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12.12.2008

Your updated list

Here is an updated look at everyone Auburn has interviewed for its top football job since Dec. 4.

Gene Chizik, Iowa State head coach
Todd Graham, Tulsa head coach
Brady Hoke, Ball State head coach
Derek Dooley, Louisiana Technical Institute head coach
Turner Gill, U. Buffalo head coach
Patrick Nix, U. Miami offensive coordinator (possibly by phone)
Rodney Garner, U. Georgia assistant/recruiting coordinator

*We also have unconfirmed reports that Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe is involved with the Tigers' search, though details there have been elusive.

230 Comments:

Kathy said...: What a list!; 7:35 PM
Denny Crum said...: I stole this from my Facebook Friend Eric Crawford. I thought this was appropriate for our last year and if you substitute a few words out and so forth, it would work.

"Not much holiday cheer, I know. That's why I won't leave fans empty-handed. For those who see red when they think about the current state of things, the gift of song. Sing it to the tune of "My Favorite Things," from the classic "The Sound of Music."

"High-powered offense and open receivers/ Game-plans that rock from a coaching deceiver/ NFL tailbacks who play second string/ These were a few of our favorite things.

"Double tight-ends and a powerful run game/ Pummeling quarterbacks till they come up lame/ Blowing the train whistle till their ears sting/ These were a few of our favorite things.

"Bird-stomping foes being pounded like beef steak/ Lip-reading cuss words for every slight mistake/ Traveling trophies all stacked up like bling/ These were a few of our favorite things.

Chorus: "When there's Pat White/ When the Cats spring/ When the Cards play bad/ We simply remember our favorite things/ And then we don't feel … so sad."; 7:39 PM
riskman108 said...: Gene Chizik?; 7:40 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: That's quite a collection of excellence, huh?; 7:41 PM
Denny Crum said...: In regards to the list I think the following song is along those lines(dripping sarcasm alert) That list is really too sexy

I'm Too Sexy
Right Said Fred

I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me

I'm too sexy for my shirt too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan too sexy for Milan
New York and Japan

And I'm too sexy for your party
Too sexy for your party
No way I'm disco dancing

I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I do my little turn on the catwalk

I'm too sexy for my car too sexy for my car
Too sexy by far
And I'm too sexy for my hat
Too sexy for my hat what do you think about that

I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk

I'm too sexy for my too sexy for my too sexy for my

'Cos I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk

I'm too sexy for my cat too sexy for my cat
Poor pussy poor pussy cat
I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me

And I'm too sexy for this song; 7:43 PM
Kathy said...: Makes me depressed. From that list, Turner Gill is my choice.; 7:43 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: This has NOTHING to do with Auburn in any way, but ...

the Yankees and A.J. Burnett have agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract.

This, to me, is more far-fetched than Gene Chizik interviewing for the Auburn job.; 7:44 PM
Denny Crum said...: It looks like the PTB made a poor decision this year to make CTT head coaching situation untenable in terms of the hot and sexy coaches that are available, and I picked the wrong time to give up amphetamines, sniffing glue, etc.; 7:46 PM
Kathy said...: Chizik's record is horrible.; 7:46 PM
Kathy said...: And they interviewed him yesterday while in TX? Why was Q with them?; 7:47 PM
Adam and April said...: Jay G., do any of those have a chance in your opinion? If so, which one(s)?

My guess is Gill is the best of that list.; 7:47 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Q is a valued member of The Family, apparently.; 7:48 PM
FSJ said...: Baseball contracts are guaranteed unlike the NFL...

Amazing.; 7:49 PM
Kathy said...: Well I wish they had listened to some of his sideline comments during the games. He had some great adjustment suggestions!; 7:50 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Gill is the only one on that list.

Still haven't confirmed if Patterson interviewed with Auburn. If he did, Patterson is a good coach.

FYI ... I'd interview Brian Kelly, Chris Petersen and Troy Calhoun (Air Force) before wrapping up the search.; 7:50 PM
Adam and April said...: Can I just say this blog is so much better than the AL.com forum?; 7:51 PM
Kathy said...: Agree with Petersen and Kelly. Don't know Calhoun.; 7:51 PM
Adam and April said...: Yes, Brian Kelly...everything I've heard about him is good.; 7:51 PM
Kathy said...: Ft Worth this is a great blog. You get some great dialog without all the bashing and hating. Jay keeps it real.; 7:53 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: We're a lot different than al.com over here.

It's a difference pace. Some people like that; some don't.; 7:53 PM
Kathy said...: It's usually more lively than this. It's Friday night. We have no coaching decisions in the near future, and I guess some folks are just taking a break.; 7:55 PM
Adam and April said...: Jay G., any educated guesses as to when this thing will end?

I could've failed exams bec. of this.; 8:02 PM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: I hate plenty.

Any chance Tyrone Willingham gets on the list.

I also hope they add Mario Cristobal. He's turned FIU around. I mean 1 win in 2007, to 4 in 2008 in the really really hard Sun Belt certainly qualifies him to be Auburn's head coach, right?; 8:05 PM
Unknown said...: So, I am convinced that I must be dreaming. From Auburn Undercover:

"...the interview with Iowa State head coach Gene Chizik on Thursday was more than token and that Chizik is considered a viable candidate to replace Tommy Tuberville..."

Did anyone actually believe we had a chance to get Chizik to give up that cushy Iowa State gig?; 8:10 PM
Adam and April said...: Could someone please explain how Chizik is a legitimate candidate?

No way that is true...; 8:11 PM
Adam and April said...: Did Urban Meyer really refer to ND as his dream job?

Is he lobbying for 2010?; 8:13 PM
Unknown said...: After reviewing this list, I am beginning to think Charlie Weis might be a good alternative.; 8:14 PM
Denny Crum said...: I say we don't stop interviewing until Howard Schellenberger says yes.; 8:16 PM
Unknown said...: I have to admit that Gill and Grahamm are probably the top names on this list. This is very sad.; 8:18 PM
Kathy said...: Sad indeed. I sure hope this is all a smokescreen, but I'm afraid it's not.; 8:18 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: ftworth --- its a self governing type thingy.

We police ourselves here.; 8:20 PM
Denny Crum said...: In all seriousness I am really digging all these 'legitimate' news media types, mostly TV, who are reporting news just like all us regular joes on blogs and bloggers. I mean....come on Spurrier, Muschamp,,,imminent announcements. I mean they have taken speculation and turned it into fact.

Jay G, that is why the Hotties keep coming back for more of what you serve. Truth, hard unvarnished truth, tastes great, less filling.; 8:22 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Jay gets way too much credit for policing this blog -- FWIW.

It runs on auto-pilot.; 8:24 PM
George Huckabay said...: Does anyone think that its strange that the jobs that Gill was interested in have been filled. I kinda think that if he wasn't offerd the AU job he would have taken those.; 8:25 PM
Unknown said...: AU_AG, what jobs have Gill been offered?; 8:27 PM
au0608 said...: How likely is it that there are still some unnamed guys out there? There are some future stars on this list, but this hire needs to make a splash. There are a lot of fractures in the fan base, a unifying force would be good. The only one I see on there who might do that would be Gill.; 8:28 PM
George Huckabay said...: Not saying he was offered any of them but it is just strange to me that they he interviewed for them and I assumed that he was a top candidate.; 8:28 PM
Denny Crum said...: Jay G, did you ever think that the PTB might have made a mistake,,,,or is it all going to work out and we, the great unwashed and unknowing, just need to let it happen.; 8:34 PM
Jet said...: While you are talking in circles, Mrs. Jet are I having a lovely, romantic dinner in Point Clear. Love to the Hotties. Let me know when we have a coach.

Your pal,
Jet; 8:38 PM
Kathy said...: Stan Brock was fired at Army. Think Auburn will interview him?; 8:41 PM
Unknown said...: Of the coaches on the list, only Graham has an impressive record, and he only has 3 years as a head coach.

I know the story of Buffalo, but Gil just hasn't got a long enough track record and the record he has isn't incredibly impressive. Do we hire a coach that lost to Kent State? Maybe we should check out the Kent State head coach.

I have to believe that the names listed here are not the top names on the list.; 8:46 PM
Jim Rome said...: Chizik fits at Auburn about as much as Jay G and Longshore on the radio.

PS Jay G why is it that the MAX Roundtable gives off such good vibes toward you and the morning show is so, well umm, cold?

The interview with Moon today was productive and interesting. If that interview took place in the morning hour it would have been veiled insults and throat clearing. JMHO; 8:46 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Gill was interviewd at Syracuse.

Do you think he wasn't offered the job?

If so, why?

Is Buffalo in New York?

Was the Saints' assistant OC the guy all along?; 8:47 PM
Adam and April said...: Syracuse is a joke!; 8:48 PM
Anonymous said...: Steve I believe you're right ... Feeling it's still

Boom
Spurrier
Gill; 8:49 PM
Just Win AU said...: I will say that if any of these are named HC, I may decide against renewing my season tickets next year. Got the form on the mail on Tues., just waiting for the news.; 8:53 PM
Just Win AU said...: I will say that if any of these are named HC, I may decide against renewing my season tickets next year. Got the form on the mail on Tues., just waiting for the news.; 8:54 PM
Kathy said...: I'll renew my tickets regardless, but I'll wait until the last day to do it. That will show them!; 8:54 PM
Jet said...: Boon's gone.; 8:55 PM
WRB3 said...: Jay,

Do we know for a fact if anyone has been offered the job and turned it down? Or would that kind of thing be kept so close to the vest we wouldn't know about it?

This list just makes me think there must have been a few folks that said "no thanks." And that, while I guess it shouldn't, surprises me a little. I would think this would be a good job. Top tier SEC school with, all in all, decent success over the past decade. Have the BOT problems really made this a job that the top guys don't want, or that isn't worth leaving another BCS conf. job for?; 8:56 PM
Kathy said...: Muschamps not coming, unless Texas fires him!; 8:57 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: As far as policing, Chrissy is right. I don't get involved very often.

If people turned down an Auburn offer, they probably would keep it quiet.; 8:58 PM
Kathy said...: I'm not sure anyone has been offered either. I'm sure Auburn is going to throw a lot of money toward the new coach, and money talks along with being a head coach in the SEC.; 8:58 PM
Unknown said...: Well, I don't like to be negative, but I have just browsing the web for info on each of these guys. I just have a hard time getting excited about any of them. Graham has had a couple of great years at Tulsa, but that is about it.

I would think Auburn would find someone in their 40s with a decent history as a head coach, although possibly at a lower level.

Most of these guys have been head coaches more than 3 or 4 seasons. Gil might be the best option for giving someone a shot, but it is hard to see him coming into the high stress environment that is Auburn football.

I guess if we have to choose, give Gil a shot based upon his reputation recruiting, although recruiting isn't the biggest responsibility of a head coach.; 8:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Boom has made the "pine box & I will not be" statement ... that in no way means gone

My source (yeah, yeah .. sources just like opinions and other unnamed parts ... everyone has one) The agreement was there but the news broke before he was ready.

Spurrier is willing but wants a "HCIW" type deal for Steve Jr. ... hope AU doesn't fall for that.

And Gill is very willing; 9:00 PM
WRB3 said...: Jay,

You felt earlier this week that AU already had their guy and they were just waiting to announce (at least I think you said something like that).

Do you still feel that way, or are you more inclined to think they are truly still searching at this point?; 9:00 PM
Just Win AU said...: Kathy, can we make up something on Boom and pass it along to UT? Maybe then they'll fire him. I had my heart set on Boom. I'm pretty disappointed
tonight.; 9:02 PM
Unknown said...: As for throwing a lot of money at a head coach, all of these guys would likely be less than $2 Million a year. Severl of them would be less than $1 Million.; 9:03 PM
Unknown said...: Even Boom was going to be a disappointment for me because of his lack of experience, although I like his intensity and his ties to Auburn.; 9:04 PM
Denny Crum said...: Since the academic discussion about the new head coach interests me not, that is, it is only interesting when Jay G reports on facts. I have a question. Has anyone else out there seen the Dutch movie "The Black Book." I found it interesting, yet very disturbing.; 9:04 PM
WRB3 said...: SFC,

Dude, no one is going to be the HC at AU for under a million. That would nearly be an insult. Under 2 million, sure, but under a million. I just don't see that at an SEC school.; 9:08 PM
Unknown said...: AUTiger3, Shula was at 600k at one point. I doubt Croom was making much more than that.; 9:11 PM
Just Win AU said...: AUfan365, I think when Boom said "zero chance" he'll be the HC at Auburn that pretty much sealed the deal.; 9:11 PM
tigerfan44 said...: Autiger3
Jay,

You felt earlier this week that AU already had their guy and they were just waiting to announce (at least I think you said something like that).

Do you still feel that way, or are you more inclined to think they are truly still searching at this point?
Shameless bump I would like to know also.; 9:12 PM
AUsome said...: I believe Croom was making nearly $2 million; 9:20 PM
Anonymous said...: when did he say that ... all I have seen was "not interested...haven't interviewed ... happy ..yadda yadda yadda"

As I said we have heard to many "pine box and other denials" to say one way or the other.; 9:25 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: I guess if we have to choose, give Gil a shot based upon his reputation recruiting, although recruiting isn't the biggest responsibility of a head coach

Recruiting IS THE BIGGEST responsibility of ANY head football coach.

Everyone has great schemes.

Without football players, YOU LOSE.

See Florida 2008 that had 6 --- SIX--- S.I.X. --- ACL's and still had enough in the tank to win the SEC and play for the BCS.

FOOTBALL PLAYERS and plenty of them!; 9:26 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Talledega Noght --

Ricky Bobby's on boys!; 9:27 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Ok - as far as who's coming and who's not.

I'll bet ANYONE a thousand dollars that Will Muschamp won't be coach.

Anyone want to take it - I'll put it up at the Montgomery Ad's headquarters with Gilligan.; 9:29 PM
Unknown said...: The only coaches that I have seen mentioned that compare with Tuberville's record are Paul Johnson and Steve Spurrier. Butch Davis comes close. Brian Kelly has been very successful the last couple of seasons at Cincinnati.

The only one on the list that meet the 9 game win criteria I have seen on here is Johnson.; 9:30 PM
barkley for governor said...: I'M SO PARALYZED; 9:31 PM
Unknown said...: Chris, the biggest responsibility of being a coach is managing people.; 9:31 PM
Unknown said...: As for recruiting, that is why you get guys like Rodney Garner, Greg Knox, and James Willis. Head coaches don't do the majority of the recruiting.

While recruiting is important, managing is by far the most important job of a head coach. It is why he is there and he is the only one that can do that job. Recruiting can be done by others.; 9:34 PM
Just Win AU said...: AUfan365, he spoke with the Fox station in Mobile today and that was a quote. He even went out of his way to say that he wanted his recruits to know that he was staying at the University of Texas. I was holding out hope until I saw his comments, the "zero chance" sealed it for me. That is a very bold statement IMHO. I'll try to find you a link.; 9:35 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: If your system doesn't attract football players you will be crushed.

You can get the greatest assistants in the world but if your system and program doesn't excite HS football players into coming to your campus -- you're dead!; 9:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Wow Chris ... 1st congrats on the new job (must pay very well LOL) Hey it's like I said about opinions ..everyone has one. We are throwing names and "sources" around like nobodies business and none of us knows what is gonna happen .. you don't think Boom is coming but some hold out hope let's agree to disagree K?; 9:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Just Win, Thanks a link isn't needed, I just hadn't heard it ... I'm kinda like you and am "holdin' the Hope"; 9:39 PM
Mark said...: We don't need a manager. We need a leader. Those are two very different animals.

We need a leader that has a vision, passion and discipline.

We need him to be a teacher and want his kids to excel in and out of football.

Managers manage existing structures. Leaders create, train and carry the team when necessary.; 9:40 PM
krewe said...: Is that a list of:

a)coordinators for Auburn.

b)guys 95% of football fans cant match a name to a face.

c)candidates for the back of a milk carton.

d)names which could be euphemisms. i.e. I showed her the ole Derek Dooley or her and I did the Brady Hoke if you know what I mean.; 9:44 PM
Unknown said...: Very true Chris, although I don't see your point. I thought that was a given.; 9:51 PM
Unknown said...: Mark, a leader is a good way to put it.; 9:52 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: 100% of the Head Coach's job is to get football players on campus.

simple.; 10:09 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: You said very little of the Head Coach's responsibility was actually recruiting.

This hire has EVERYTHING to do with recruiting.; 10:10 PM
RunInRed63 said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10:15 PM
RunInRed63 said...: I still say it is boom or bust, guess I'll just have to settle with being disappointed.; 10:25 PM
Unknown said...: Chris, we have a vastly different definition of what a head coach does. I see no point in arguing the matter.; 10:42 PM
JD said...: AU365,

I have heard this lame arse arguement all day that Will Muschamp was going to take the jobbut it was announced before he was ready so he backed off. I am serious finding it hard to believe that the guy had decided to make a career move of this nature and then not have the backbone to face this move because the announcement was premature. This is absolutely insane! I also I am sick of everyone bringing their "insider" legend in their own mind crap about how they have "sources" who know who the next Auburn coach will be. Face it none of us have a clue and friends of friends who sat 2 rows behind a board member at church have some inside info. In light of what Jay was able to uncover in 2003 with the jetgate scandal I believe that Auburn is going to conduct this search as close to the vest as they possibly can and by the book as they can. I do not believe these are smoke screens. Based on the hires that Jay Jacobs has made in the past I believe that these are the people that he feels are going to lead Auburn Football in to the next generation. I haven't seen you post around here much and I am not trying to pick on you because you're new but I am just honestly sick of this stuff because it is now allowing Auburn to move on to the next regime. War Damn Eagle!; 10:46 PM
JD said...: Sorry guys didn't mean to write a novel I just had to vent!; 10:52 PM
Unknown said...: JD, I agree to a large extent. It may have been that Muschamp was considering it, but if he had already decided to come, he wouldn't have changed his mind. For about a week now I have been pretty certain Muschamp wasn't the guy based upon different information a read on the net. The latest statements just confirmed that. My guess is that someone told someone that Muschamp was considering the job and it blew up from there.

As for this being a smoke screen, I don't think that is it exactly. I just think it very likely that there are some top candidates that we are not seeing.; 10:53 PM
Unknown said...: JD, I don't blame you. This search has been frustrating. If it isn't over within a week or so, it will get much worse.

One possibility is that some head coaches going to bowl games are not yet being interviewed, which would make things even more frustrating.; 10:56 PM
Anonymous said...: JD ... actually I have been here longer then you and don't post much due to a disability that makes my typing slow (hard to keep up with the threads) ... guess what my friend ... I don't really care what you are tired of hearing ... my opinion is my opinion and what I post is just that.

As for sources, apparently your reading comprehension is off ... I clearly stated that sources were just like "opinions and other unnamed parts ... everyone has them" ... I also thought I made it clear that everyone is throwing stuff around and nobody really knows what is going on. So how about chilling out and reading things before getting so high and mighty and jumping where it isn't needed. Just sayin'; 11:04 PM
JD said...: SFC,

You and I normally agree. However I do stand by what I said about this being the list not smokescreens. Since being appointed as AD Jacobs has hired all coaches that were off the cuff and didn't make what the experts would say he would hire or retain.

This reminds me so much of last years baseball search when Tom Slater resigned and after a while of interviews and turndowns (havent had that yet) he hired John Pawlowski.; 11:05 PM
JD said...: Sorry AUfan didn't realize you were a longtime poster since I can't recall you posting before and didn't notice you name on the wall. We have had such an influx of people on the blog this week it has been hard to tell who is new and who is old. I just didn't want to see anyone crying that people were mean to the new person.

As for your statement about you don't care about what I am tired of hearing, that is my opinion and while I respect yours I ask that you respect mine. I was just stating that I was tired of hearing everyone saying they have inside info bloggers, news stations, and others as well. I don't think for a minute that there is anyone out there who truly knows what is going on.

Finally, the personal attack on my reading comprehension. I read your statement but saying I have inside info (so does everyone blah, blah, blah) and this is what it is makes you no different than every other wanna be who states complete crap and tries to pass it as fact. I figured for someone who has been around HABOTN as long as you allegedly have that you would know that is not how we roll.; 11:14 PM
JD said...: SFC,

Okay I tried to think of who else could be out there we're not mentioning so far. Who do you think that guy could be?

Davis, Cower, Del Rio others?; 11:20 PM
Anonymous said...: JD, Can you show me where I said I had inside information? I said my "sources" I did not even hint that it was inside info (and to say I did definitely reflects on your reading comprehension) My sources may be the internet, my neighbor or whatever.
I respect your opinion as much as you respect mine ... you are the one that singled my post out to receive your vent and as far as being a wannabe, I've had season tickets for 22 years and yes I do "know" some people in the program but to be honest anything I would get from them would never be posted unless they okayed it. I just don't appreciate that you decided (was it because you thought I was a newby?) you would rip me a new one. Your rant makes perfect sense to me ... I am tired of this as well but I will try to put someone down to make myself feel better ... you could have made the same vent without trying to single anyone out.; 11:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Okay ... my venting is done also .. JD I take by your name that you are a Biscuits fan. I also have season tickets to their games maybe we can meet and hoist a brew, no hard feeling about this I know it wearing thin on us all.; 11:29 PM
Anonymous said...: Tony Barnhart wrote of his direct phone call with Muschamp in the AJC today. It is available via internet. This was the genesis of the "zero chance" comment.

Was this the pine box comment?

If we aren't able to hire a top candidate, then I don't have a strong opinion. Maybe Gill would be the one. The reasoning is that if we are starting over, he has a strong pedigree and character and has done well in his frst coaching gig.; 11:30 PM
JD said...: Props Aufan,

I am proud that you've had the tickets for 22 years. You're the kind of fan that is loyal to the program. I wasn't singling you out because you were new. Infact, I made a point to say it is not because you are new. I singled your post out because that is the same idiotic rhetoric that I have heard since like 10 AM. I got called so many times and read this so many times that I just blew up on your post, however I did knock out a couple of similar posts on the other sites that stated similar statements. You can check if you want I post as hanlemt on RIVALS and BISCUITATOR on scout. I don't post on undercover. Please understand what a source is. SOURCE means SOURCE of INFORMATION that would not necessarily be known to the public so yeah like it or not SOURCE implies that you have INSIDE INFORMATION just like all of these other goon wanna be journalists that have been leading with stories that Spurrier was hired, Muschamp was hired, Holtz was hired, so on and so forth. I only singled the topic out you just happened to be the author of the topic. You are not a wanna be AU fan there is no debating that, that is not what I was going for that at all. You're a great American and Auburn Fan. Stay stong brother, we shall get through this! Let's not get rollin this way. War Damn Eagle 365 (or 66 this year)!; 11:42 PM
JD said...: I'm down 365! I go on Thursdays when the beer is cheap. We just get the basic biscuits season ticket package but always get the thursday night one so we can eat and drink beer for cheap!

War Damn Eagle!!!

(we have to hire a coach soon or I may go all bobby cox on someone!); 11:44 PM
JD said...: Hoopie,

I have started to really believe in the Gill hire. He seems like someone who could unite the fan base! I thought barnhardt's article was interesting. I have moved on from William M. If he wants to come I am open to that but he needs to interview like everyone else and I am not begging anyone to take this job I assure you that!; 11:47 PM
Anonymous said...: We will make a point to link up one game ... take care my friend and now this old man is off to the sack ... WAR EAGLE all; 11:50 PM
JD said...: Peace 365; 11:52 PM
boori said...: JD has a man crush on Jay Jacobs; 11:59 PM
JD said...: I don't like jacobs at all. Anyone who has heard me on the radio can attest to that!; 12:01 AM
boori said...: Okay it's J. Longshore

Who do you think the "powers at be" had on their top five list of coaches to hire A.T. (After Tuberville)?; 12:17 AM
mwdeav said...: http://firegenechizik.ning.com/; 12:24 AM
JD said...: i don't know i hope it's not necessarily the people who have been interviewed because none of them are a real upgrade from what was in place. really none of the interviews are even equal to the guy we just let get away. it would be insane to let the guy go, take the media beating, divide the fan base, waste a full recruiting year, to make a less than lateral move.

who is j. longshore?; 12:25 AM
JD said...: OUT! I'm going to bed.; 12:38 AM
boori said...: JD
I am not J.L., I meant you have a man crush on J.L., instead of J.J.

But my frustration is with the "powers at be". What is or was the A list of coaches they wanted AT (After Tubbs)???; 12:55 AM
BinOBA said...: I say be prepared to wait til January when the new coach is announced. I know there is a lot of chompin at the bit but be prepared to sit tight a bit longer, that's what my sources are tellin me ;); 1:01 AM
Unknown said...: JD, I don't believe Cowher would come. Davis is possible, but doesn't seem likely. Coaches want a stable place and when they see a successful coach fired, a successful coach isn't going to be in a hurry to be next.

If there is a surpise out there, I don't expect it to be hug. Paul Johnson would be a bit of a surprise. Somelike like Bobby Johnson is someone I would think would be a possibility and hasn't been mentioned.

Houston Nutt is still an outside possibility, but I doubt that would happen.

Petrino would be a shocker, although I can see it still happening because he likely still has some backers at Auburn.

Brian Kelly is another that could suddenly become big, but I don't see him as that much better than the other candidates on this list.

Spurrier is probably more of a candidate than most of us think, but I still think he won't be a first or second choice.

Overall, the current list looks like coaches that almost any SEC school could attract. That is the biggest hint that something else is probably going on. I can see Auburn paying well over 3 million a year to a new coach, and possible over 4 million for a must have coach. We haven't been seeing any coach that would justify those kind of numbers. I would expect Auburn is pursuing a few.; 1:35 AM
barkley for governor said...: The deal is not yet done, but sources at Auburn and Iowa State told AuburnUndercover.com that Chizik, who was Auburn’s defensive coordinator from 2002-2004, could be offered the job within a matter of days.

PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS A JOKE; 3:39 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Good morning HOTTIES!

Well crap. I wake up to read that Chizik has leaped "to the top of the list". IMO (frequently wrong but never in doubt) OH NO!!!!! Please, please, PLEASE NO. He was a superb DC for Auburn, but he's tanked as a HC. Yes, it's Iowa State. But Buffalo is Buffalo and look what Gill did there.; 4:21 AM
Unknown said...: Well, I wouldn't get too upset. Some on here believe that the only job of a coach it to recruit, so in that case, no new coach has much influence until after a couple of seasons. Yes, it is a unique view.

I am rather shocked, but there must be more to this that I simply don't understand. Gil isn't likely as good as people think, with only one good season as proof, but maybe Chizik isn't as bad as the two seasons indicate.

I am also disappointed that we aren't looking for an offensive minded coach. That would seem the logical thing to do, so obviously we will go with a former defensive coordinator.; 4:57 AM
Unknown said...: After looking at Marshall's latest two commentaries, I wonder if it isn't time for Auburn to step back an re-consider what it is doing. Marshall went from talking about Rodney Garner as the head coach, to talking about Gene Chizik. While both are good coaches in their own way, they are far from the quality of coach we fired.

Perhaps a different approach is needed. Butch Davis, here is a check for $4.5 Million. Turn it down if you can.

The other candidate that I was very surprised we passed up is Mike Leach. He is as close to a rock star as we are going to see who is interested. Throw him a big check.

It looks like JJ is looking for a short term interim coach to come in for a few years and get replaced later when a rock star becomes available. I do not like that strategy.; 6:13 AM
Monica said...: Other than Auburn, what universities have yet to fill their head coach position?; 6:34 AM
Unknown said...: Monica, from what it sounds like, possibly Iowa State.; 6:36 AM
Monica said...: Chizik? This is the most bipolar search evah!; 6:42 AM
Aubie said...: I emailed Dr. Gouge yesterday to express my support of CTG. I received a very nice email response. Doubt it will do any good, but I feel better.
You can find his email at auburn.edu; 7:05 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: this search has become so disheartening. ick.; 7:12 AM
Aubie said...: oh my gosh. I can't believe this thing is leaning to Chizik.
Cue the crickets again.
Well that will make a huge splash with the fan base and recruits (note sarcasm).
If you go with an unproven entity it needs to sizzle - Turner Gill!; 7:14 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Monica-
coaching jobs open and filled
sorry, I'm at work and don't have my "link instructions" with me:
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=870494; 7:46 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: and an ESPN article quoting Chizik's adoration of ISU (pre AU contact I believe):
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-5-120/Iowa-reaction-on-Chizik-s-Auburn-interview.html; 7:48 AM
Jim Rome said...: if it is Chizik 4 tickets MAY open up in da north endzone
Holy cow what craziness is happening on the plains.; 8:05 AM
Monica said...: Thanks for the link, Tarheel.; 8:15 AM
Anonymous said...: Join The Gridiron Breakdown Saturday at 9:30 am CST for the BOWL EXTRAVAGANZA!

SHOW LINK; 8:22 AM
scottiep said...: I'm curious to see what Jay G. thinks of PMarsh's latest article about Chizik at the top.

With each passing day, I'm becoming less hopeful for the football program we all love.

I think a Chizik hire will be a tough one to swallow for most Auburn people.; 8:26 AM
Jet said...: Remember that great Shakespeare play, "MacBoom?" ...

Is that a pine box I see?; 8:35 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Chizik, I almost choked on my breakfast when I read that.

Yes, he was a good DC at Auburn and Texas, but he has gotten terrible reviews for the program and team he has run at Iowa State. Dont say its b/c he is at Iowa State I have seen "good" coaches, ie Spurrier turn bad teams, ie "Duke" into good teams.

Its a fact some assistants are just bad head coaches.

Chizik will make "0" splash and I believe if he is hired he will be a bump in the road to the next coach in 3 years.; 8:39 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I am in here in Mobile, me and a buddy are headed to the highschool AL-MS all star classic. I plan on wearing an Auburn hat to show some love.

Do you think any of the kids have head of Gene Chizik>? ......me neither.; 8:41 AM
wartiger said...: This just isn't going to get any better is it?GEEZ PMarsh used the word "dynamic" when describing Chizik..anybody wanna elaborate more.I don't know much about him except for the obvious. Is he a Muschamp firey guy..or other?; 8:47 AM
bill buck said...: Gene Chizik's Iowa State defense ranked 111 of 119 teams this year.; 8:52 AM
tigerfan44 said...: I was just discussing the Auburn coaching search with the misses. Told her about chizik and a little about his coaching stints. I told her he was 5-19 at his first head coaching job. Her exact words was they are not going to hire someone with just 5 wins. Welcome coach Chizik.; 9:09 AM
tigerfan44 said...: Poll for hotties...
anyone on the list better than CTT...; 9:15 AM
Adam and April said...: nope, nobody better than tubs on that list.; 9:16 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: here is an interesting link to an article about chizik.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-5-120/Iowa-reaction-on-Chizik-s-Auburn-interview.html; 9:17 AM
Monica said...: Jet - You still saying Boom?; 9:19 AM
Monica said...: I have a holiday party tonight. Do you think anyone there will want to talk about the Auburn coaching search? No. So what am I supposed to talk about? I am so obsessed I have lost all my conversational skills. I'll have to read some real news headlines or something before the party.; 9:20 AM
Anonymous said...: Mon - I have purposely not been on hear due to my frustration. But needed to come on this morning because of what I read about Chizik as a leading candidate.

If he is the chosen one. Despite what JGT says, AU did not have a plan in my opinion.; 9:26 AM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:26 AM
Monica said...: AU1- Gotta agree. I just don't see how Chizik could have been a part of a plan. That's what allows me to cling to the hope that it isn't Chizik.; 9:35 AM
Anonymous said...: hear = here....I just reread that. Duh.; 9:40 AM
Adam and April said...: is it time to start freaking out over this coaching search yet?

seems like it's nearly hit the fan.; 9:40 AM
Jet said...: I'm saying Jimmy Tudeski's dead. But he ain't exactly dead.

Monica ... I'm holding out a sliver of hope, but I'm still waiting on that drum set for Chrstmas for 35 years.; 9:43 AM
Monica said...: I had a mini-freakout (bad kind) when all the Patterson chatter peaked. Then I had a mini-freakout (good kind) when the Boom "news" hit. Now, I'm on the verge of my saturation point which will send me into a zombie state. At that point someone will just have to pinch me and let me know when the decision has been made.; 9:44 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Yea, I believe a hire will be announced next week. I have a feeling we will be left holding the bag as fans. Nothing I have seen or heard through this entire process has impressed me with Auburns athletic department or its president.; 9:44 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I believe we will all be dissapointed in some shape or fashion when it is finally announced.

No bowl
No post season awards or honors for our players
No recruits

WDE..lol..sarcasm..it helps...; 9:46 AM
Monica said...: Oh no Jet! You just gave me a non answer, answer. Now I'm depressed.; 9:46 AM
Monica said...: I didn't know that Google now had 360 degree, street view pictures on their maps now. If you Google your home address you may find a picture of your neighborhood.; 9:49 AM
Jet said...: Seems to me that Chizik and some of the others are merely being talked to in order to buy time to get Boom ... Or whoever plan B is. Boom has been plan A all along. I think they'll make one last run.; 9:53 AM
ADP said...: As I sit here kickin' it in the Big Easy I think ...

It could still be Muschamp. I want Gill. I would take the Ole Ball Coach. I would projectile vomit if it is any of the others.

Later boys and girls. I'll check back in tonight.

Geezy ... I would assume you'll be twittering any "breaking" news?; 10:02 AM
AUfan said...: If those are truly the choices, I say roll the dice and hire R Garner. The minuses are obvious-lack of HC experience being the obvious. But look at the positives- he can recruit head-to-head with ANYONE in the nation(Saban, Mayer etc.), he would obviously have the connections to bring in an outstanding assistant coaching staff, he would not be looking at other jobs that came open and while this is not the most important factor, it would bring some much-needed good publicity to AU in hiring a minority coach when there are so few out there. Is he a Petrino, B Davis or Muschamp? Obviously not, but I don't see any fan excitement over Chizik, Patterson, Grobe etc. If you really believe it is about the Jimmies and the Joes, not the X's and the O's why not Garner?; 10:13 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I'm curious to see what Jay G. thinks of PMarsh's latest article about Chizik at the top.

"Give me a break," Tate said.; 10:18 AM
Adam and April said...: Good article on garner:

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/082207/football_20070822073.shtml; 10:22 AM
AUfan said...: So, Jay G says no way Chizik is the leader? Maybe there is still hope.; 10:24 AM
Adam and April said...: Jay G., please tell us this madness is going to end soon, and with the right coach.; 10:25 AM
Anonymous said...: Mon - Yes on the maps. I put my address on and our AU flag is flying proudly in the picture!!; 10:29 AM
Monica said...: LOL My AU flag was flying proudly too, AU!. Funny.; 10:33 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I mean, they have several better options out there.

I will say this ... there has been backlash in the coaching community over Tuberville's situation. If you throw Bowden/1998, Petrino/2003 and Tuberville/2008 together, this program looks shady.; 10:33 AM
Monica said...: I want to know the name that nobody knows. The name that nobody has printed.; 10:34 AM
Kathy said...: I'm just waiting for someone to jump out and shout "Gotcha"! This has got to be a joke.; 10:34 AM
Monica said...: Finding a list of programs that don't look shady from some angle would take longer than this coaching search.; 10:36 AM
Kathy said...: When is the dead period for recruiting? I really don't think we will hear anything until Jan.; 10:39 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10:40 AM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: has anyone noted a charter flight from auburn to toronto? might as well interview some cfl coaches while we're at it.; 10:41 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I really am not as upset at the CGC possibility as some.

I don't know why but, oh well.; 10:41 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I understand you point JG.

Does that mean coaches aren't really scared to death on Little Nicky?

As far as the program looking shady, what's the solution? Seems they've been above board with this search - maybe to a detriment to its purpose.

Making media guys & fans happy isn't really the purpose of this search. Its to hire the best football coach available.; 10:44 AM
ADP said...: the dead period starts now I think. No recruiting next week. this would seem like a reasonable time for an announcement.; 10:45 AM
astatguy said...: Chizik would be great! My seats would get a lot better over the next few years. They could be really good by the time we get around to fixing things.; 10:48 AM
Kathy said...: Good point stat!; 10:49 AM
Anonymous said...: JGT - This was from ESPN's Chris Low.

"A few coaches who've gone through that process are now starting to wonder privately who's making the call."

Could you expand on that? I have assumptions.; 10:51 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Buffalo is playing in the International Bowl in Toronto.; 10:53 AM
eaglesteeler said...: zzzzzz...wow, I just woke up and I had the strangest nightmare.

I thought Gene Chizik had been named the new AU coach, Terry Bowden the OC, and David Gibbs as DC.

Boy am I glad I woke up before JJ had his press conference announcing the hire of a coach that has a 5-19 HCing record.; 10:53 AM
Anonymous said...: Shout out forthcoming to the Hotties!; 10:54 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: AU1 ... I don't necessarily think that's a shot at The Important People. I think it's more of a shot at what those coaches consider a remarkably disorganized search.

I'm trying to withhold judgment until the end because, really, I can't accurately separate fact from fiction right now. I hear a lot of unverifiable stuff these days ...; 10:57 AM
Brad said...: Jay G, this program looks shady because it is. It will stay that way until we have an independent athletics department. Six years from now we're going to have to basically do what Alabama did, pay someone a boat load of money and turn the keys over to them.

Did TPTB seriously fire Tubs to hire Chizik? Give me a break.; 10:59 AM
Jet said...: I've said it would be Boom, petrino or johnson -- and I put a guarantee on it. The only addendum I would put on it would be Spurrier with Garner as perhaps as a sort of HCIW with Spurrier. I firmly believe the last second hail Mary is being thrown towards Boom. You try until he gets a restraining order. Then you move on.; 11:00 AM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: coincidence? i think not.....good one, jgt.; 11:04 AM
Denny Crum said...: I don't see anyone on that list that is better than CTT. In fact, CTT at his most burned out is a giant amongst the munchkins on the current Auburn coaching list.

Don't the PTB understand that the coaching community out there can see what has happened in the past? Goodness gracious sakes alive, look at the track record. You have behind closed door shenanigans that happen all the time. The appearance of that everyone is not on the same page or rowing in the same direction and a fan base that wants to talk about 'firing the coach' everytime there is a bump in the road.

A quick look up at T-town should tell you a thing or two. And don't look at this year to say they are successful, look at the longterm. They have had more turmoil and trouble than anyone else in the league. Most of the damage has been done by their own hands. Yet we have vocal fans that say CTT was a mediocre coach. THat is laughable. Now we have fans that say if Coach (fill in the blank) is hired, then, by God, they are giving up their tickets. Well, these seem to be the same people, by and large, who condemned people for supporting the CTT by saying that they should support the program, not some individual. Well, support the program, not the coach those of you who seem upset at any of the coaching choices out there.

Eric Crawford had a good point in talking about Uof L, and his point is no less valid here.

Today's point: Whatever other arguments you want to have about U of L don't change this: It is in need of a truce.

Here's why. Jurich, who brought John L. Smith, Rick Pitino and Bobby Petrino to U of L, says Kragthorpe needs more time, and he is standing like a wall in front of and behind his coach.

Nothing that fans hurl at this point is going to crack it. They don't have to like it. They can paint graffiti all over it and criticize all they want, and they have. But they need to understand: If they do more than that, if they try to tear the wall down, they're going to damage the program, too, beyond what's already been done.

It's not a criticism of fans, who have done nothing to create the current situation. But it's a fact. And a warning from a professional onlooker.

Fans are asking for a single reason for hope, a reason to stay. I certainly haven't painted a rosy picture of the current situation, nor will I. But the situation remains. My best answer is, "It's your program. Players, coaches and athletic directors change. There are ups and downs. But if fans walk away, there's seldom very much to return to."

It's one thing to have a losing team. It's another to have a losing team with a fan base that has, in part, deserted it. In fact, I can't name a major program with sustained success where it's happened. Even in periods where fans were furious, they also were in their seats. In a season where it's the thought that counts, it's worth thinking about.-Eric Crawford

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20081212/COLUMNISTS02/812120529/1073

Sure you can be critical of Jay J, but, nothing you can do is going to change things other than something negative. It is not 'kool-aid' drinking, it is the plain facts. Not supporting your program and school you love, is the act of a petulant child, period.; 11:04 AM
AUBigCat said...: Add the Foy Union drama with this coaching search disaster and we (and the BOT) look totally clueless; 11:04 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Phred-
dead period starts Dec 22 through Jan 1.

NCAA Football Recruiting Calendar; 11:07 AM
Adam and April said...: Jay G...unorganized? no way!! we hired a search firm. (dripping sarcasm); 11:07 AM
Monica said...: This is front page quote stuff:

"You try until he gets a restraining order. Then you move on."

LOVE that, Jet.; 11:12 AM
Anonymous said...: Jay.... In the pile of "unverifiables", are there still possibilities of hiring a "blueblood" coach of the CTT stature? If this is an unverifiable possibility, would it be reasonable to assume that it may not occur until some bowl games have been played?; 11:16 AM
astatguy said...: This search was a chance for Auburn to show vision and commitment to be the best. What happened? How can we fix it?; 11:17 AM
FSJ said...: Please tell me Auburn isn't about to hire Chizik....; 11:21 AM
Bfoster18 said...: check this out

http://auburnundercover.com/news/articles/2008/12/13/wrong-place-wrong-time-for-gene-chizik; 11:33 AM
WRB3 said...: Seriously folks,

Nobody is hiring Gene Chizik. Just keep on moving. Nothing to see (or discuss) here.

I know a lot of folks consider JJ and the BOT to be a bunch of idiots who don't know what they're doing, but really, you can't buy into every name that gets mentioned. They may not get the guy we all want, but they're not stupid.

Gene Chizik? Please.; 11:36 AM
wtc said...: ESPN radio is saying AU will hire Chizik within next 48 hours. They did not give a source.

Just paasing this along.; 11:39 AM
Bfoster18 said...: AU Jet headed to Memphis. Sexton is there..; 11:39 AM
Bfoster18 said...: wtc, and Mushchamp...; 11:40 AM
AUant said...: Man I sure hope you are right!!!

I don't believe that CGC is a bad coach, but like the article said...I believe he's at a terrible job. With that being said, I do believe there are better coaches on this long list of candidates.; 11:40 AM
wtc said...: I'll take Muschamp.; 11:41 AM
wtc said...: Not sure if I like the CHizik thing if he is the one. Someone may get some 30 yard line seats next year.; 11:43 AM
Monica said...: wtc they said the hire was going to happen or he was being interviewed?; 11:43 AM
wartiger said...: read that article muschamp..it is dead on. I don't know anything about that guy except he can coach a defense. That being said a 5-19 is very hard to overlook.
AU is better than this embarassment.

AUTiger- I really really hope you are right. The only good thing that comes if chizick is hired is guys like me will be able to get tickets alot easier.

War Eagle Hotties..hang tough; 11:43 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: AUT3
you're absolutely right. there's no way their judgement could be that poor.; 11:49 AM
Anonymous said...: Denny...thanks for sharing that wisdom.

When the annual fire CTT movement kicked up its heels this season, I voiced 2 concerns:

1. I thought that with support, CTT still had enough juice to right the ship.

2. Not a good coach-buying year....there weren't many good coaches attainable and several other top teams were going to make changes.

I mentioned it as a concern, but didn't give too much worry about our reputation among the rest of the nation mainly b/c I assumed that surely the PTB would have a plan in place if they had finally
decided to push CTT out. My thoughts were that a quickly executed top coach hire would refocus sports fans short memories and we wouldn't get much bad press. There is still time for that to happen.; 11:49 AM
wtc said...: They were talking to one of the college experts (do not know th ename) and he said it was a hire within the next 48 hours. Just called a friend and he heard it also.; 11:49 AM
wtc said...: 200; 11:50 AM