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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:

JD said...: Maybe we are starting to unite from the inside out. To hear upperclassmen talk about Chiz the way they are speaks volumes to me.; 9:22 PM
Unknown said...: Chris, I read reports where Whitt is going to Tennessee.; 9:23 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: WAR EAGLE.

Ratliff's having a good game but who isn't on the Dallas DL ? ? ?; 9:23 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: THANKS JAY!!!!; 9:23 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: FWIW, Mark Richt said tonight that he hasn't been approached by Auburn to speak with either Garner or Searels ...; 9:23 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: (Garner for an assistant role); 9:24 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Walt McFadden's comments speaks to CGC's recruiting South Florida.

We needed fire in the program and by what Trott said, the guys that are gone didn't have it any longer.

Whitt to Tennessee?; 9:26 PM
nolaman123 said...: Is that the normal coaching etiquette?; 9:26 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Jay-
What time is the news conference tomorrow?; 9:26 PM
Bfoster18 said...: It's hard to understand why Garner would come for a back up role. He interviewed for the head gig. Why would he come for a back up role unless they're going to double his salary?; 9:27 PM
Just Win AU said...: JGT, you looked AUsome tonight no TV.; 9:27 PM
Just Win AU said...: "on"; 9:28 PM
Kris said...: He needs to be approached and notified soon thereafter that he will need to fill a vacancy on that staff. If we are going to bring people "home", he needs to be holding hands with Chizik so they can walk through the door together.; 9:28 PM
Bfoster18 said...: xoxoxoxo, Kris; 9:29 PM
Unknown said...: I like the fact that many of the player from the 2004 team had very good things to say about him, including a lot of guys from the NFL.

This hire appears to be better and make more sense with what I have been learning.

It looks like they likely didn't go with Gill because he didn't seem fully committed to Auburn when asked about the Nebraska position. I didn't consider Gill as the likely candidate because I don't think he would be at Auburn for the long haul, and Auburn tends to have head coaches that hang around.

Muschamp and Chizik are very similar, but Muschamp had a lot of drawbacks in terms of the buyout and a sweet deal at Texas. He also at times didn't display the of behavior that you expect from a head coach.

I can't really say I am happy with Chizik just yet, but I am beginning to see the reasoning.; 9:29 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I was on TV? Rutt-row!

The next DC will make a lot of money. If Auburn wants to put Garner in that role, I don't see how Georgia could compete with that without making a major staffing adjustment.

Again ... Richt said he isn't aware of any movement on that front.; 9:30 PM
Kris said...: Auburn needs to pay whatever it takes to get Garner back to the Plains.; 9:30 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I'm headed back home.

I gotta be back here in the morning.

Thanks for your steadfast support, HOTTIES.; 9:30 PM
Bfoster18 said...: I'm not real big on Garner having that much power...DC power.; 9:31 PM
big cat said...: SteveFC, two years is all he has as a head coach. Tubb's two worst years were better than that. I am an Auburn fan and probably attend more games than you do since you are in S.C. I wiil still support my team, I just feel we could have and should have done better.; 9:31 PM
Unknown said...: I can see Garner coming back. He is Auburn through and through. He is a position coach at Georgia. I am sure he would appreciate a high profile position at Auburn. Garner is one of the biggest mistakes that Bowden made. He is one of the best recruiters around and Chizik should make room and pay the bucks to get this guy if he is interested.; 9:31 PM
Bfoster18 said...: Name him assistant head coach/recruiting coordinator. Pay him $400K and be done with it.; 9:32 PM
Kris said...: Holding hands, but not in a fruity way (and not that there is anything wrong with that).; 9:32 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Wasn't Spurrier his own OC at UF? I'd certainly prefer CGC handle the D personally like he did in the "good times." I'm guessing he didn't handle the D at ISU?; 9:32 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Anyone have any iside on my AU Commit J. Pilson was sent home from the All-Star game?; 9:32 PM
AUBigCat said...: Maybe Chiz can go get our RB decommit back from Ole Miss. He needs to make a trip to MD and get Cotton back on board as well. Then head over to Ind and get Robinson back before we goes to Bama. He has a lot to do in a short amount of time. Good luck Coach let's get on it!; 9:33 PM
Bfoster18 said...: Pilson took a fire extinguisher off the wall. Another player was involved as well. Unless that's total fabrication, that's the story everyone is telling. By the way, he's a great player FWIW.; 9:33 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Jay G drive safely and thanks again for keeping us informed.; 9:34 PM
Bfoster18 said...: Willis pulled Cotton back in tonight a bit. He stacked the Cotton's up for a phone call or live meeting from GC.; 9:34 PM
AUBigCat said...: Pilson apparently was spraying fire extinguishers in the rooms. Kid prank stuff; 9:35 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: If he was to turn some guys back into AU commits it would ease a lot of hand wringing.

Pilson was getting rave reviews at the practices.

I'm glad it was only that if its true.; 9:35 PM
Unknown said...: big cat, I am sorry. From your comments I assumed you weren't an Auburn fan.

There are a lot of factors that go into why a team wins or loses so it isn't fair to just blame it on the head coach. Chizik didn't have a long enough track record at Iowa State to prove much. He never really had a chance to even get his own players in. The drop off at Iowa State apparently had a lot to do with their star QB graduating. Iowa State is one of the least attractive programs around.

I do like a couple of things I heard that he did immediately after this season. He fired two assistants and demoted both coordinators. That is what a head coach does. Someone earlier mentioned that he hires his friends. I haven't seen evidence of that, but I do see evidents that he is willing to get rid of a bad coach, and that is encouraging.; 9:36 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Will that game be broadcasted in Ala or did I miss it?; 9:36 PM
tigerfan44 said...: Jay why will dc make so much. looks like CGC will play a big part of the defense.; 9:36 PM
AUBigCat said...: War Damn Willis! Let's hope Cotton stays. Now can we get Rodney Scott back from Ole Miss?? That's two high profile RBs lost to them in two years!!; 9:37 PM
Kris said...: Al one question. Are you big on getting really good recruits? Garner is one of the best recruiters in the country. Last year a Mobile High School coach (Vigor) had this to say about Auburn's lack of success recruiting the area last year "you can't send Greg Knox to recruit against nick saban" You can send Rodney Garner to recruit against anybody.; 9:37 PM
AUBigCat said...: Chris you missed it. It was yesterday; 9:38 PM
Unknown said...: Getting Cotton back in the fold would be huge. I have watched a little of video of that kid and read a lot. He seems to have star potential.

I would also like to see Chizik make some moves to fill some holes, primarily on the offensive and defensive lines. I think we could use some Juco transfers there.; 9:38 PM
AUBigCat said...: I thought that Mobile quote was about willis? Either way the point was made. I dont know about RG as a DC though; 9:39 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: You pay RODNEY GARNER that much 44.

And its not just to be the DC.

The man has ties to every high school in this state and Mark Richt is terrified in losing him.

TERRIFIED - he canceled a trip to Hawaii to coach the Hula Bowl one year to stay and talk Garner into staying at UGA -- gave him the Assit. HC title as well.; 9:39 PM
AUBigCat said...: Steve I'm thinking the same thing. We need some JUCO WRs in here along with some OL; 9:40 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Sorry, he has ties to every high school coach in AUBURN's recruiting area.; 9:40 PM
Unknown said...: I wouldn't mind Garner as the DC at all and he is worth every penny. Greg Knox is a very good recruiter, maybe the best we have had recently, but he can't compare with Garner.; 9:41 PM
tigerfan44 said...: chris.. I can see paying garner that much but jay said next DC will make a lot of money not garner will.; 9:41 PM
AUBigCat said...: David Pollack said Garner wasnt a scheme guy and could adjust to offenses. Pollack would know and UGA didnt have him as their DC. That makes me wonder a bit; 9:43 PM
Kris said...: Knox a good recruiter? Maybe, but he is a horrible WR coach.; 9:43 PM
AUBigCat said...: ment could NOT adjust; 9:43 PM
Unknown said...: Anyone think there are any holdovers from Tuberville's staff other than Willis? Somehow I don't think so, but the defensive staff was very solid.

I do wish Greg Knox would be around for recruiting, but I really want to see a new receivers coach.; 9:43 PM
Kris said...: Pollack will say anything to keep him from leaving UGA; 9:45 PM
Bfoster18 said...: Lolley is staying for some reason.; 9:45 PM
Unknown said...: I feel confident Chizik will ensure we have a great defense. I want to see the buck thrown at an OC. I am not sure who that might be. Some have mentioned Borges and I could see that happening, but there have to be some other big names. Patrick Nix doesn't really excite me.; 9:45 PM
Bfoster18 said...: Nix - great guy, not so great OC. Borges - great guy, great QB developer and gameday coach; 9:49 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: P Nix hasn't excited me since '94.; 9:50 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Troy had a real good offense this year. Maybe we could get their OC.; 9:51 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Yes, I was kidding.; 9:52 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: I just have a feeling the meeting between JJ and Garner was about more than just HC duties.; 9:58 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Lolley not an on-field coach.

http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2008/12/building_chiziks_staff.html

Here's Woodbery's staff thoughts.; 10:00 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Well, hello 5'8" 175 lbs running backs:

From the team meeting:

"He said, `I left here and we were undefeated. We had Ronnie Brown, Cadillac, Jason Campbell, defensive and offensive line and we ran downhill SEC football,''' Trott said. ``We ran the football, and that's what we did and we did it well. He said we're going to get back to that. We're going to be a physical team. Obviously, we're going to get back to running the ball and doing it well.
"; 10:03 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Also:

* Trott said Chizik told players, "If you don't love football, get out, because you better love football to do what we're about to do."; 10:05 PM
Unknown said...: It certainly seems that Chizik wants to get us back into the physical mode. This may conflict with some of the current recruits. This is getting very interesting.

It also sounds like he is going to separate the men from the boys quickly.; 10:20 PM
Unknown said...: ITAT says WILLIS was fired tonight. WILLIS. If so, he is officially off to an idiotic start. Goodbye Mobile, or what was left of it.; 10:24 PM
Unknown said...: some guys on rivals saying willis will stay, the rest are gone. i would be MUCH HAPPIER with that arrangement; 10:30 PM
Unknown said...: Keith, I hope Willis will be around too. He can't really be fired. He is already fired. The question is if Chizik will hire him.; 10:33 PM
scottatl said...: James Willis is out...just came in; 10:42 PM
scottatl said...: Looks like all current coaches are out save Yoxall; 10:43 PM
Mark said...: link on willis being out?; 10:44 PM
scottatl said...: Goldberg; 10:47 PM
Unknown said...: It does appear Willis is gone.; 10:48 PM
Mark said...: What are people's opinions of Joe Whitt and why he was kicked upstairs by CTT? Of course, all the UA people said it was because Whitt was pushing the rules on recruiting; but, what was the real reason.

Appears he may be back as the recruiting coordinator is why I ask.; 10:53 PM
Mark said...: Wow, the Bunker has gone crazy over the assistant thing.; 10:59 PM
Romberry said...: Mark: link on willis being out?

scottatl: Goldberg

What Goldberg actually said: Chizik told Tuberville's remaining assistant coaches they should look for employment in a Sunday night meeting, indicating a big change in the coaching staff.

Number of direct mentions of James Willis? Zero.

I hate it (HATE IT!) when people read something and jump to conclusions based on facts not in evidence. James Willis may in fact be gone but he also may be re-hired as part of the new staff. The fact is that every former Tuberville assistant at AU is/has been working without a contract since Tuberville resigned his position. Most of them need (NEED) to be gone, especially on the offensive side of the ball. (And yes, that means Gran too.)

I hope James Willis is retained. He may be yet. Maybe he'll look for a job...wait for it....on Chizik's staff first.

Read critically and for comprehension. Don't read between the lines. The Goldberg blog entry ("a big change in the coaching staff") is very early and very much open to change.; 11:02 PM
Unknown said...: Roman, I agree that most of the staff need to be gone, but mainly because of loyalty to Tuberville. This was a very good staff that brought Auburn the winningest season in school history. It contains a lot of good coaches.

It is possible that Willis could be back. We will just have to see. I am encouraged that Chizik seems to have a plan in place and is not hesitating to make changes.; 11:12 PM
Mark said...: I don't have my linking instructions here so I will just post the address to this from Yahoo sports...

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Gene-Chizik-meet-Auburn-s-finest-torches-and-pi?urn=ncaaf,128957; 11:27 PM
AU fan in MN said...: Firing Coach Willis would be an awful move. I think he's a great up-and-coming coach, a wonderful person, and an AUBURN man. I read and have been impressed by reports that he has working his tail off trying salvage our recruiting class after they ran of Tuberville. If he is let go we will lose a lot of good recruits. Definitely Ray Cotton would hit the road, and that would be a real shame, because he his a Jason Campbell clone, who is going to be something special in a few years for some college. Hopefully Auburn.

COACH CHIZIK-
DON'T KILL WHATEVER AUBURN SPIRIT I HAVE LEFT... PLEASE KEEP WILLIS!; 11:45 PM
michael said...: Look, we don't need recruits. Recruits and recruiting services are overrated. We don't need a guy with previous head coaching success. After all, there are so many variables, so how can we really attribute the success or failure of an entire football team to one person?

No, we need a guy with close ties to the administration who interviews well and talks to the team in a way that they think he will be all about hard nosed football and discipline. Well done.; 12:02 AM
WDCWE said...: Auburn is getting raked over the burning coals for this hire. I will support CGC all the way, but there is a lot of PR damage that was done to the University as a whole by choosing him instead of Gil.

I am not sure if I would rather have less wins with Gil or more with GC. I know that there was no racial bias, but it appears that way. Perception is reality. I truly love this University, but it is going to be hard for me to go off to anywhere but Alabama and proudly wear my AU gear without people thinking I am a racial bigot.

I am a firm believer that "just football" fans give fans, students, faculty and staff of the University a bad reputation. I wish that AU's rep wasn't based on a stupid, classless individuals at a Halloween party and this coach search. I truly believe that being a student at AU gives you opportunities and experiences that rivals any institution in this nation. I wish there were something like a national school spirit and loyalty contest. AU would be multiple national champions.

Sorry for the vent, I needed to get that out somehow.; 5:36 AM
TB said...: It is not surprising that CGC has let the entire staff go. A clean slate. Eliminate any chances of disention. I do hate it the Willis is leaving also. I would suspect that we will loose alot of the current recruits we have. Simply we are no longer thinking spread, So we could see many of these guys jump ship. Interesting times ahead. Lets hope we all dont have a complete meltdown because of it.; 5:48 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I haven't seen us get ripped nationally for this, but maybe I missed it.

I know Herbstriet praised Auburn for the hire on Sportcenter the other night.

That being said, it's an interesting hire.

Sucks that James Willis apparently isn't going to be retained.; 5:50 AM
JD said...: Chizik has come in and done exactly what was necessary. He has shook this program. People seem to be upset because he fired James Willis, since he is Auburn Alum. I however think that it was a very strong move. Willis may have done well as our LB coach over the past couple of seasons, but as I have very publicly stated I don't think he was a guy who needed to be retained. He has brought Joe Whitt back from the fundraising world to help recruit until his staff is in place. Great power move Coach Chizik. Now, let's sit back and see what staff he implements before we completely start as TB said, "meltingdown."; 5:55 AM
Unknown said...: I kinda feel like Steve Irwin over this whole coaching merry-go-round: That nightmare with the sting ray is over and I'm safe in the boat, but I've still got this barb sticking out of my chest.

Best of luck to the new coach. He has his work cut out for him: a doubtful fanbase, a slew of decommitted recruits and an entire coaching staff to hire.

Oh, and 12 games starting in less than nine months.; 6:51 AM
Jaiden_S said...: I read elsewhere that Willis could be the only one staying. No, I don't have a link. Take that with a grain of salt, but at least it's something.; 6:56 AM
Anonymous said...: I love this all in, your are with me or against me, you better love football, attitude!

Auburn has needed someone to shake things up for a while.

"You better love football to do what we are about to do."
Sound familiar? Sounds like a winner to me. ISU can have their sour grapes. We have the right coach.

Don't be distracted by what Longshore, Amos & Moon, Finebaum, Scarbinsky or any other person tries to convince you of today or in the days to come!

WAR EAGLE!; 7:07 AM
Anonymous said...: So long to the BBQ gang as well!

That'll work for me!

Glad he's going to make his own mark. No dead weight from the previous admin need to be around this program.

Same goes for players. There are several D2 programs around this area that need players.

Just saying...; 7:12 AM
WarEagleRK said...: "He has his work cut out for him: a doubtful fanbase, a slew of decommitted recruits and an entire coaching staff to hire."

Chicken Little?; 7:16 AM
Monica said...: Does this mean I'm not supposed to ask if ANYONE else was offered the job? If I'm supposed to believe nobody else would come work at Auburn (as was suggested by the article Hoopie gave us) then why would they even INTERVIEW for it?; 7:18 AM
Monica said...: My problem is not with Chizik. I obviously want him to be successful. You're welcome to call me a whiner or fair weather fan if that makes you feel better. However, to pull an ostrich act and pretend there isn't a problem with our school at the top ranks is foolish.; 7:31 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Everyone suspected we had questionable leadership, I guess this just confirmed it for most.

I do believe Chizik can be a good coach for us, however it's just surprising that he was the guy.; 7:36 AM
Anonymous said...: It's Christmas time! Everyone loves surprises!

LOL!

Jay G, can we take down the Franklin hate comment from the front?; 7:41 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I'm still not sure on James Willis. I got conflicting information there.

The other assistants are gone.; 7:43 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Willis hasn't answered his phone for anyone lately ...; 7:44 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I haven't paid much attention to the Franklin comment -- or finding its successor -- but it seems timely given it's late December.; 7:45 AM
Anonymous said...: Ok. Just was curious.; 7:47 AM
wartiger said...: what about borges? I geard there are rumors?; 7:50 AM
wartiger said...: *heard-morning all; 7:51 AM
mytommyd said...: Gee, from the sounds of it, there are a lot of folks that feel like we will have a losing season this year, no chance of playing in a game, and therefore be looking for a new coach in Dec 09. I'm kinda surprised there isn't already a firechiz.com on the net. So why don't we go ahead and forfeit the season,fire Gene knowing that he don't do well and start the next coaching search now to avoid the rush.; 7:52 AM
Monica said...: I'll tell you one reason we shouldn't do that, Mr. Tommy. Because we'd have the same Auburn Mafia running the coaching search.; 8:04 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Jay,

Long live the drama. ha. Starting off the week in style. By the way does based on your picture, does Jay Jacobs need to go on the biggest loser on nbc? Looks like he shops at the Big and Tall, those are big boy clothes. Maybe he needs to go through another one of Pat Dyes spring practices.; 8:05 AM
Monica said...: Looks like we're probably losing Cotton. Croom called his recruits when he was out, but Tuberville didn't call his recruits. Apparently that was looked at unfavorably. Also Cotton Sr. thinks the new hire doesn't reflect an Auburn desire to win.

Jeff @ Rivals quoted Cotton Sr: "Whoever is making decisions at Auburn, there seems like there is no organization, no structure, no consistency whatsoever down there. There is a lot of concern there."; 8:11 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I know nothing about Cotton at all, except every time he's mentioned it's his dad making comments. I guess this kid can't talk for himself or isn't allowed to talk for himself. I also assume he won't be able to make decisions for himself either.

I'm guessing the types of players that Gene will recruit might be completely different than what Tub was bringing in, so we may be running after completely different players for the next month and a half until signing day.; 8:14 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I can't see how Al Borges will get hired into this situation. Auburn is looking to make a splash hire at OC.

That does not describe Gorgeous Al.

Personally, I'd pay Josh Heupel $500k or $600k to roll up and get that Oklahoma stuff started.; 8:19 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Tuberville wasn't calling his recruits anyway.; 8:20 AM
Monica said...: Weren't we going to make a splash hire at HC? One that had been in the works for a long, long time?; 8:21 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Yea,

Cotton Sr. is mentioned like all the time. I cant tell who is being recruited him or his kid.

Heupel, from Oklahoma. I like that idea. I like their offense no doubt.

Borges is not even the picture. He will be purged from the payroll soon. I dont see Chizik being dumb enough to open that wound again to fans.; 8:24 AM
AUfan said...: OK, I thought the assistants were going to continue to recruit during the search. Did I misunderstand or did nobody contact Cotton? And letting Willis go after he had told recruits he was going to be there? I hope this report is not accurate, and if it is I hope like hell R Garner is headed to AU. Who told Willis he was staying?; 8:25 AM
Monica said...: Yeah, I wouldn't be protective of my 17 football player at all either. Who the heck does this dad think he is trying to act as a buffer between his kid and media and coaches? What a loser dad.; 8:26 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: So far I am better about everything about the hire this a.m., but letting go of Willis is a dumb move. He is an Auburn guy and a great recruiter. Plus he has been hitting the roads hard since Tubbs was fired trying to piece together this thing thats left of our recruiting class.; 8:27 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Monica,

I think it's more Cotton seems to be a stage dad who is calling all the shots for his son, kind of the type that Mustain's mom was at Ark a few years back.

Everyone,

A guy named Al Gorgeous was on here yesterday saying Al was coming back to be the OC, so it must be happening, right? I mean someone with that name would know his stuff, right?; 8:28 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Not saying he is a loser dad. But there is a big difference dont ya see. Out of all 25 recruits have you heard from anyone elses parents?

Reminds me of Auburn Basketballs Toney Douglas from a few years ago. You saw how that turned out.; 8:29 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hey, at least Joe Whitt has a chance to make all staffs since Dye. Wonder how that could happen...hmmm????; 8:29 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Tub wasn't calling recruits when he was the coach? Has the recruiting game really passed that far by Tub?; 8:29 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: RK- That be the truth as reported by several. That is why I believed a change needed to be made.; 8:32 AM
WarEagleRK said...: That's just hard to believe, but it makes sense from stuff that I have read.

I agree that the change needed to be made, but right before it happened I kept asking "can we trust the people to make the right hire"?

I guess we'll know soon enough if Gene is the right hire.; 8:36 AM
AUfan said...: Careful, Eddie you will be called a Tubs hater. I admit to being less than thrilled about Chizik, but anyone who didn't see the need for a change in the program had to be looking through tubs-colored glasses.; 8:38 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm afraid more than just Cotton's dad feels the way he does. From the outside in, I can understand the reason for concern. We all question a lot of what goes on down there ourselves. I'm not a bandwagon jumper, so I'm taking a "wait and see" attitude.; 8:40 AM
Anonymous said...: grammatically, that should have been FEEL instead of feels.; 8:42 AM
Unknown said...: Apparently Tuberville was calling Cotton prior to him being fired. It appears that the rumors that Tuberville wasn't calling recruits are bogus.; 8:52 AM
AUfan said...: If Jay said he wasn't calling recruits, I assume it is not a bogus report. I don't think he would say that if he didn't know it for sure.; 8:55 AM
Jim in Scranton said...: I have been comparing the situations at Tennessee and Auburn all year. Now it seems that it has been taken one step further.

Both schools hired someone with a total of 5 wins as a head coach. If you thought the 14-12 game this year was a classic, just wait until 2009 in Neyland.; 8:58 AM
Unknown said...: depressedAUfan, apparently the Cottons were getting calls from Tuberville prior to his resignation. That doesn't mean that Tuberville was calling all recruits, but it does appear he was involved with Cotton.

Chizik apparently told his players at Iowa State that it was a hard decision but he had to come back where he had roots. The roots comment is probably a big part of why he got the job. The hard decision part is obviously hard due to his love for his players.

I am anxious to hear what Chizik has to say today and get some actual facts on what he is going to do in terms of a staff.

From his comments to players I have to believe we are going back to power football, which is fine. I am not too tied to a particular offensive philosophy.

The selection of the OC has to be the biggest thing we are waiting on.; 9:02 AM
Monica said...: How old is Pat Dye?; 9:04 AM
Monica said...: Tuberville didn't call recruits when he was fired. That was the point. Cotton was waiting to hear from him. Cotton says he was talking with other recruits. Crooms recruits got a call. Tubervilles recruits didn't.; 9:05 AM
Anonymous said...: Moncia,
Old enough to know that he doesn't need to constantly be meddling in other people's business!; 9:08 AM
AUfan said...: Monica, I guess I misunderstood Jay's comment. I thought he meant CTT wasn't calling recruits at all. It would have been nice to call and just tell him he was leaving, but that seems much more understandable.; 9:11 AM
Monica said...: Dear Longshore and others - When you want to hear more about something or you want someone to explain a theory, belief, etc. in detail you don't ask someone to "expand" you ask them to "expound".

Whew. I feel better.; 9:13 AM
KJtiger said...: What gets me is people are saying that this is a huge job. It should not be. A coach who has been around 10 years should not be the captain of a program needing rebuilding. Since that seems to be the case this should be proof that a change had to be made. Whether CGC is the man we will see. I have doubts but remember he was muchamp before muschamp was cool.; 9:15 AM
mytommyd said...: Mon - I guess my comment earlier was a very por attempt at sarcasm. I've decided to remain very cautiously optimistic.; 9:17 AM
Unknown said...: KJtiger, Chizik has already said rebuilding isn't necessary.; 9:21 AM
Unknown said...: So far I don't see a lot to be optimistic about other than Chizik seems to know what he wants to do and is doing it. Until we get some solid news on who will be on his staff, I can't really get any idea of how I am going to like this. It does appear that we are going to be a more hard nosed football team, which is fine, but I can only wait and see.; 9:24 AM
Monica said...: Mr. Tommy - I got your sarcasm. It was a good attempt. :-) I'm just so unhappy at how things are being run at Auburn I'm in a bad mood. I'm not "mad" at Chizik (not that he or anyone else cares what I think). I'm just disgusted with how the big money and Dye have absolute control of decisions and that it appears we have nobody is willing to man/woman up and stop it.; 9:24 AM
KJtiger said...: steve where did you read that? I would like to read some of what chizzle has said. Popular opinion from some is that we are post tater tot status.; 9:29 AM
Unknown said...: KJTiger, I think I read it on al.com. It was either there or Auburn Undercover. I will try to find it.; 9:32 AM
Unknown said...: Ah, here it is.

I think we are in pretty good shape in terms of players for the next couple of seasons, but after that I am not so sure.; 9:34 AM
WRB3 said...: Okay, didn't like the hire, but he's here, so as promised, I'm on board. War Eagle and Welcome Coach Chizik.

A few thoughts:

I think Chizik's best move is to clean house (completely) with regard to the coaching staff. No need to have anything held over from Tubs. No one liked the way this all went down, and the only thing retaining any of those guys could do is cause questions about their loyalty if problems (poor performance issues) came up. Chizik needs and deserves to start with a clean slate. He will find people who can recruit this area.

And forget about next year. He's starting with his hands tied. So don't judge to quickly.

This recruiting class should have no reflection on Chizik at all. Sounds like we've been recruiting for offense he won't be running, so if we lose some guys, we lose them. I don't think you can even start to judge his recruiting ability fairly until next year. Shouldn't be his responsibility to retain all of Tubs recruits. They may not be the guys he wants anyway.; 9:38 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: There is a "Watch the Press Conference" link on this web page:
PAuburnTigers
It's at 2 pm EST/1pm CST/12noon SFTT; 9:40 AM
Unknown said...: AUTiger3, the current recruits won't come into play until 3 or 4 years from now. I think he can do well with the current Juniors and Seniors. Those were some very good recruiting classes. Last years class lacked some star power and this class may likely also.

If you are saying not to judge him by the class he brings in this season, I agree. He hasn't had the time to develop the relationships.; 9:42 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: no idea where the P came from; 9:42 AM
mytommyd said...: All this being said - how many seniors are we losing from this class? How many do you think will go pro? Here are my thoughts with that: I don't think anyone on the team really understood what offense we were trying to run so learning a "new" offense may not that be much of a stretch for these guys. Chizik being the defensive coach he is, I hope can up the level of the guys that are left. Regardless, I hope the team can show improvement week to week, ya know? That's what frustrated me so much this past season.; 9:45 AM
Anonymous said...: Monica said, "I'm just disgusted with how the big money and Dye have absolute control of decisions and that it appears we have nobody is willing to man/woman up and stop it."

I concur 100%, Monica.; 9:46 AM
WRB3 said...: SteveFC,

Yes, I am saying don't judge him by this years class. His primary focus should be putting together a first rate staff. I know we need some player, and he'll get some, but getting a great hire at OC and DC ASAP will making recruiting a lot easier.

Besides, there may be some talent out there that wanted to come to AU and then bailed when we were going spread. Some of those guys may take a look again if Chizik brings in the right OC.; 9:47 AM
Anonymous said...: Do we have any idea who the possible candidates are for OC and DC?; 9:49 AM
Mark said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:50 AM
Unknown said...: mrtommyd, we lost very little with this graduating class. Lester, Davis, and Rod Smith come to mind offensively. On defense, Doolittle is the only big hit, although I think we lost a couple of linebackers too.

Defensively, we could end up better off with Eltoro Freeman and Raven Gray stepping up.

Offensively is really a crap shoot in terms of how good we will be.

My guess for next season is 8 or 9 wins, but tht is obviously way premature considering we have so many unknowns.; 9:51 AM
Jet said...: I would expound on my theories, but my waistline expanded during my trip -- stress eating, I guess -- and it's time to get out of bed, so I can take my nap on the couch.

I can't say I got what I wanted out of this ... but I'm not going to plunge head first into the pool of candidates and say that any or all would definitely be better.

To be honest, it's a very shallow pool.; 9:53 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Pat Nix- OC
Vic Cohening (sp)- DC

Those are the rumors. None sound great if that is the case.; 9:53 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve 8 or 9 wins next year is very pre-mature at this point. Should we be better, absolutely, will we be better, up for debate.; 9:54 AM
WRB3 said...: I hope we can do better than Pat Nix. Did anyone see Miami against GT. If I recall correctly, it was pretty ugly. Really, they didn't look to great on O all year.; 9:55 AM
Jet said...: I'm hearing similar, Eddie.

I'm hearing Nix or Borges Redux for OC. Koenning (sp?)

More important to me at this point is getting Searels and Garner nailed down. Otherwise, this WILL be the biggest train wreck since Bo and Fullwood collided in the backfield in 1984.; 9:55 AM
WRB3 said...: Steve,

List the 8 or 9 teams we are going to beat next year. It sounds like a lot to me but I'd like to see the wins you expect.; 9:56 AM
WRB3 said...: Who is Koenning? Where is he now?; 9:57 AM
Jet said...: Koenning, I think, unemployed ... fired at Clemson, wasn't he?

Ex-Wyoming head coach and Troy D.C.; 9:59 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Koenning- Used to be Wyoming's head coach and I know he was DC at Clemson and I believe he is DC at Kansas State now. He has been rung everywhere he has been.; 9:59 AM
Mark said...: Koenning just signed up with Kansas St. to be DC. I guess he could bolt; but, that would be unethical if you ask me.; 10:01 AM
Monica said...: Nice avatar, Eddie. ;-); 10:01 AM
WRB3 said...: Well, that doesn't sound too good.; 10:02 AM
WRB3 said...: Let KSU keep him. Certainly we can do better than that (wow, that comments sounds familiar).; 10:03 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Thanks Monica...Todo, I don't think we are in Kansas any more.; 10:04 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, it is easier to just list the losses. Alabama, Georgia.

And then we likely will loose 1 or 2 of these: LSU, West Virgina, Ole Miss.; 10:05 AM
Jet said...: No, Eddie, we're in Iowa!; 10:06 AM
Unknown said...: Borges wouldn't bother me as OC, but I don't think Nix is the guy. I could be wrong. I haven't watched enough of Miami to know for sure.

Defensively, I would really question the benefit of getting the Clemson guy.; 10:07 AM
Monica said...: So pretty much Auburn has become one of the charitable organizations that the Jimmy Rane Foundation funds.

Auburn University: Where Failed Coaches Rehabilitate; 10:08 AM
WarEagleRK said...: As far as the DC goes, whoever we hire would be more of a figure head as I'm sure Chizik's hands will be all over the D.; 10:10 AM
Seanzie said...: Hey gang, I hear there is a presser this afternoon, too bad it won't be open to the public. I enjoyed watching MSU introduce Dan Mullen via webcast. I think CGC could be a decent hire based on his decisions on building his staff. If he drops the ball there we will be in for quite a ride.; 10:11 AM
AUant said...: If Chizik is the "Defensive Guru" he is labeled. I could see us getting a somewhat low level DC to handle minor planning. This would free up more money to attract a high level OC.; 10:11 AM
Jet said...: Steve, I have watched enough of Pat's offenses to know that ain't what we want.

I'm all for "puttin' the band back together," but there's a limit. I wanted Boom to be lead singer, but we've got Chizzle.

Puttin' Pat in the band, well, that's a stretch. I might let Pat play the kazoo or the triangle or somethin', but I don't want him playin' lead guitar.; 10:11 AM
Anonymous said...: I want to know from Jay, he kept mentioning that AU had to have a plan....that they would not have done what they did without a plan....Jay was this the plan?

I agree with Jay that they had a plan, but it seemed as though the plan backfired.

Jay?; 10:12 AM
Monica said...: I just noticed Faker showed up to welcome Coach Chizik last night. You can see him too if you check out Jay G.'s crowd photo. He's wearing his bama sweatshirt and headband/do rag thingy.; 10:12 AM
Seanzie said...: Pat is more of a roadie than anything else. Does a decent job but doesn't really wow anyone. Moves around a lot and just never had any real musical ability but loves to be around it.; 10:12 AM
Unknown said...: Jet, Chizik may be a better choice than Muschamp. I know Texas wanted Chizik back before they got Muschamp.; 10:15 AM
Seanzie said...: Muschamp is Chizik minus 2 bad years at ISU. Maybe Chizik at least picked up some "what not to do" knowledge and can apply that to his fresh start at Auburn.; 10:17 AM
Unknown said...: AUant, I agree we don't have to go for a top DC with Chizik. That is why I would get Garner and make him the DC. He is worth it for recruiting.; 10:17 AM
Unknown said...: Sean, what did Chizik do at Iowa State that you disagree with?; 10:18 AM
Jet said...: Steve/Sean ...

That's my prayer that Chizzle does turn out to be better than Boom.

But I guess both of you would agree that there would be 10 percent of the angst among the faithful if Boom were the one at the news conference today.; 10:20 AM
Unknown said...: Jet, I agree people would have a better warm fuzzy with Muschamp, although I am not sure it is justified. If we have had a coordinator better than Muschamp in recent memory, it is Chizik.; 10:21 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Wo when Chizik goes to the podium today, do they officially put the noose on and tighten it?; 10:24 AM
Seanzie said...: Steve, I don't have a problem with anything he did at ISU because I don't know hardly anything he did outside of his W/L. I was just throwing that out there because a lot of fans are hung up on it. I mean not every CEO would be successful at every company. I understand that and am certainly willing to give CGC a shot.; 10:28 AM
Unknown said...: Thanks Sean. Not everyone recognizes that. I have my questions with Chizik too, although I don't think any of the candidates we interviewed were a slam dunk.; 10:29 AM
Jet said...: Justification? Who needs it?

You're talking way too logical. My sense is that if Chizzle had gone close to .500 out there, people would have been falling all over themselves to get on the wagon.

I'm not defending the record, but I gotta believe Iowa State is one of the 3-4 worst BCS conference jobs -- small state, second school in "the other conference," limited recruiting base.

I am doing my best to be hopeful. But it's a challenge.; 10:30 AM
Mark said...: Cotton just de-committed according to Jeffrey Lee on the Bunker; 10:31 AM
Unknown said...: I read somewhere that we may have went after Nutt if it could have been a behind the scenes deal, but Gogue dictated we do the right thing and ask for permission to speak with him. That is probably good, althoug I find it interesting.; 10:31 AM
Seanzie said...: He is one of the few candidates that had everything JJ said he was looking for in a candidate, so in my mind, this hire makes perfect sense based on the criteria laid out.; 10:31 AM
Jet said...: So he's a gourmet chef that flopped at running a McDonald's, so we're now bringing him back to our 4-star restaurant that we want to be a 5-star?

Or something like that. Maybe we shoulda hired that screaming British chef. He's like the Boom of England in the kitchen.; 10:32 AM
Unknown said...: Mark, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Cotton decommitted. It is one of the costs of changing coaches.; 10:34 AM
Seanzie said...: I wish people would quit worrying about Ray Cotton. If he doesn't want to come to school here fine, we've got four QB on scholarship already. I'm sure we can find one next season or maybe even bring him back into the fold. I won't be worried about recruiting until Feb 2 when all the letters are signed. There's a lot of time left.; 10:34 AM
ADP said...: The official statement from Phred's press conference this morning ...

"I have nothing to say regarding the coaching search or the subsequent hiring that can be re-printed or read by small children."; 10:36 AM
TB said...: OK so he de-commits. I am not sure that's the end of the world. Would he really play that much given the QB's we are already got.; 10:36 AM
Unknown said...: I am more worried about how we use the players we already have and not losing Marks and Coleman to the NFL.; 10:36 AM
Unknown said...: TB, I believe Cotton would definitely compete to be the starter in a few years, but you are right that we have the talent at quarterback for the near term.; 10:37 AM
AUBigCat said...: I do believe that Chizik is a better DC than Muschamp.

Cotton de-committing means that he will probably end up at Ole Miss with our other two high profile RBs. If that's true you probably can look for OM to officially become a major force in the West for the next few years.; 10:37 AM
Seanzie said...: Big Cat, That's even if Cotton pans out to be any good. I mean we've got 2 four star guys on the roster that haven't done much since they've got here.; 10:38 AM
Jet said...: Losing Cotton hurts, but c'est la vie.

Waiting on Chris Todd's transfer to Eastern Kentucky ... or wherever.

As far as QB, if Kodi doesn't show big improvement in the spring, it's time to grin and Barrett (Oh, that's horrible).; 10:39 AM
Monica said...: Did JJ say he was looking for a 5-19 guy?; 10:40 AM
Seanzie said...: Monica, easy there, don't get hung up on his coaching record at Iowa State. He was only there 2 seasons and it's not a true judgement of his ability to coach football. I remember us being 13-0 with his defense back in 2004. Don't be a selective statistician Monica, you're better than that.; 10:41 AM
Mark said...: Ole Miss is a force; by virtue of beating everyone (including the eventual nc) but alabama in the west this year.

They kinda took our spot and we are trying to imitate MSU.; 10:41 AM
AUBigCat said...: The problem is not who de-commits from our recruit list. Cotton is great but we have QBs for the next few years. Rodney Scott decommitting at RB is not the issue, we have RBs for the next 2 years.

This issue is the preception that is quickly become reality for our football program. It is in chaos and decisions are made not based on what is best for the program but desires of a few powerful BOT/boosters. That is the issue that will keep great recruits and coaches from coming in the future.; 10:42 AM
Mark said...: btw, I am not "worried" about Cotton, just stating what I have heard.

Chizik will bring in his people to recruit.

I am sure Nix will do a great job. (not); 10:42 AM
Monica said...: Sean - Don't expect your blind faith induced by koolaid intoxication to be contagious. I'm better than that, too.; 10:43 AM
Seanzie said...: Ole Miss also lost to Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and other folks, they had some good luck last year and will be a decent team, but can they really compete with the big three in the west year in and year out? Time will tell.; 10:43 AM
TB said...: At this point if Cotton goes that leaves more room to get BIG Offensive lineman and or RB's or receivers.; 10:44 AM
Seanzie said...: Trust me, I do not drink any Kool-Aid, I was on vacation this weekend and got a text msg on Saturday that ruined my entire day. I just look at all the facts, give the guy a break. Let's see where this takes us.; 10:44 AM
Seanzie said...: 200.; 10:45 AM