success, but it puts out a bad public image at times too.; 11:36 AM
Mark said...: rational. Ha!

I think kool-aid drinking is more like it. I will cheer just like everyone else for AU; but, this hire stinks.

No one wanted CTT gone more than I. Why, because, he tried to sell out the year before. Shopping his wares to the highest bidder. WE were it.

Who conducted the auction? Jimmy Sexton.

Who were the sources for the Texas A&M rumors and Arkansas rumors last year? Sexton.

Who was the source for the WSFA and Mobile rumors this year? SExton.

Who is Chizik's agent? Jimmy Sexton.

The first time he called, we should have said, you have made your last dollar from AU Jimmy.; 11:37 AM
astatguy said...: The NCAA throws programs under the bus for systematic pay for play, not charity.; 11:38 AM
AUBigCat said...: From Joe Cribbs Car Wash

"Tons of programs have been led astray by false optimism. If you know of one who's endured a bout of false pessimism, I'd love to be reminded of it."; 11:38 AM
Unknown said...: Auburn's program has been in very good shape since Dye arrived, so I am not sure why the skepticism. Other than this season and a couple of very bad teams under Bowden, we have been in pretty good shape.

As for Dye and what happened at the end of his tenure, I think his health issues had a lot to do with what occurred, but I don't believe we will ever know the full story there.; 11:38 AM
Unknown said...: AUBigCat, USC is the obvious example and all the pessimism when Pete Carroll was hired.

Also, there were Auburn fans bashing Tuberville and Jason Campbell a lot early in the 2004 season.; 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Steve - Is this what you read?

"The latest I'm hearing is that, believe it or not, Lowder is actually not happy about the hire. The main driving force behind the hire has been Pat Dye with a few other prominent boosters, and Jay Jacobs actually being stupid enough to listen to them. The latest rumors swirling is that the reason Gene Chiszik was hired, and the reason so many 'no name' candidates were interviewed is that they were looking for a candidate that would agree to let someone else hire their staff. Chiszik was the only candidate that would ultimately agree to that. The way that this rumor will be verified is to look at who is hired on the staff. Reportedly, Dye wants to hire a bunch of ex-Auburn players on the staff. Watch and see. A good way to gauge the beginning of this is if Patrick Nix gets hired as offensive coordinator. "

Tracemtigers.com fan reaction; 11:40 AM
Denny Crum said...: Well, it sounds like the negativity and bad waves are coming from people who are still upset about how the hire went down. We can bitch about this and that, but it is not going to change anything, and perhaps it can do harm. It sure won't do good.

The facts are this, the hire went down. The only thing being negative now is going to do, is breed more negativity. I read Jeno's comments and I am fired up about the energy he is going to bring.

As for Mr. AU Donor no More, I say you were never much of a AU supporter anyway if you are going to cut and run.; 11:40 AM
WarEagleRK said...: "As for Dye and what happened at the end of his tenure, I think his health issues had a lot to do with what occurred, but I don't believe we will ever know the full story there."

It's probably best that we never learn the full story.; 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: excuse me...trackemtigers.com; 11:41 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Great post Denny.; 11:42 AM
E-Bro said...: I'm not sure how rational you are being, though, Eddie. It's fine that you are not crazy about the hire, but it does not make much sense to say this is the worst modern day hiring up to this point.

Could just be me, but unless the guy is paying for hookers (Mike Price), I usually don't judge an Auburn HC until he as at least coached a game; indeed, I would wait until the end of the season before rendering any kind of judgment, but that's just me.; 11:42 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- the Pat Dye comment was tongue and cheek, but if i'm a betting man, I bet he has big time influence on the assistants that are hired. Lowder & Dye are best of friends. Dye (thinks he) knows what is best for Auburn football wise and Lowder pulls the strings. There was a big reason that Dye starts off in a good relationship with the new Auburn Coaches and then it sours within 5 years. Remember Dye and Bowden in 93 on the field together and Dye used to attend Tubs coaches meetings and some practices until .....2003.; 11:42 AM
Unknown said...: AU1N04, that isn't what I read, although some of it is similar. What I read described Dye and Lowder as good buddies.; 11:43 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Now that I have re-read my statement, that was not what I meant to say, I meant to say he is the most un-popular modern day hire. The rest reads correctly in my thought. I should really start hitting preview before posting. I take it back Steve. Sorry.; 11:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Eddie - No takebacks...; 11:47 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I have a hard time with someone saying they wanted Tubs out "as much as anyone" and then have a problem with this hire.

That crowd is the hardest to understand.; 11:47 AM
Anonymous said...: It's like a tornado, can't undo the damage.

Insert rim shot here.; 11:47 AM
Unknown said...: No problem Eddie. I do think Chizik has been the most unpopular hire, although there were a lot of people that questioned hiring Tuberville. Bowden actually seemed to have more support when he was hired. As for Dye, he came in when anyone sounded good. As for Barfield, Shug Jordan determined that hire, so he wasn't bashed. If you look at Barfield's record, it wasn't as bad as some picture, but if you look at what he did with the talent he had, it was pretty pitiful. There were 3 runningbacks in his tenure that were very successful in the NFL. Two of them are probably in the NFL Hall of Fame.; 11:48 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I just hope CGC comes out in an hour with guns blazin' and gets us all fired up. I'm excited once again about the future of Auburn football. War Eagle War Eagle War Eagle!!!; 11:50 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: NO TAKE BACKS is right.

I can't wait for the bandwagon to fill back up if the guy runs the damn football and plays stingy defense.

Tommy Tuberville used to do that before he shat his pants and became TONY FRANKLIN's dumba$$ boss.; 11:50 AM
Mark said...: Why Chris. Why do you have a hard time understanding, that CTT sold us out last year. I wanted him fired then. Any body that shops his name after 9 years is NOT AN AUBURN man. CTT was not. Only interested in the payday. Why else would he sign again and leave after one year.

Then to come up with this lame brain idea to Cheezeit. Bumble Bunnies are running the athletic department.; 11:50 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Oh dear God.

Terry Bowden was just brought up.; 11:50 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Who should have been hired then?

Very funny.

All I need now is for you to tell me you have an "inside source" and ypu'll take your place among the other experts.; 11:53 AM
Unknown said...: Mark, getting rid of Tuberville is the chief cause of this disaster. It damaged our reputation further. On a national scale, Auburn isn't looked on favorably by the coaching community.

As for whether this hire was a mistake, we shall see. We had slim pickens in terms of a coach as can be seen by the candidates.; 11:53 AM
AUBigCat said...: Steve both Pete Carrol and Tommy Tuberville were successful(+.500) coaches. Chizik...not so much.; 11:54 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I began to feel better Tar Heel after reading the players comments and what he said.

"Anyone here have a problem with being physical and running the ball, then leave."; 11:54 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: (+.500) is sucessfull?; 11:54 AM
Unknown said...: Chris, of the coaches that left Auburn, Terry Bowden left it in the worst shape. It isn't even close. By the worst shape, I mean Jordan and the coaches that followed him.; 11:55 AM
Anonymous said...: I will say this just to make my stand. The hire confuses me only because we needed, in my opinion, to make a splash because of the removal or resignation of a proven SEC coach. That being said, if you overlook ISU then maybe this hire makes a bit more sense. The fact that he cleaned house is a good sign to me, now lets see who he brings in.

I am in sales, I have had two bad yrs before, but I am good at what I do and that is proven by being a member of Presidents Club, toot toot!! So I will wait and see. Hmmm, more waiting.; 11:56 AM
Unknown said...: AUBigCat, Chizik hasn't had enough of a record as a head coach to make any kind of determination. That is why we have to just wait and see.; 11:57 AM
E-Bro said...: If Dye was making decisions on the coaching staff, I would have thought Willis would be sticking on. I forget his playing years exactly; he might have played under both Dye and Bowden, but I'm pretty sure he was brought to Auburn by Pat Dye, thus he was a Dye guy.; 11:58 AM
Unknown said...: AU1N04, I agree that we needed a big name hire, but our national reputation among head coaches wasn't going to allow that. I had hoped we would be flashing a huge bankroll to coaches to get one, but that didn't apparently happen or it didn't convince them that coming to Auburn is worth risking their career.; 11:59 AM
Anonymous said...: What will Lowder and Co. do when Pat Dye is gone? How will they ever make a decision?; 12:01 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: New thread up.; 12:01 PM
Unknown said...: Michael4AU, I think there is still a possibility that Willis remains, although I am uncertain. Chizik apparently cleaned house immediately, which is very understandable.

Who Chizik brings in to coach linebackers will be very interesting.

It is also kind of strange that Chizik didn't want any of the defensive staff that worked for him previously at Auburn, but I can bet he didn't want coaches loyal to Tuberville hanging around.; 12:01 PM
AUBigCat said...: Steve...no disrespect and dont take this personal because that comment has been said by several people and some in the media but to try to disqualify his HC experience and look at what he did 3-4 years as a DC has to be the dumbest justification for this hire ever.

His HC experience is the only thing that does count. That's like failing at a CEO position and claiming it shouldnt count because you were such a good low-level employee.; 12:01 PM
Matt01 said...: Saw this elsewhere, thought Eddie might enjoy it. This comes from a 1933 letter.

To the German Family,

You had better accept this and get on board. Be loyal.

Yours truly,

Adolph Hitler

Please don't take this the wrong way, but some folks don't want to be blindly led. I understand that.; 12:03 PM
TB said...: Are any of the tv or radio outlets broadcasting the news conference today?; 12:06 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I did enjoy that Matt. Thanks.; 12:07 PM
coosa said...: SteveFC- A minor point, but I don't think Shug wanted Barfield to get the job; he was all behind Paul Davis and they gave it to Barfield over his objections. I was a student there at the time and that was the story that was widely circulated.

I do know that the 1975 team was in total chaos because of the Barfield hire that was announced before the season began. It made Shug a lame duck, and the other coaches must have wondered who was really in charge.

That was the first case I can remember of the "head coach in waiting." In this case, they knew Barfield would take over at the end of the season, and it was a total disaster.

But the Barfield era wasn't as bad as a lot of folks make it out to be. His next-to-last team in 1979 went 8-3, and led the bammer MNC team in the 4th quarter before giving up a late td.; 12:47 PM