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12.15.2008

Things I learned today

Hey everyone. I had a chance to talk with Jay Jacobs and Gene Chizik away from the cameras for a bit after the press conference and gleaned some fairly useful information.

I'll just let it fly.
  • So what about Chizik's staff?: The head coach revealed very little about his plans there. It's going to be him, Joe Whitt Sr., Phillip Lolley and Jimmy Perry on the recruiting trail starting this afternoon. Those three guys have high visibility among Alabama high school coaches and it's clear that Chizik wants to start exerting more influence inside Alabama.

  • Cash money: Jacobs again said money will be no object when it comes to hiring assistants. He said that about the head coach, too, so I'd understand your caution. Still, I believe this will be a rich staff of assistants once it's all said and done.

  • Pat Dye sighting: He was all over today, which is highly unusual. He was overheard telling someone: "This is the most welcome I've been here in 12 years." I thought that was interesting. He is very pro-Chizik. Why? "He's everything Jay said he was."

  • 5-19?: Jacobs said Chizik essentially mortgaged the Cyclones' present to make them better in the future. The team played a lot of true freshmen this season. Jacobs said after confirming that plan with other ISU people, he basically considered Chizik's record irrelevant.

  • Barkley's comments: Jacobs didn't want to talk about that. He reiterated his "best fit for Auburn" mantra and moved on to the next question.

  • Tuberville staff changes: Someone (thoughtfully) asked Jacobs if Tuberville had been willing to fire people prior to his resignation. "Tommy, two weeks ago, he told me of certain changes he was going to make. And then...you know the story."

  • Mo' money: Chizik apparently never asked Jacobs about money. I asked Gene about that and he gave me a stern look before insisting that he "doesn't coach for money." OK. I guess that means he's willing to donate much of his $2 million salary toward feeding the homeless.

  • Lookin' out my back door: I was a little troubled (comically) by Jacobs' repeated references to eschewing "back door" negotiations with coaches. Auburn is proud of having handled this search above board, which is commendable, but is it that big of a deal?

  • Q on the spot: Jacobs said Quentin Riggins, quite possibly the world's most likable sideline reporter, participated in all interviews. Participated in the decision? Jacobs didn't address that. Did Silvio Dante help make decisions? I remember Tony making the calls.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

515 Comments:

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Blogger barkley for governor said...

Obviously you didn't read some of the Iowa State reaction when he left.

7:19 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Denny then we should have waited till his 3rd year to see if he improved like TG dont you think?

Steve I think a 4-8 record would have been better. At least he would have been moving in the right direction from the 3-9 the previous year

7:20 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

wartiger, I agree. I am not terribly excited about this hire either. I am in more of a wait and see mode and he didn't make me happy by booting Willis.

7:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

overshare on steve fc

7:20 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

i do keep a pen right up front where a pocket protector would be in my scrubs..but i am very cool and in no way a nerd

7:20 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Umm, sorry about that Sensi. Umm, I am looking around for my mental picture eraser as I type.

7:21 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Harrison, I use to be a nerd but devolved into a hermit.

7:22 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Hey Wartiger then TG has 3 NCs and coached a heisman lol

Chizzy is the hand we were dealt so lets play it out.

7:23 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

seems like a seamless transition steve...i enjoyed your levels of suck line,made me laugh

7:24 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

barkley, check out the reaction to him leaving. Check out this barkley. There is a link there to a more extensive article. The AD, the guy that should know how good he was doing, is pissed.

7:24 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Steve-not that it means anything to you but you have moved up into the "care what you think" list for me..(with Monica and Mr.S)

What is the big loss with Willis? Recruiting?

7:26 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

nerds are never qualified to self diagnose - I haven't decided about you yet.

7:27 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Willis is a good recruiter and good linebackers coach. I also believe he is a good person and very dedicated to Auburn. When he came back to Auburn, he said it was his dream just like Chizik did. Unfortunately his dream got interrupted.

7:30 PM  
Blogger barkley for governor said...

Steve, if he would have came out and said “Gene Chizik was a terrible coach, I’m glad he’s gone”, what do you think his chances would have been of landing a good coach?

Listen to the fans, they will say whatever they feel. The AD has a limit on what he can say. Hell, listen to the Alabama fans. FSJ hasn’t been on here lately because he’s been too busy celebrating.

7:30 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Man, what a game this is! 14-12 in the 4th Q, and TN keeps getting the ball at the AU 40 and our defense just won't give up a yard!

Offense don't look too good.

If we can hold on and win, we could still have a great season. I think LSU will lose at least 2 and we can still win the west.

I'll keep everybody posted. :)

7:33 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

barkley for governor, when it comes to fans and knowledge of football, they are two completely different things. There are plenty of people that are simple minded enough to judge what Chizik did at Iowa State over two seasons simply by his winning percentage. It ain't that simple.

7:33 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

you're still on the fence about good ole me? this is a tough crowd

7:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Coosa is caught in a Final Countdown kind of timewarp.

Watching history, hoping for an opportunity to change it...

7:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm hearing that these guys think that they are going to hire all of the excellent AU recruitiers from the past. That would make Chris happy.

I was under the impression that Willis was a good coach and recruiter. Did I hear someone say Willis is definitely gone?

7:36 PM  
Blogger barkley for governor said...

So, besides his record, what did he do to impress you at Iowa State?

7:36 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

There is another thing that hasn't been mentioned much, but was a concern of mine when looking at the coaches we interviewed.

If you look at coaches, there are several types. The two most obvious are the builders and the maintainers. You see a lot of coaches that come in, build a program, and then cannot maintain it. You also see maintainers that would never try to build a program, but can run it well when they get a chance at a successful program.

I was thinking most of the candidates we had on the list were builder types.

7:36 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

i don't know if there was official word on willis, but signs point to him being let go

7:37 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Mr. S- We've got to win this game!

Big play coming. TN 3rd and 4 at the AU 40- pass knocked down! We hold again!

CBS announcers continue to insult Chris Todd.

7:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I never said I was particularly impressed by him, although I liked that he fired two of his coaches and demoted a couple of others.

I am just in wait and see mode. Auburn isn't Iowa State and we don't know enough to judge him. We weren't in on the interviews and do not know his plan for Auburn.

One of the most valuable things I have learned is to let the people who know make the decisions. I will judge by the results.

7:39 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

unless you're matt stafford or nick saban, gary danielson hates you

7:39 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

A big roar from the crowd as Kodi comes in to save the day. I'm sure that our offense is gonna click now and everybody that demanded that he be played will be vindicated.

7:39 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Oops. Kodi rushes 3 times and loses 4 yds. Auburn must punt again.

Am I getting on anybody's nerves? :)

7:40 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Harrison, there hasn't been an official announcement that any of the assistants are fired. There was an announcement that all of them are gone. It is possible that there is an exception for Willis, but since Chizik didn't mention Willis recruiting, I find it unlikely.

7:40 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

coosa, are you one of those masochists?

7:41 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Nine months is a frickin' long time...wonder how many times I will screw up typing CGC by putting a "Z" at the end?(CGZ)

7:41 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

gotcha

7:42 PM  
Blogger Harrison said...

not as bad as that game did

7:42 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Chiznik

7:42 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

I like it coosa..I get this feeling of hope..until..well...we baet Tennessee right?

7:43 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Personally, I know what I would like to here next, a Tony Franklin evaluation of the state of Auburn football. He wasn't so hot as an OC, but as a stand up comic, he had potential.

7:44 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Steve-for a good roast maybe...
HEY we need to have a Bammer roast one night then have Jay post it in the next days issue of the Advitiser..

7:46 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

By the way, I am probably mislabling myself as an optimist. When I think of the MSU and UT games, I consider them losses. Bama had a game like that a few years back against Arkansas. You look at and go, geeze, both these teams deserve to lose.

7:46 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Steve...man..accept it..you are an optimist..that's why I love you

7:47 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

SteveFC - What are talking about? We got a great chance to win this game. Ain't that what its all about?

I'll admit the offense looks bad, but it's truly amazing that the defense could have their backs against the wall like this and never give up a FG.

TN started the last drive on the AU 34 and didn't gain a yard.

Oh oh. The offense starts inside the 5 again. Penalty

7:48 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

coosa, lets just hope they don't use the Tennessee clips for a recruiting video.

7:49 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Wartiger - Can't answer your question - the game ain't over yet. Fanin was almost tackled for a safety on the last play. We've got to make a first down to win the game, but we haven't made one yet in the 4th Q. Stay tuned.

7:50 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

ooosa-do the UGA game next...we had that one won..but it was cold...brrrr

7:51 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hey, ESPNU has a Football Playoff game on. Wow!!! I wonder if the big boys will ever figure out that a playoff is possible.

7:51 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Kodi makes a play..I'm gonna get a Kodi 09 avatar I tell you..

7:52 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

*coosa-sorry about that maybe think about changing though..ooosa is pretty cool.

7:53 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Kodi is one of the kids I am hoping will benefit from these changes. The kid has been getting the shaft ever since he got on the plains.

7:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So this coaching staff will have a distinctly AU flavor and stress recruiting. RGardner? SSearles? ABorges?(wife in AD dept), KWillis?

Based on the confidence statements from ex-players, etc., it seems that we are going to use an AU history/unity/family theme to attract recruits. Will the recruits know or care who these guys are? Mos tkids today only know or care about what they see on ESPN. That's sad, but real life. We need to recruit in real life. I hope I'm wrong.

BTW, are RGarner and CBarkley cousins?

7:54 PM  
Blogger atlantatiger said...

GIve him credit....dont look now but Chizik on his way to Johnny Farms in Perry Ga. He just switched from SOuth Carolina to UNC. We pull this off he +1 in my book

7:54 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Kodi completes a pass for a first down! AU can run out the clock now - put this one in the books! What a defensive performance!

So I figure that we go to Vandy next week and take them with ease. Then handle ARK, and with an off week, Franklin should have the offense straightened out by the time we go to WV.

A great chance to run the table from here!

I'm gonna go help roll Toomer's Corner.

7:57 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Hoppie- I'm not alumni but I like that thought..to me a real love for AU will bring wins..maybe not but at least I know those that are trying love AU that means something to me..don't really know why?

7:57 PM  
Blogger atlantatiger said...

GIve the guy a chance. THat is all i have to say. NEGATIVITY SUCKS!

7:58 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Coosa-Vandy is playing good ball right now and we ain't..plus I think they get to a bowl this year..though it is Vandy and I really doubt it..

8:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

wartiger.....lots of nostalgia.....a real orange and blue group hug....all is forgiven. The fans love it and buy tickets. It's marketing genius.

Everyone wondered what that "search firm" was doing. Maybe they do a PR/marketing development on the side.

8:01 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Bigcat- I just caught you comment..I wanted TG..like I said I am no more excited than the rest of you but...like you said.."it's the hand we are dealt"

8:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

atltiger......I will truly support the new coaching staff and follow their efforts.

I'm still slowly getting over the PTB tactics that got us to this point.

This PR/marketing program along with the ex-player endorsements is very elaborate considering that the deal was only reached with the coach on Sat. Eve. Someone knew in advance. CEO types are very good at these kinds of moves.

8:08 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Jay said from the beginnig that they had their guy..I think it was muschamp..he wouldn't talk to the AD so they went to Chizik..

8:11 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Random thoughts:

Chizik did ok with the press conference. I can see why Pat Dye likes him.

Forget any hope of a high scoring offense with this guy. We're gonna try to beat everybody 10-7.

I think firing Willis was a big mistake.

He needs to make a good OC hire for us to have any hope at all.

I think Barkley may be partially right, but I wish he would keep his mouth shut.

I didn't want Tubs when they hired him, but I learned to like him. I had a lot of negative feelings toward Tubs when he was hired. The "pine box" comment and the way he left Ms without meeting his players didn't sit well with me. I have nothing in the way of negative feelings toward Chizik. I hope that he takes us to where we've never been before.

There has never been a time in my life when AU had so many things working against us. We all need to pull together and support our school.

8:12 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I agree that it is time for the negativity to end. I know we have all expressed our unhappiness with with the hire, but Coach Chizik is our coach and it's time to get behind him. We can still choose to hate all involved with this hire, which I do, but Coach Chizik did nothing wrong except wanting to be the head coach of Auburn.

War Damn Eagle Coach Chizik.

Now go recruit and win some games. Also, please hold up a finger next year after the iron bowl :).

8:12 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

Wartiger - No way we lose to Vandy and no way do they make a bowl. They are a shell of the team that we clobbered last season. Get rid of all this negativity; Atlanta is still in sight!

;)

8:15 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

See..THis is why I love the HABOTN...it is time..give the guy a chance...WAR EAGLE..WDE!!!

8:16 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Wartiger ... right on.

8:17 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

We have no confirmation from Koonz that he is on the staff yet, but he was being coy with my brother in hinting that it looks like he would be.

8:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Steve..Kodi has had chances. He will exhibit decent fundamentals for portions of the game and then all of a sudden freelance without fundamentals. It's obvious that he has been taught fundamentals...how much does he really care to follow them?

Oh yeah...and the fans blamed the coaches both years.

8:20 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Thanks Jay.

8:21 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I'm doing an impromptu campfire at the usual location.

If you're a Facebook HOTTIE, check your inbox.

If you've been to the usual location, see you there.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, sorry.

8:24 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

Hoppie-again I disagree..the only chance Kodi has had was at the end of the year...he got better...

He starts at the beginning of the year and we beat UGA and maybe bama..definitely LSU

8:25 PM  
Blogger atlantatiger said...

YOu have to look at all the good things that he has done. He has won a national title as a DC. He is a GOOD recruiter example powers, savage, mcfaddin. He three Thorpe award winners. He does have a lot of ties already in the area. He will work is arse off to make sure that he and AU will succeed. I am starting to actually dig the hire. Might be won for the ages. THen i will laugh at the booer!

8:26 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Hoopie, this year the fans around were blaming other players for Kodi's shortcomings. I don't get it.

I am predicting right now that either Barret Trotter or Neil Caudle is the starter for the first game. My money is with Barret.

I think we have seen Kodi at the pinnacle of his career.

8:26 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

checked my inbox Jay..I thought I knew what you were talking about??hmmmm..I'll be at the usual location but I don't know what time?..hmmm

8:28 PM  
Blogger big cat said...

Why is someone as irrelevant as Charles Barkley give the opportunity to further destroy the image of Auburn. These racial tensions continue today mainly because people like Barkley, Jackson, Holmes and the others will not let it go.

8:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kodi finally started looking like a D1 Qb by the end of the year. He was able to got through simplified progressions and didn't slip into bad fundamentals as often. Maybe he has learned that this stuff is important and will grow enough in the off season to begin to have consistency. We need it. If I remember correctly, he was a very good HS student. Classroom savvy doesn't always translate to football savvy. Never the less, I'm sure he will be better in 2009.

8:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Denny...that could be. OC's, etc.to be hired before all that gets worked out.

It seems that I read Chizzle wants to go to a power running game.

8:38 PM  
Blogger Guruwill said...

Jay, any truth to the possibility of Neil Calloway or Pat Nix as Offensive Coordinator. I am also hearing Rod Garner and possibly Stacey Searles. Any truth?

8:38 PM  
Blogger big cat said...

I am happy to see Jimmy Perry was able to stay on in some capacity. He's a great guy and a fantastic coach. Does anyone have any info on possible coordinators?

8:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jay is over on the campfire with the facebook group.

8:45 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

Neil Calloway is UAB's head coach, I doubt he's coming.

8:46 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

I didn't get the facebook email. So I guess I missed out.

8:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Guru....I heard that they are going to go lights out to hire Searles and Garner. Don't know about Calloway or Nix. Possibly Borges.

8:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rk..I don't do campfires...they give me a headache. Jay said to check your facebook email? and it would be at the usual place?

8:49 PM  
Blogger coosa said...

All the cool people have gone to the campfire on Facebook. Nobody left here but old people and losers. I guess I fit into both. ;)

I'm too old to do Facebook, and campfires give me a headache anyway.

Guess I could do some work.

Nawww, that's no good.

8:58 PM  
Blogger KJtiger said...

Surely neil calloway for oc is a joke.

8:59 PM  
Blogger KJtiger said...

Surely neil calloway for oc is a joke.

8:59 PM  
Blogger Guruwill said...

That information comes from the Auburn Rivals site

9:12 PM  
Blogger Guruwill said...

Also Phillip Marshall confirms...Calloway as OC and Vic Koenning as DC(Neither makes since because Koenning just took the job at K-State I thought and Calloway is a HC)

9:20 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

Just got in, I'm not going to read through 300 comments. Short story, does anyone give this guy a chance but me? I know it seems like a stretch but he a MIGHT be a good head coach.
I DID hear all the comments on the Jerry Springer, ie...Paul Finebaum show about all how all the AU fans were racisits
and we could not live with a black man w/ a white wife. In montgomery my store manager is a VERY attractictive white girl married to a black man.
I hate to harp on this buy some things are ridiculous.

9:45 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

9:53 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Barkley is not the problem. Why attack him for having an opinion that many even here have acknowledged as having some truth

9:56 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Campfires give me a headache sometimes, too!

9:58 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Jay GT=

you heard anything confirming Callaway and Koenning as Guruwill just posted?

9:59 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Just for clarification's sake ... Auburn doesn't have new coordinators yet and P Marsh isn't reporting anything ...

10:00 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

So did I miss the campfire?

Any earth shattering news?

10:01 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Bigcat-I did delete my comment but I think his opinion has very few if any facts. He can certainly feel that way. Just as I can say he is an idiot. May not be true, may be true, but how do I prove it. If I say it does that mean it is true?

I just do not think race was the issue. If it makes us all feel better we can make it the issue.

10:01 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

AU Bigcat,
If you've to the AU campus, Irealize it is not the hotbed of miniority activity, however when I was there all minioritys seemed to have a good time. Am I lying to you about that?

10:01 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Phillip Marshall absolutely DID NOT confirm that.

10:01 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

Why would Calloway step down as the HC at UAB to be the OC at Auburn?

That makes no sense.

10:01 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

thanks
I wasn't buying it even though someone put it on HABOTN. I'll wait to hear the truth from you.
Get some rest.
Good night and thanks!

10:01 PM  
Blogger Brad said...

Jay: I know Jacobs is giving the "all is well" speech - reminiscent of Kevin Bacon's stellar performance in Animal House - but what's the real vibe on campus and in the Football Complex?

Do they realize how badly this thing is going, or is Lee County oblivious to the rest of the state and the world?

10:04 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

Jay-G,
Excellent coverage today!! Afterwards I listened to a LITTLE bit of PF and I was truly schocked about how AU was portrayed!!
IF!! we hire Turner Gill and he sucks after 2 yrs wouldn't it look a lot worse.

10:06 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

wtc charles is probably an idiot agreed but that doesnt make him totally wrong. From a resume perspective i dont think GC is compariable to TG. Can you blame him for looking at that perspective and coming to the conclusion he did? I personally dont think race was the biggest factor either though but I do understand

10:06 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Michael and Chris both bid us farwell today?


I'm gonna miss Michael.


Can we quit bringing up an isolated Halloweed incident that happened 8 years ago, already, as an example of why Auburn is full of racist undertones? I'm not saying those don't exist among segments of the population, but its no worse at Auburn than at Bama, UGA, Ole Miss, Florida, Harvard, or Columbia (well, maybe worse than Columbia). The south isn't perfect, but is getting better as each generation gets bored with the same old thing. All I'm saying is that a dozen or so kids at a Halloween party have been forgotten by most. I was talking to some young people (college freshmen and sophomores) recently, the subject came up of blackface, I mentioned the only time I'd ever heard of it was the 2000(2001?? I don't remember) Beta Theta Pi (and others) incidnt, and none of them even remembered ever hearing anything about it.


I missed another campfire. :-(


Monica, you dianose us?

10:06 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Michael was in the campfire earlier.

10:08 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

mdaniel im not sure what your point was about minorities having a good time on campus has to do with this. Expound on that a bit for me

10:08 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Barkley's conclusion would have been the same if they had hired Pete Carroll. He would have just changed the data he used to reach that conclusion.

10:10 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Pete this generation is not the problem. They are closer to the answer. But they aer not in the positions to make change yet

10:11 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

Peter,
You're full of ____!!! You think that one incident gave this perception? BULL---- I've been in the south all my life and I happen to think we get along better here than in any other pert of the US

10:11 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

I find it interesting that Gill consulted Barkley on the matter of race at Auburn. I didn't realize they were friends.


That being said, Barkley's rehash of the conversation make it sound as if Gill was very concerned about whether race would be an issue. My experience with interviewing is that concern and fear can be felt on the other side of the table. It seems to me that that kind of thing wouldn't be openly spoken about in the interview, so basically Jacobs and Googoo just interviewed someone who seemed nervous and aprehensive, but didn't know what that was about. If it was me, I'd worry his unidentified nervousness didn't make him fit to make the jump to the next level.

10:13 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

No need for a long discussion, but did Mal Moore get this much press for not hiring Croom? I thought his statement of not hiring someone he could not fire was not very politically correct.

10:13 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

You've been listening to too much PF.

10:14 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

THT barkleys conclusion might have been but there are many more rational people that came to that same conclusion.

If the situation were reversed, could an unqualified minority been hired over a qualified non-minority and it been acceptable?

10:14 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

mdaniel, I don't believe that's what my post was saying.

10:14 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

So why not bash Nebraska for not hiring one of their own, Turner Gill, last year when they were looking for a HC? They interviewed him, but he didn't get the job. I didn't hear ESPN, et al, calling them racist.

10:14 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Mal Moore got plenty of press for not hiring Croom. And it was like the 40th anniversary of UA becoming integrated

10:18 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

Hey Look,
We hired the coach the Pat Dye wanted and i am totally COOL w/ that. Does anyone remember Eric Ramsey? UGH!! THrowup in your mouth. It seems odd to me that we try to help the players and we get chastied for it. GO FIGURE!!!

10:18 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

I doubt Nebraska has the recent history that AU has. And I hate to say it but Nebraska's reason made better sense than ours

10:20 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

AUBig-
Neither of us were at the interviews, so I don't see how either of us can determine who was or was not a qualified candidate after the interview. I was promoting Gill last Wednesday night as soon as Tubs resigned. I wish he had been hired. But I'm certain race had NOTHING to do with him not being hired.

10:20 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

What was Nebraska's reason and what was Auburn's?

10:21 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Is AU a racist place?

No no more than any other place.

Does AU get a bad rap for incidents that happen in many places?

Absolutely

Do We make our preception worse by attacking everyone but the people who perpetrate these acts?
....

10:24 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Nebraska's reason was that he was black....err, 7-17 as head coach.

10:24 PM  
Blogger Brad said...

Guys - AU has to face reality. This hire looks horrible. You can try to point the finger or rationalize it, but our Administration should have seen this reaction coming. They didn't and it cost AU. It will continue to for the foreseeable future.

10:24 PM  
Blogger mdaniel said...

Got to go to bed!
I know some of you disagree w/ mw but i believe both sides have a point. I'm not sorry turner gill and his family didn't get the job! Everything will play itself out and I do BELIEVE Chizik brings new enthusiam to the job and that was MUCH needed. I THINK WE ALL CAN AGREE ON THAT!!

10:25 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

THT we both saw the resumes. If the preception is going to change then double standards have to change as well

10:26 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Kathy-
I think Neb wanted a defense guy (Pelini) because their D had become a joke.

AU wanted someone with SEC experience. I'm hoping Chizik convinced them this would be his final stop (assuming successful) and perhaps Gill was honest and said he would definitely go back to Neb if opportunity arose.
Don't really know since the interviews aren't public.

10:26 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Nebraska was looking a defensive coach. It came down to Gill and Pellini.

AU's -He couldnt satisfy their question as to why Nebraska didnt hire him-or so the al.com report said

10:28 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

what double standard?

10:29 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

Brad,

the foreseeable future will be short. people tend to forget about things like this really quickly.

10:29 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

oh boy, now PAT DYE is sending emails to Tiger fans. I'm scared to read it.

10:29 PM  
Blogger Brad said...

As long as we have jokers like Jacobs running the shop, we'll continue to struggle. There's got to be a change with Jacobs, Dye, Lowder, Rain, etc. If not, our beloved Tigers will be fraught with turmoil.

10:31 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

I only got one from Jay Jacobs. not fair.

10:31 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

THT preferential treatment

10:32 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

just popped in the Inbox; I'm sure yours is on its way

10:32 PM  
Blogger TB said...

@#%$@#^%^*$*$^(

JGT say it ain't so. Bham ABC 33/40 sports broacdaster just announced that Neil Calloway is on the list for OC. Jes if this don't stink of PD I don't know what does. Please Please say it ain't so!!!!!!

If this happens I am going to become a Bham Southern Fan.

10:33 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

who is neil calloway?

10:35 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

yes, I see your point. Turner Gill got an interview while other interested coaches did not.

I think we're like witnesses to a crime who saw things completely different.

10:35 PM  
Blogger Brad said...

Peter - I think this decision may linger much longer than any of us expect, especially in recruiting. Can Chizik overcome the problem? Maybe. Can Jacobs? Likely, not. Unfortunately, for Chizik, he'll have no grace period.

10:36 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

calloway UAB HEAD coach; was off line coach for Dye at AU

10:38 PM  
Blogger TB said...

Surely this is just Bham Bamers propaganda.

10:39 PM  
Blogger TB said...

My wife just got mad at me cause I started dropping F Bombs at the TV when the guy made the announcement.

10:40 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

You think TG getting an interview was preferential treatment?

I think the standard for getting an interview was more than just having an interest. We might not even be looking at the same scene lol

10:41 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

is calloway like 80?

10:42 PM  
Blogger Jeremy Eubanks said...

You think that HS freshmen will remember in 2 years what Charles Barkley said in 2008? You may be right, but I don't see long term recruiting being directly affected by this (now, if Auburn is 2-10 next year, there will be some indirect effect).

While I hate to wish bad will on people, I'm kinda cheering for Buffalo's 2009 season to look more 2006 than a continuation of the 2008 track. That'll help out if Chizzy goes 7-5 or 6-6. Nothing will help 4-8 or worse, though.

10:42 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

You're wishing Buffalo has a bad year to make the Chizzy hire look better?? lol

10:44 PM  
Blogger AUsome said...

Doug Gottlieb (sp?) on ESPN radio questioned Syracuse for not hiring Gill. They had first shot, in the same state with same recruiting base and instead hired a white OC from the Saints.

10:46 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

AUBig-
to answer your ?
no i don't; no more preferential than Chizik being hired because of skin color.

Got to go watch Leno.

War Eagle!!!

10:50 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Frankenbummer, don't worry, I couldn't stay away.

But I do enjoy the attention I got for saying I was quitting (I was surprised anyone even responded to it), so I think I am going to go ahead and try to have a Brett Favre retirement situation every week or so. I recommend others do the same if you need a pick me up.

11:58 PM  
Blogger astatguy said...

Why don't other schools have this kind of drama? I wish T Boone Pickens would switch from OSU to Auburn and tell our PTB's to go home.

12:01 AM  
Blogger ADP said...

Somebody send me an email when we are through playing the race card. The world is not a fair place. It's hard for black people. It's hard for white people. It's really hard for green people like me. It ain't easy being green.

No, I'm not being insensitive, unless you are oversensitive. I am just surprised we are having that kind of conversation. I thought everybody around here was smarter than that. Y'all let me know when you get through with all of the foolishness.

12:53 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

To play the race card is very racist in itself. I don't believe that Gill was clearly a better choice. I actually believe he was the third choice, with Muschamp being the second.

To hire someone because they're black is just as wrong as not hiring them because they are black. This was all about how to win in the SEC.

You win championships in the SEC with an experienced QB and a solid defense. Think about it. Who are the greatest coaches in Auburn history? Jordan, Dye, and Tuberville. They are all defensive minded guys.

Also, ask yourself which coach is more likely to make Auburn his final stop, Gill or Chizik. Think before you scream racism. It is being very racist to think someone should be hired because they are black.

I could ramble on about this, but I do believe I have already mentioned many of the other reasons Chizik was a better choice than Gill.

I will leave you with one other thought. Which coach has done more for Auburn in the past, Chizik or Gill. Chizik made Auburn's defenses what they are today.

1:29 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It looks like Rhoads and Willis may get to return. This is very iffy because I have seen it nowhere else.

"Chizik would offer little insight to the makeup of his staff. The Birmingham News reported Monday he told Tuberville's coaches at a staff meeting Sunday night that they should seek jobs elsewhere. One source close to Chizik said, after that meeting, he talked to defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads and linebackers coach James Willis about staying."

4:58 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

Steve,

Did you get like 3 hours sleep or something?

6:09 AM  
Blogger wtc said...

I thought I was through with this conversation until ESPN reported last night, early this morning, the Barkley was on the search committee for a head basketball coach at A only if they promised to hire a black head coach. They didn't and he quit the committtee. (How do you quit a committe after the search is over and the hiring is done) He just proved that he is not qualified to speak on the matter.

I'm done with this matter. On to football. Who do we get as an OC?

6:18 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

I'm all for bringing in someone like Shane Montgomery who was just recently the HC at Miami of Ohio. Before that he was the OC there.

He was a top notch OC before he got the HC job.

6:27 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

IF Neil Calloway ends up with the OC job, then Chizik just lied to us all when he stated he wanted character guys. Calloway's drunken driving behaviors should eliminate him if that is what Chizik is truely going by.

6:37 AM  
Blogger wtc said...

RK-If he is the HC at a school, would he come to be an OC? I don't know him, but not sure that is a step up.

Just askin.

6:42 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

I said he was recently the HC at Miami of OH, not currently, he's no longer the HC there.

6:44 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

I used that same argument for Calloway. Would he seriously leave the HC job at UAB to be the OC at Auburn?

6:45 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Calloway is close to be rung at UAB. South Alabama is already out recruiting them and they don't even have a program yet.

6:50 AM  
Blogger wtc said...

RK-Should have read it closer.
I wouldn't take Calloway at all. nor P Nix. I would like to see us go after Malzahn. He doesn't run a spread type offense just a balanced one. 300 yards rushing and 300 passing per game. Pretty balanced in my opinion.

Anyone heard anything bad on the CD from UT, Chavis. They were 5-7 and had the 4th ranked defense in the nation. Let's get him as DC.

7:00 AM  
Blogger wtc said...

If wife and daughter didn't want Christmas stuff I could stay longer. I'm out.

7:01 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

I wouldn't mind Malzhan, I definately don't want Nix.

I think LSU and Clemson have both talked to John Chavis. Chavis is a good DC, but we'd have to have someone else on the team teach tackling, because UT has been horrible at fundamental tackling for about a decade now.

7:07 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

CGC said he wanted to get back to smashmouth football. I like malzahn's O but I dont know if it could be termed smashmouth

7:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Eddie,
I'm sure we won't be happy with any of the hires. I'm GC just said whe he thought we wanted to hear at the press conference.

7:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oops! I'm SURE GC...

7:53 AM  
Blogger Jet said...

I'm doing my best to be supportive ... I see some logic in all this ... I guess that's because I wanted Boom, and this is like Boom Lite.

BUT ... I start to twitch when I hear Pat Nix ... and I go into full-fledged seizures when I hear Callaway.

Is it time to put on my 3 piece suit with the C-4 vest? I'm kidding.

7:59 AM  
Blogger astatguy said...

Barkley's comments were on the front sports page in the AJC this morning. Good luck on the recruiting trail, Gene.

8:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm like SteveFC. I'm taking the "wait and see" attitude.

8:02 AM  
Blogger michael said...

After reading the comments and realizing how no one wants Patrick Nix, I am pretty sure he will be hired as offensive coordinator.

8:04 AM  
Blogger AUfan said...

OK, I had recovered from the Chizik hire, but Patrick Nix? Neil Calloway? What, Jack Crowe wasn't avaliable? I need some SteveFC orange and blue glasses right now.

8:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

LOL You're probably right, michael.

8:06 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Yea I'm sure michael is right LOL

8:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did any of you get the "Note from Pat Dye."? What a bunch of BS!

8:10 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

8:15 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

So here's a question for the group: Since the recruiting pattern for most of the year has been geared toward the "spread" offense, does it matter really how many 5'10" super quick receivers we lose, since we're now moving back toward the smash mouth game? I don't think we have a situation at all with defensive recruits, since that philosophy hasn't changed. We've got what 3-4 Qb's? 3-4 rb's? A younger O-line that's more geared to smashmouth? If (and yes it's a huge if) we have good, competent coaches coming in, we should be ok ... right?

8:17 AM  
Blogger scottiep said...

If Calloway comes to be our OC, we'll revert to where we were Saturday.

Those responsible for all this might want to reconsider their thoughts that they "know what is best for Auburn."

This is getting ridiculous. They had a problem with the "Ole Miss mafia," yet they want the AU staff to be nothing but the Pat Dye coaching tree?

Unbelievable.

8:18 AM  
Blogger AUfan said...

Frank Orgel for DC!!!

8:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mrtommyd, the key word in all that is definitely "IF"

8:21 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

mrtommyd the problem is that we are not losing the 5-10 WRs. We have lost some of our best defensive recruits 6'3" LB, 6'4" DE, 6'3" ath,6'1 DT, etc. Losing Cotton wont be an issue but those D players will hurt us.

8:28 AM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

We will definately be ok next year but we will need to repair our image in a hurry and that means winnning NOW if we are to have a change at a great recruiting class next season

8:30 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

Yeah, the image thing is going to be tough. All of Atlanta sports radio is now talking about how racist, ignorant, and stupid my school is now. Sucks when I can't listen to sports radio in my own town.

8:34 AM  
Blogger krewe said...

Wow Dye says, "This is the most welcome I've been here in 12 years."

Instead of an elite Head Coach it appears we were looking to hire a sitter for PawPaw.

8:42 AM  
Blogger KJtiger said...

This Gill thing is ridiculous. Move on people. He was not the best candidate and I tend to agree. All this hand ringing is getting crazy. What this outrage will ultimately do is it will cause more harm to minority candidates.

9:00 AM  
Blogger astatguy said...

The race card is out this morning in Atlanta on sports radio after Barkley's comments were published in the AJC. I'm sure Syracuse is getting pounded in New York too. (sarcasm)

9:00 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

If you didn't think the race card was going to be thrown out there when it was apparently down to Chizik and Gill, then you don't read the tea leaf's correctly. By the way, I would like to believe that race didn't play apart of it, but i'm not convinced. Everyone can pile on Barkley, but you probably loved him at other things he has said also. He is saying what he believes, and I respect that. I happen to believe he may be dead on.

9:22 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It is ashame that it always has to be about race. Nobody is saying anything about the other coaches who interviewed..I wonder why? Let's put the shoe on the other foot. Let's suppose Gill gets hired somewhere else...can we say then that race played a factor in that decision?

It's just terrible that this always comes up. Sad.

9:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree 100%, Brian. In the 21st century, race should NEVER be an issue. Actually, it should never have been. It sickens me.

9:27 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Brian- It is only coming up this time because the resumes don't matchup in favor of Chizik when stacked next to Gill's. One looks like a no brain hire while the other leads the Coaches Hot Seat Board. Race has to be discussed. If Turner Gill was white, I believe he would have been the coach. I promise you I am not the only one that believes this. A few former Auburn Players believe this too.

9:27 AM  
Blogger Travis said...

Jay,

Apparently the AU jet was here in Perry, GA yesterday. Any idea what they were doing here?

Pat Nix's dad lives and coaches in Warner Robins. You haven't heard anything about them coming here to talk to him, have you? I have no idea whether or not he is in town, but it's possible.

Of course it's also possible that they were here to see a recruit, although I can't think of anyone around here they'd be coming to see. But I don't really follow local HS football, either.

9:29 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks luvau1968..I know eddie4au..I question the hire to(based on resume)...I was just saying that I hate that it seems to always come down to that one word...race.

9:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you're right, Eddie, I'm pissed off all over again.

9:31 AM  
Blogger KJtiger said...

If you use record only then Gill may be a better choice (though I doubt it) What separated Chizzle and GIll, IMO is Chizzle had relationship in this area of the country and had been at auburn before. That's all, that's it. It is not a nefarious plot to keep black coaches down it was his relationships. What is Gill would of followed his coaching record with a 5-7 season. Would he of even been considered? Why interview him if you are so racist as to not give him the job. If you were truly a racist you would not have even interviewed him.

9:34 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

On a brighter note someone said that Mrs. Chizik was wearing red. She appears to be wearing orange in that picture. :-)

9:35 AM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

red, mauve, orange, I can't tell the difference ;-)

Good morning Monica!

9:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good morning, Monica. Apparently, some of the guys in here are color blind. ;-)

9:38 AM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

KJ- You could be right as right, but it is all perception at this point. Herbstreet is the only national media to applaud the hire and the rest of the nation is tearing it apart. Auburn has a mountain to climb, I just hope Chizik is up for the task, because he is the only one that can climb it. This blog is very opinionated, which makes it a great forum to discuss. I hope we can continue to discuss.

9:45 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

TarHeel, I'm offended by one of the comments in your profile...I happend to be a Damn Yankee. ;-)

9:45 AM  
Blogger ADP said...

Michael, I think you have finally reached Zen my son. You now have a full understanding of how things are. Excellent. May bad seasons always be behind you.

9:46 AM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

"the resumes don't matchup in favor of Chizik when stacked next to Gill's."

Eddie,

I don't think the resumes are as far apart as people are making them out to be though.

9:48 AM  
Blogger Monica said...

And a good morning to you Tar and Luv. :-) It looks like snowy Christmas card here in Huntington, WV this morning.

9:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lucky! It's been "pissy warm" (as my mom would say) down here.

9:50 AM  
Blogger mytommyd said...

And this is why this whole thing sucks:

From the front page of the college football section of cbs.sprtsline.com

If Gene Chizik were black, he would not be the coach at Auburn. It's that simple -- and that discouraging. Qualified black candidates are not getting a fair shake and Auburn's puzzling choice has them way down the rankings as Dennis Dodd rates the new hires

You know I understand that race takes a part, but apparently to the rest of the nation, race is the only thing to be considered when hiring a coach. And if there's a coach to be hired, in the SEC, he must be a balck coach. Unless ofcourse the opening is at Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, MSU or Arkansas.

9:52 AM  
Blogger BinOBA said...

I disagree KJ, a token interview is part of a process for hiring people, happens everyday. Barkley knows the score with the BOT who i think he was alluding to in some interviews i've heard. I also think he knows the score with race here in our great state that took the law denying interracial marriages off the books 7 years ago i believe. It's backward, it's wrong,it's straight up ignorance. Especially coming from a learning institution. I support CGC but i'm also in support of Charles Barkley calling out racism when he sees it. If CTG wasn't hired because he has a white wife, we deserve to be right where we are, on the losing side of things. I don't think lowder wants chuck in the governers mansion, chuck is a loudmouth but he is FAIR above all else.

9:56 AM  
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