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1.22.2009

Picking up the pieces

Hey everyone. Hope you're having a swell morning.

So James Willis left for Alabama yesterday, which certainly will have some ramifications, though I consider most of them short-term issues. Let's examine how his departure will affect Auburn's Signing Day haul.

Willis was the primary recruiting contact for a number of committed players. Our friends at AuburnSports.com talked with many of those players last night and I don't see any evidence that their allegiances are waning.

DE Jamontay Pilson, QB Clint Moseley, OL John Sullen, WR Anthony Gulley and WR LaVoyd James remain fully committed.
OL/DL Nick Fairley already is enrolled.
I haven't heard from LB Jonathan Evans. He's a tricky one because Evans always has liked Auburn and his brother played at Auburn ... yet Willis always was a big draw for him. Alabama hadn't offered him prior to this. Not sure what to think there.
DL Terrence Coleman (pictured at right) could be tricky. He told several recruiting websites last night that he's disgusted with Willis and wouldn't consider playing for him at Alabama. He also announced plans to more carefully consider other offers. I still believe Coleman will sign with Auburn.
Things get more dicey with uncommitted recruits.
- Willis was the main contact for Maryland QB Raymond Cotton, whose Auburn recruitment now moves into a third stage. Steve Ensminger was Cotton's initial liaison.
- Montgomery OL/DL Brandon Moore seemed destined for Alabama or Florida before Willis left.
- Brewton DT Jamar Travis, a Southern Miss commitment, will visit Auburn this weekend. The scouting services list him as a 4-star player. Travis certainly is considering Auburn, so this will be an interesting development.
- Florida LB Petey Smith was brash with his moves last night, canceling a visit to Auburn scheduled for this weekend. He told AuburnSports.com last night: "I'm Alabama all the way." That represents quite a change of direction for Smith, whose brother, Eric, is a sophomore tailback at Auburn. Petey Smith recently said the Tigers were the team to beat. It's rare that you see bridges burned so enthusiastically, but it makes for good drama.

610 Comments:

Tar Heel Tiger said...: Dear Leader truly is un; 8:55 AM
Norm said...: confound it all!; 8:59 AM
Dear Leader said...: its not so much that he left...
its how he left and the lack of professionalism...

the total lack of class reminds me of that head coach of Miami the left for the NCAA a few years back..... what was his name again???; 9:00 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Dear Leader- if we ever do have a Hottie tailgate, will you promise to put some more clothes on?; 9:01 AM
Beth said...: Good Morning Hotties! I am going to remain optimistic in this recruiting endeavor. It has to make you think that we have not heard much about Willis recruiting new players except the few that JGT mentioned. Did someone already know that this was in the works? I think that our current coaches will continue to give 100% and things will have to be better than last year.; 9:01 AM
Dear Leader said...: Jay G Tate...

any word on why CGC let Willis talk to Alabama prior to recruiting being over? defies logic?; 9:01 AM
Dear Leader said...: TarHeelTiger...

I have the perfect speedo for the party...

its got tiger stripes; 9:02 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: Petey Smith-Here is my summary of the kid. You have four types of recruits.

The ones who had a great junior season and pretty much lack off their senior season due to scare of injury or just lack of surrounding talent.

Then you have the ones you come out of no where there senior year and all of the sudden get offers at the last minute.

Third you have what I call campers. There are so many camps at colleges now that coaches watch a kid for a week, see something they like and offer him then and there scared he might be seen or discovered by other schools.

Fourth you have what I call fringe guys. These guys have always been around. Usually good athletes. but some reason or another big time schools are scared away, due to size,injury, grades, etc. These guys either disappear to working at the grocery store,prep school, or someone takes a chance on them.

Petey Smith is the first type, he had a great junior year on a stacked high school team. So he is basically on his accolades from last year. He is a good athlete, but no game changer. He needs to back off the after school Burger King runs.

9:00 AM; 9:03 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: DL: If Willis approached Alabama and worked it backward like that, I'm not sure Chizik was involved.; 9:03 AM
wtc said...: Monica-Thanks for the reading last night.

Who does AU go after for a replacement. Maybe they move Jim Perry toan on the field coach. He coached at Lee High School in Montgomery several years ago. Worked with Spence McCracken while there. Maybe they look at Spence. He has no college coaching experience, but knows the high school coaches very well. I think could and would recruit very well.; 9:04 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: I am better today...Willis is dead to me.

Look Coaches today are scum. I hate that I am old school on your word and loyalty, but thats not todays world in any sector of business and college football is a business, a big one.

The kids as recruits should take a class that states all coaches recruiting you would lie and rob their mother if it meant more money.

I watched a terrible but funny movie the other night, a classic. Johnny B. Goode, with Anthony Michael Hall as the star qb. I know, right.

Anyway, remember the scene where all the recruiters are outside his house. They are fighting, offering to shave their heads, girls, money, Hell even Ole Tex (texas) bought grandpas wall eyed gibblers(fishing lures).lol.

So yea, its all a nasty business.; 9:05 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Spence McCracken just turned 60.

You think he's an ace recruiter at 60 with no college experience?; 9:06 AM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: Color me naive, but I'm still stunned by the depth and timing of the betrayal; 9:07 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: PDWT- any other posts coming from the prior thread?; 9:07 AM
wtc said...: Rumor has it that Willis never allowed AU to make a counter offer. Maybe Willis got treated like some the recruits do when a HC decides we may not need this one in the fold for whatever reason.; 9:08 AM
Cory said...: Let him go. AU will be better off in the long run and will benefit from better LB coaching.

Can anybody honestly say our LB play excelled under Willis?; 9:08 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:09 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: IF, and a big IF, they bring a staffer into an on the field coach, I would say Lolley and Whitt Sr are the two most likely candidates. I bet we end up with Roof coaching the LB's and 2 defensive back coaches. I still bet Jeff Koonz finds his way down to Auburn.; 9:11 AM
Cory said...: OTOH, I'd like to see AU make a run at Bill Clark at USA. He's a great coach and has alot of ties in this state.; 9:11 AM
wtc said...: Is he 60? Well never mind.
Joe Whitt should me around that age shouldn't he?
Go with Jim Perry?; 9:11 AM
Monica said...: Cory I say you suit up and play for Auburn.

WTC - You're most welcome.; 9:12 AM
Norm said...: i agree w/the bill clark move. i'm not sure how feasible that is actually, but i was surprised he made that particular move. prattville obviously has an extremely solid program and should for the next several years as well. prattville is a solid uat town, and it would be nice to tap into that potential. he'd be able to influence a number of athletes towards au.; 9:15 AM
AUBigCat said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 9:17 AM
Anonymous said...: Cory, I made that comment about Bill Clark 2 days ago. Nobody seemed to like the fact that Clark has not yet coached a college game. Nevertheless, he is one hell of a good coach, a great motivator and was the one that devised the scheme that shut Julio Jones down two years in a row during the state 6A playoffs. I would like to see Clark as a def. sec. coach and yes, he has terrific ties to all of the state H. S. coaches.; 9:19 AM
Roland said...: Wasn't the current staff backing off Petey a bit anyway?; 9:23 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Mac: Absolutely.

I think Alabama was starting to back off as well.; 9:26 AM
Anonymous said...: Great morning to all the Hotties....; 9:33 AM
Roland said...: Just from his comments it seems like there may be a bit of an attitude problem. At the least he's not very diplomatic.; 9:33 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Petey said goodbye to Auburn and hello to Alabama ... but has Alabama offered?

I'd like to see confirmation on that.; 9:34 AM
Roland said...: It seems that the new staff is backing off most of the Tubby guys.; 9:34 AM
Roland said...: Wonder what E. Smith thinks about all of this?; 9:35 AM
AUWade said...: Call me crazy, but could Willis leaving be a blessing is disguise? It looks like all of the recruits we expected him to save by re-hiring went elsewhere anyway. Why is he considered this great recruiter? I see no evidence.
It seems he may not be a great position coach either, though I have no way to know. Just juding by the LB play the past few seasons. I just don't see it as a big loss other than the timing.; 9:36 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Morning Hotties,

I know I don’t do much of this, but I thought it necessary that I give my commentary on the recent happenings concerning the departure of James Willis….

Commentary:

First and foremost as I understand this is a business and we understand Coaches come on go but this just stings and cuts to the core concerning how Auburn is viewed by itself and people in the state and nationally. Weather it was about money, severance pay of just plain pissed-off; Coach Willis had a choice, when the following items happened:

1. All coaches we let go
2. Had over two weeks to find another coaching position
3. He was hired back
4. Negotiated his own pay

One cannot be mad because others are making more than you are, as he was the only coach that was not negotiating from a point of power as he was jobless.

This is the only thing that matters in the true since of the word, he decided to make a change, for better or worst, it was his decision, and no one or person can be mad at Auburn Officials for his decision.

Coach James Willis will be forever; right or wrong, hated at his alma mater, by officials, alumni and fans alike, and that is what’s sad about all of this.

Auburn University is bigger than one person, and official, coach or fan…

One thought will be burning in the minds of the Auburn Family come November…..

GAME ON!!; 9:37 AM
Roland said...: LB's have only been acceptable with Willis. Hopefully that was coaching and not the talent level.; 9:40 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Jay G.
I was asking myself the same thing, plus i think UAT, has some young talent and depth at LB's.... but what do I know... i just watch the games!!!; 9:42 AM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: Not to play drive-by analyst, but I wonder if Willis suffers from the same megalomaniacal ego complex as some of these recruits. He was a hold over that Chiz was clearly luke warm on bringing back. The new hot shots (Trooper and Luper) are getting all the love and attention. He knows his name is kind of boring and doesn't even rhyme with Super Dooper Trooper Luper.

Maybe he called Saban first maybe not. But the timing and destination has the hallmark of a move motivate by immaturity, not one based upon moving up the professional ladder.; 9:43 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Willis definitely is not a megalomaniac.; 9:46 AM
Unknown said...: If Coach Willis was harboring bitterness over the firing and rehiring then I'd rather have him go somewhere else. Alabama would not be my choice but I would not want him on the team and perhaps not giving 100% to coaching and recruiting because of the bitterness.; 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...: At the end of the day, I think Auburn will be fine.; 9:51 AM
Anonymous said...: I also think that there is more fireworks to come.; 9:53 AM
Aubie said...: I have to say, this whole Willis thing infuriates me. My random thoughts:
1. Shows lack of maturity on Willis' part. To make a rash move like this for a short term monetary gain is not smart. The long term effects this will have on him and his reputation at his alma mater are very bad.

2. Either he didn't get advice, or got very bad advice. This is not just a job at a school. It is a job at your alma mater and you left at the worst possible time to go to work for the hated rival. This is Judas!

3. James - kiss your wife and kid, hand them a picture of you, and tell them you will see them when you leave SaBear's staff. Say goodbye to family time with dad, young Jalen. Maybe the Big Brother program can hook you up with someone.

My prediction... He and his family will regret this decision for the rest of his life.; 9:57 AM
eaglesteeler said...: A couple of observations:

1. its almost comical to remember reading the blogs and forum chatter saying a few months ago how AU HAS to retain their BEST recruiter, an AU man, a good coach, etc.. Now he didnt coach the LBs well, he didn't really recruit that well either...

2. If he REALLY wanted to stay at AU, he wouldnt have jumped this quick and would have at LEAST attempted to go to CGC or if what we have heard that it was WILLIS who called Saban, then he just wanted out.

the problem I have is that Willis could have NEVER been retained, if Chizik or the PTB didn't want him to stay. So everything didn't look rosey to him after all the dust had settled. If he loved AU he would NOT have done this by going to AL AND in the last 2 weeks of recruiting...; 9:57 AM
AUBigCat said...: Well a couple of comments:

-Let's all hope that CJW is just an averae coach because he is about to get a pretty good group of LBs at UA.

-CJW may have gotten killed last year recruiting Mobile but this year he did a pretty good job of getting many of the best players from that area: Cotton, Coleman, James, etc. Either way, that is a pretty big blow until one of the new guys gets his feet in the door down there.; 9:57 AM
tigercowboy said...: The worst thing is the timing...I agree everyone was excited about him staying because we felt it would help secure recruits. Did it really help???

The bottom line is I don't think CGC is a fool and it makes you think he did not think a lot about Willis ability or he would have held him over from the start. I think he got pressure from people to keep Willis, which seemed to be the smart thing at the time. Timing and pr is what Chiz is hating right now. It is not the quality of the recruiter or coach that he lost that bothers him.; 10:02 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: AU BigCat,
TRust me Trooper Taylor has been down here and will recruit it very hard.... it takes time to establish relationships but now is the time for Auburn to "Carpe Diem"

I have been and will await to see the final tally, but this staff is out busting their butts to recruit and get the 'jimmy's and joe's" to come to Auburn no matter how high profile, they are going after them...

Always remember "If you can't hang with the BIG DOGS, then stay on the porch and bark with the little ones"; 10:03 AM
Aubie said...: This all kind of reminds me of the Bill Oliver saga. Bammers still refer to him as Benedict and they don't like him. Most AU fans I know don't really trust or like him either.
He is respected as a coach, just not liked or trusted by either.; 10:04 AM
Monica said...: That was my question at the crack of dawn - has bama offered Petey??

Has this Willis thing been cooking since last summer?; 10:05 AM
Will said...: Hey Jay G, on a different note, any word on how Tyronne Green is doing down in Mobile?

For those who love this recruiting star business TG was a 2 star pick as a DL. He now has the most important (week long) job interview of his career. I hope he does well and gets a shot at making a roster.; 10:05 AM
Monica said...: Y'all are wearing me out with these novels you're writing! Jet when you get here will you give me the Cliff's notes??; 10:06 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Mon.
Sorry just had to vent darling!!!; 10:07 AM
Will said...: It says on Rivals that P. Smith holds an offer from UAT.; 10:08 AM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: Whether psychopathology or immaturity explains it, I don't see any meaningful professional justification for the timing of this move. Signing up with the enemy two weeks before signing day is nothing but a dagger in the back of an institution that has done much for JW. Even IF the (horrific and scary) rumors about JJ making him repay the severance are true, then it still falls on JW. He didn't have to, and should not have, accepted the job from Chiz if his feelings were hurt. It's on him.

As for JJ, if the rumor is true, then we have more than ample evidence of a pattern of HORRIBLE management and glaring mistakes. How many chances does the guy get to pull the wrong lever on the factory line before he's sh!t canned???; 10:08 AM
Jim in Scranton said...: Why is it so hard to believe that Willis did this for purely professional reasons? If you were a football coach, would you rather have on your resume: Coached LB for Gene Chizik (5-19 record) or coached LB for Nick Saban (2 SECC and 1 MNC)?

I'm still pissed about it, but I can't blame him if he felt that is what he had to do in order to advance his career.; 10:09 AM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Mobilz...I thought that was - stay under the porch with the little ones!; 10:10 AM
Monica said...: I thought it was "keep your puppy a** on the porch"; 10:12 AM
Aubie said...: Cliff Notes for Mon:
James Willis made me mad.
The End
:); 10:13 AM
Anonymous said...: Agreed, WYTBW. I said yesterday that JW should have never accepted CGC's offer if he wasn't happy.; 10:13 AM
michael said...: Some of these responses to Willis' betrayal/lack of respect in leaving remind me of Norm Macdonald's old prisoner bit:

"You fellas have a lot of growing up to do, I'll tell you that. Ridiculous. Completely ridiculous. Can you believe these characters? Way out of line. Way out of line. Have a good mind to go to the warden about this. You know what hurts the most is the... the lack of respect. You know? That's what hurts the most. Except for the... Except for the other thing. That hurts the most. But the lack of respect hurts the second most. "; 10:13 AM
Monica said...: You rawk, Aubie!; 10:14 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Mon,
I have a story to relay similar to the Petey Smith situation....

A few years ago i had a PM that worked for me come into my office and while i was on my computer starting asking me questions concerning this general contractor, so it finally dawned on me that it sounded like he was about to resign, so i asked him was he trying to tell me that, and he was like i think so, so i told him well you need to call them and tell them you will be starting tomorrow cuz you don't work here anymore... adn he had the gaul to say let me check with them... i said it doesn't matter cuz i letting you go now.....

Moral to the story.... " don't let your mouth write a check that your ass can't cash"; 10:16 AM
Will said...: Jim in S, my only issues with Willis are who he went to and why he decided to do it.

This is silly, but I was once offered a position at Bryant Bank, by a close friend and mentor. I went home and thought about it for a while and a friend opened my eyes for me. He said, just think, a portion of every dollar you earn for your employer will go to aid the UAT football program in some way. COULDN'T DO IT!; 10:17 AM
Anonymous said...: Good for you, Will! And, a better offer probably came along.; 10:19 AM
AUBigCat said...: Jim in Scranton when I see your name all I can hear is that SNL skit of the VP debate with Biden and Palin. LOL But I agree with your point.; 10:20 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: So is Bryant Bank looking for bailout money to funnel to bammer athletics?; 10:21 AM
AUBigCat said...: Mobilz you are on those 'ol skool' saying today! I love it; 10:22 AM
Aubie said...: I have worked in Corporate America for a long time, so I understand how the severence thing works.

It is normal operating procedure that if you are re-hired you don't get the entire severance.

Sounds like James was greedy and made a horrible, stupid, idiotic, immature, irrational, ignoramus, bonehead, crappy, foolish, dumb, shortsighted, satan influenced, taliban, horrendous decision.

but I'm not bitter.; 10:22 AM
Anonymous said...: LOL, TarHeel; 10:23 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Michael, your Norm MacDonald reference is the highlight of this whole situation.; 10:24 AM
Aubie said...: AUnMobile,
You had a Prime Minister who worked for you?!
What country do you run?; 10:25 AM
AUBigCat said...: Bridge
_______

Willis = water

So any guesses for our new LB coach?; 10:26 AM
Anonymous said...: AUBigCat,I asked that earlier and never got an answer. And, what about a secondary coach?; 10:28 AM
Aubie said...: Possible new LB coaches:
Leroy Jordan
Saban's wife
Paul Bryant Jr
Paul Bryant's skeletel remains
Cornelius Bennett; 10:28 AM
Aubie said...: ...but I'm not bitter; 10:29 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Aubie,
PM= Project Manager...

But i did feel like the KING when i let him go...hahahahaha!

AUBigCat... when stuff like this happens it always makes me remember my Grandmothers little sayings....

"be like the turkey that got away"

I still haven't figured that one out yet, lol!; 10:31 AM
mrdude said...: they're not going to hire another LB coach. Roof will be the LB coach. There will either be two DB coaches or we'll hire another DL coach.; 10:39 AM
Unknown said...: This surprised me, but it is consistent with what I understood the ramifications would be of Tuberville leaving. Auburn is no longer seen as a great place to coach. The damage started with Jetgate and has only increased. This is just another example and I suppose a reality check for some. When you have a head coach that is viewed as very successful and he is chased off, this is the result. Muschamp leaving was another part of this story. The saga continues.; 10:43 AM
michael said...: Yeah, you barners are screwed!; 10:50 AM
j-z said...: "You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months over-analyzing a situation, trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened. Or you can just leave the pieces on the floor & move on." - Tupac; 10:53 AM
KJtiger said...: This is very shocking to me as well. It just does not make sense. I know he will make around 675k a year and be associate head coach but to go to bama. Im just shaking my head. Live to punt I disagree about the perception of auburn. I think we buy into the local media's hype what Auburn is and do not fight hard enough to define what auburn is. I think on a national stage we are perceived ok. It seems that CGC has put together a pretty good staff. What I heard about willis is he did not think he was a good fit on the new staff.; 10:53 AM
Anonymous said...: Wow so I totally didn't realize the comments went to a second page last night, I thought I was being censored for no reason haha.

Anyway... I think Shane Beamer and/or Whitt Jr. would be great pick ups for the coaching staff. I know Jr doesn't typically coach the secondary but Mean Gene does and he is an awesome recruiter.; 10:55 AM
Anonymous said...: Beamer is at South Carolina and Jr is with the Packers as a Quality Control scout I believe. In other words, he breaks down and analyzes film of opposing offenses, as I understand it.; 10:56 AM
Big MikeZ16 said...: About "whatchoo talkin bout" Willis..

Never matters much in the end - leave, stay, just make a decision.

Now who's the new LB coach.; 10:58 AM
Will said...: Change, shhhh. I guess change is good for any of us. Whatever it takes for any of y'all ******* to get up out da' hood...Shhhh, I'm wit' ya'. I ain't mad atcha', got nothin but love fo' ya. Do ya' thang boy.

-Tupac; 11:02 AM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Geez Zteve is the sky always falling?

I've got this business proposal that I'm working on. Would you pick it apart if I send it to you? I believe I've thought of everything but with your keen eye for the negative I'm sure I've missed something.; 11:03 AM
atlantatiger said...: Really dont care about Petey. Fat linebacker. Tana Patrick is numero uno in my book,; 11:04 AM
Jet said...: Everyboy cowboy movie needs a guy with a black hat ... James Willis just put one on for us.

That's all ... Let's move on.

You can argue about motivation, class, dignity, blame. It doesn't matter. When they answer the phone at the Auburn football facility and someone asks for him ... the answer is simple.

He doesn't work here anymore.

If this was about severence pay, then I suggest the next installment be paid in person next November.; 11:06 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I love the name/pronunciation
tuh NAY; it sounds much tougher, cooler, and intimidating than pete; 11:07 AM
AUBigCat said...: I think that Tupac quote is a HABOTN 1st! Good job j-z... but I would have figured you for some of Hova's pearls of wisdom?

Willis is making 675k??? WOW!; 11:07 AM
atlantatiger said...: I really think Chizik had the right idea in the first place in not letting any of tubs staff stay, but all the AU people were up in arms that he let Willis go. So Chizik had the right id3ea. Also i think Willis got his feeling hurt because trooper and luper and rocker are the real deal coaches. He is jelous.; 11:09 AM
Jet said...: When I think of Petey, I think of that dude who's on "Scrubs" as the whiny, fumbling running back on Remember the Titans.; 11:09 AM
Alan said...: Steve,
You've been listening to Finebaum or some other Alabama media member too much. Didn't saban just have two coaches leave for other schools?

If you don't think Auburn is desirable, then why did Mike Leach and Turner Gill wanna crawl to get here?

Are you sure you are not a closet Bama fan? Or are you just a big Tuberville apologist? You do know that when Jetgate happened that Tubs probably deserved to go because he had underachieved at that point. The problem was with how we went about it which is about how 85% of the other schools do.
I'm glad we didn't do that with this search and now I like how we do things in the open.; 11:10 AM
Jet said...: Facebook friends of Tyrik Rollison, of which I am one, MUST check out his status.; 11:10 AM
j-z said...: "When the grass is cut, the snakes will show." Jay-Z

Better BigCat?; 11:11 AM
michael said...: I heard Willis had an affair with Lowder's daughter.; 11:11 AM
AUBigCat said...: If I never see another 6 ft LB in an Auburn uniform it will be 4 months to soon. Good luck Petey. I hope you brother runs over you and knocks your two front teeth out. Just kidding Petey...sorta; 11:12 AM
michael said...: Can you let those of us who are only indirect internet stalkers know what the status says, Jet?; 11:12 AM
AUBigCat said...: J-Z...that's what I'm talking bout!!! Hova Hova Hova Hova!; 11:13 AM
Anonymous said...: Tupac spelled backwards = CAPUT; 11:13 AM
j-z said...: C'mon Jet, he hasn't added me yet. Hook a brutha up.; 11:14 AM
Jet said...: Oh, I will ... later ... I want Monica to get the full shock value herself.; 11:14 AM
Harrison said...: Will, I bet you're a better rapper than Joaquin Phoenix; 11:15 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11:15 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11:16 AM
Jet said...: Harrison ... you know I'm the rapper in diz Hizzle.; 11:16 AM
michael said...: jet, she is omnica. When you post it, she will feel it and report immediately to HABOTN; 11:17 AM
Harrison said...: can we have a rap war. like biggie vs tupac. east coast/ west coast. Will vs. Jet; 11:18 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jet- The fact that you are friends with Tyrik is borderline scary man :).; 11:18 AM
Jet said...: Let's just say Tyrik expresses some interest in Auburn via Facebook.; 11:19 AM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: in honor of coach willis, i am wearing my (2nd) favorite t-shirt today. The front has a picture of john cleese in medieval garb with a caption that says "i f*rt in your general direction"; 11:19 AM
Jet said...: Hey, I am the Notorious J.E.T.; 11:20 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jet- for all us "uncool" people, go ahead and share what is exactly on his facebook page.; 11:21 AM
Jet said...: Eddie ... I'm done stalking coaches ... for now ... I've people to bump into ... hands to shake.

You know me, I believe in the future of America ... our youth deserve our support.; 11:21 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jet- If you are for the Youth, you better change your Rove pic to Obama :).; 11:22 AM
Harrison said...: Jet, you may be disappointed in my alegience to Will. He and I drink a lot of beer and watch sports together most weekends; 11:22 AM
Jet said...: There's a word, Eduardo, that would be entirely N-appropriate for me to put on there, but it's good to know that Auburn is on his mind.; 11:22 AM
Jet said...: Politics is about reinvention ... Rove is now for the youth.; 11:23 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Rove came in second in a Rush Limbaugh look a like contest.; 11:24 AM
Unknown said...: Wow, it hadn't seen the childish referring to people as Bama fans on here before. I thought those types were reserved for the al.com forums. Perhaps they are lost.

As for listening to Finebaum, wrong again. You seem to be out of touch. This is not about how Auburn is viewed on a local scale.; 11:24 AM
Jet said...: Eduardo ...

sent you a message via FB; 11:26 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- I don't think the Willis story will make many ripples other than Alabama. Sorry, its just an assistant coach going to a rival, nothing more. It's not even mentioned on the radio here in Atlanta.; 11:27 AM
Unknown said...: As for coaches leaving Alabama, that is a very good point, because the problem is similar with them. They have achieved the same level nationally as we have. I guess I can explain it best in a description I use to hear about a company in Huntsville, "It is a good place to be from".; 11:28 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, this will not have a ripple on the nation scale but is only confirmation of how coaching at Auburn is now viewed.; 11:29 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Thanks Jet.; 11:29 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: any news on WR DeAngelo Benton from Bastrop who signed with LSU twice, in his 2nd yr at Hargrave; almost visited AU a few weeks ago.

Scout lists med interest in AU but doesn't list any other schools.; 11:30 AM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: I saw a reference in one of the al.com articles to a "CJ Moseley" in the Mobile article that will be a huge recruit in 2010. Does anyone know if that's Clint's brother?; 11:31 AM
DoWhat? said...: WR Cobi Hamilton is out of the picture, he had Texas and Arkansas as his final 2 even though AU's coaches visited with him yesterday. Sounds like it is a matter of being close to home.; 11:32 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: it is not. C.J. Moseley is from Theodore; 11:32 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: WYTBW-

Scout 1* MLB CJ Moseley currently has offers from Auburn and Stanford, not from Bama, LSU, or TN, all of which are listed as "Medium" interest on Scout; 11:35 AM
Alan said...: Steve you can call what I say childish, but all I know is that you sound like most Bama fans that I come across here in the Gump. I don't mean to attack you personally but ill defend Auburn vigorously yil the day I die.

Do we make mistakes, yes, every institution does. But to say Auburn isn't desirable because Willis left or because we hired Chizik is just a narrowminded irrationalization. And don't even get me started about the al.com forums as I have been with Jay G ever since this blog started. I consider him a friend; 11:37 AM
Anonymous said...: Jay G,
Have you heard about how the current players are handling it?
The talk shows have been hitting the recruiting implications hard all morning, but have failed to say anything about how it has affected the current players.

I would think having a Coach that has worked with many of them for 3 years now leave for the in-state rival would have some of them worked up right now. But I haven't heard anything about it.

This just makes the rivalry that much more intense.; 11:48 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: FYI: I'll be on WMSP out of Montgomery just after noon ... and on D&B's show out of Birmingham around 2:20.; 11:51 AM
Alan said...: Yeah I don't think Stevens or Bynes are too thrilled about this now. I think they'll get better coaching now though.; 11:52 AM
Anonymous said...: jaywall, I hope they're p***ed off about it and will vent that anger in Nov.; 11:55 AM
Big MikeZ16 said...: It would be a sad statement that our guys need an incentive such as this to be extra stoked in Nov.; 11:58 AM
Unknown said...: I never said the following so you seem to be out of touch. Read again. Reading is fundamental.

Do we make mistakes, yes, every institution does. But to say Auburn isn't desirable because Willis left or because we hired Chizik is just a narrowminded irrationalization.; 11:59 AM
Seanzie said...: So I woke up from a painkiller induced coma post dental work yesterday to discover that James Willis has defected. I wonder if he'll get one of those vanity UA plates with the special message on it (J-U-D-A-S).

In other news, it seems our recruiting situation isn't as dire as I once thought. Signing day will be big for Auburn, I predict.; 12:02 PM
Unknown said...: I don't know enough about this to criticize Willis, althuogh his actions do seem vengeful. This along with the departure or Tuberville and Muschamp make me wonder if there are still issues with the athletic department that were not addressed with replacing Howell and the president. This slippery slop Auburn has been in really started with what went on with Bowden. I am of the firm opinion that something needs to be done with our athletic department so that situations like this do not repeatedly occur.; 12:07 PM
riskman108 said...: Jay G Tate is about to be on the Roundtable.....; 12:11 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Is there a link to that riskman?; 12:12 PM
Alan said...: You said Auburn is less than desirable and I defended against that. Yes, reading is fundamental. Having to talk to you is as well.
Ill just do what I told myself awhile back, and that is just to ignore you. I'm more of a glass full type guy anyway.; 12:13 PM
riskman108 said...: http://www.sportsradio740.com/; 12:14 PM
astatguy said...: In the grand scheme of things Willis' leaving isn't that big of a deal. The hay is pretty much in the barn for most recruiting classes this year. He's just a linebacker coach. He was a good player at Auburn, and an good journeyman in the NFL, but nothing to compare with Sully, Beasly, or Rocker (who's on the staff). Bottom line = Assistant coach got a new job. It's time to hire another assistant coach.; 12:14 PM
riskman108 said...: Jay needs to have his volume turned up...; 12:16 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: ZteveFC - I expect this sort is prominant all over the country and if you spent time on their blogs you'd see similar. The top programs experience as much or more "defections" and lack of "loyalty" but because their coaches are getting new opportunities because of their team success.

Ours happens to occur at the moment because of mediocrity but with a little success we'll see the same thing.

The great HCs retool and have the next coodinator in waiting already on their staff. We've never experienced that with team BBQ. AU would be a "better" place to coach if anyone was being promoted to HC from within the ranks. I expect Chiz is aware of those possibilities with this staff.; 12:17 PM
Alan said...: Tana Patrick will be at Bama next year.

If you don't believe me, just ask his girlfriend where she just got her scholarship from.

Saban is good, dirty but good.; 12:19 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Thanks riskman; 12:19 PM
Griff said...: Back in November, UAT walked into our house, unannounced, and crapped on the living room floor. Chuckled, and left.

Yesterday, they came back and rubbed our nose in it.; 12:26 PM
astatguy said...: Tim Brando of ESPN thinks our next head coach will be a promotion from within. He predicted we'll start next season 0-3, fire Chizek and promote Malzahn. But he's from LSU, so take that prediction with a spoonful of couche couche.; 12:27 PM
michael said...: that was schlabach I believe, not CBS's brando; 12:29 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Brando must think Tubbs is still in the house.; 12:30 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Chizik fired at 0-3?

After yesterday, I'll believe anything. If Auburn has any gray matter remaining after this mind-numbing two months, it would be wise to show some patience.; 12:32 PM
riskman108 said...: Brando is an idiot end of story...; 12:32 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: As long as Zteve isn't in charge of PR, we'll be fine.; 12:34 PM
astatguy said...: I'm really having trouble understanding the concern about Willis. He's just a linebacker coach who (I hear) thought he was entitled to keep his severance package. I see his point - he was fired. All that aside - he's just a linebacker coach, and he got a raise from Chizek, and another from Saban - he's a smart linebacker coach. In recruiting Saban was already kicking his tail all over Mobile, so what's the big loss? Except for the angst he's giving Auburn fans I'm having trouble understanding why Saban thought he was worth so much.; 12:34 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Astatguy -- my point exactly!

I'm sure some here are much more concerned than Chizik is about this. He moving forward, not looking behind.; 12:38 PM
Will said...: Anyone who thinks we go 0-3 should be hit in the back of the legs with a switch. We might not win very many games, but I'm feeling okay about LA Tech and MS ST. WVU will be trying to rebuild after Pat White's exit and Noel Devine pursues his career developing cancer curing rockets.; 12:40 PM
Jet said...: The beauty of the American way of life is that anybody has the right to express their opinion.

The curse of the American way of life is that right often reveals to us frequently that many of our neighbors and fellow citizens are absolute morons.

Chizik goes 0-3 and gets fired? I know he won't survive halftime of the third game.; 12:46 PM
AUBigCat said...: Will La Tech I think we can get. MSU and WV are kinda toss-ups at this point.; 12:49 PM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Big Cat, what are you baseing this on... we havn't even seen the offense, defense or anything?

A-Day will give a glimpse but no one knows not me or you!; 12:51 PM
Harrison said...: I think Miss.St. is not a gimme, but we will be favored and should win. I'm worried if Chiz can handle a close score in a big game.; 12:53 PM
Unknown said...: Big MikeZ16, I am not talking about normal staff turnover, but rather the impression of Auburn as a program. Believe it or not, Alabama has the exact same problem, although they spent a crap load of money to keep a good coach. It is yet to be seen whether their perception on a national scale will change.; 12:54 PM
Unknown said...: It is had to predict next season. I can see us being anywhere from 5-7 to 9-3, although I think it more likely that we will win around 7 or 8 games. Usually I can predict the number of wins within plus or minus a game, but this year is definitely different.; 12:56 PM
Unknown said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12:56 PM
Monica said...: It's so had, in fact, that he had to post it twice!; 12:58 PM
Norm said...: omnica alternates between amusing and amazing me.; 1:01 PM
Aubie said...: Omnica,
what is the special message on Tyrik's Facebook page?; 1:04 PM
tigercowboy said...: Mon,

Maybe he enjoyed it some much the first time, he had to do it again.; 1:05 PM
Anonymous said...: I know, gatiger, I literally LOL'ed at her last comment.; 1:05 PM
astatguy said...: I'm happy Chaz Ramsey will be pain free, but it's a shame to see his football career end. I'd love to know the "real" story behind Gamber's firing.; 1:05 PM
tigercowboy said...: You know who hates us losing Willis as much as we do.....Poor OSU, just when Gundy thought Chiz was finished violating his staff, he comes back for one more.; 1:06 PM
Aubie said...: Don't worry about Gundy.
He's a man. He's 41.
He can take it.; 1:07 PM
tigercowboy said...: I am guessing that Chizik isn't going to release the old, "We wish him the best of luck and he did great job for us here." statement. I would have loved to have heard the what he said when he played the message on his machine. You know Willis didn't have nuts enough to tell him face to face.; 1:11 PM
Deano "aka" Jimmy Joe Meeker "aka" Fat Elvis said...: Oh my God...could it be true that not everyone is as crazy as we fans are? For fun I like to blow off about how could one of our home grown guys leave for Bama. The reality is that as big of an Auburn fan as I am, if they wanted to give my family more money and better position.....well I would be buffing up on the Bear Bryant trivia. Football is fun but the real world is not fun and games..WDE; 1:11 PM
Deano "aka" Jimmy Joe Meeker "aka" Fat Elvis said...: As far as professionalism...are you kidding me. The man was fired. He was then rehired. If we wanted him that bad then we should of had the professionalism to not let him sit in limbo. It's just a man taking another job.; 1:13 PM
Aubie said...: One of my biggest fears -
My kids are pretty smart. SPUAT hands out full scholarships like food samples at Sam's.
What if my Auburn born and bred kids get offered a full ride at SPUAT, but nothing from AU?
I guess Dad has to work another 10 years.; 1:14 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: What's the news that's concerning Okie St?

Has the Chizel gone back to Stillwater for a D coach?

I expect AU to win some games next year and play in a decent bowl - Maybe the Chicken Sammich Bowl.

8 wins?; 1:15 PM
Monica said...: I am here to entertain and serve you all.

I'm not giving up anymore Facebook info. Y'all be dawgin me out too much lately!; 1:15 PM
TB said...: Rivals is saying Durst is leaving the team. Anybody got news on this?; 1:16 PM
Jet said...: Aubie ... just pray your kids write sarcastic notes on UAT returning letters and prepare to send them back before you intercept the mail ... then you can post them on the refrigerator like their art work from kindergarten days.

It could happen.; 1:16 PM
Aubie said...: Rumor on Durst is that CTT promised a sholarship. CGC has decided not to honor that promise.
Don't know if it's true, but that's what I heard.; 1:17 PM
Monica said...: Jet - You should do the following:

1. Scan those letters and post them on your Facebook for us to enjoy.

2. Get rid of that avatar.

Love and kisses,
Monica; 1:18 PM
Aubie said...: Jet,
I love that scenario.
This one is more likely:
I open the mail, write sarcastic responses, send them back, and never let my kids know they came at all.; 1:19 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Football is fun but the real world is not fun and games..WDE

DING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DINGDING DING DING DING DING

And "RECRUITS" are high school students.; 1:19 PM
ballin said...: Aubie I had the same problem. So I shipped the child off to Ole Miss.; 1:20 PM
Aubie said...: Have you ever read the book "Letters from a Nut".
Best Ever!
Guy writes fake letters to companies and gets responses.
Absolutely Hilarious!
Kiet Doke anyone?; 1:21 PM
Will said...: Durst has been gone from the team for about a week. It's true he was promised a schol by Tubs and Co. and this promise was not upheld by Chiz and Co. Durst thought it was prob an oversight and the new staff would get around to it after recruiting, staff addtns, etc. were done. He found out this was not the case and has left the team. From what I was told he only has a little course work to do at AU before graduation so he prob won't transfer. He'll finish his degree and try to make a pro roster next yr. If he doesn't make it, he'll always have a pretty cool story to tell.; 1:21 PM
Monica said...: Chris- you need to get your priorities straight.; 1:22 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Also, I now have the Military Channel and am watching a series chronicaling the NAVY SEALS TRAINING.

Talk about really REAL world.; 1:23 PM
Jet said...: Monica ...

1. This will give me a project for tonight -- after cooking dinner, cleaning up, washing clothes ... without any ofthe brother husbands' help.

2. I'm getting kinda attached to my new avatar.

Always a compassionate conservative,

Jet; 1:27 PM
Harrison said...: I hate that happened to Durst, he was good. I guess it makes sense, but it just seems crappy. Kind of like RayRay Mcelrathelbay at clemson.; 1:28 PM
Harrison said...: you guya have higher hopes than i do. The Chicken Sandwich bowl is a stretch I think. 7-5 would be a solid year; 1:29 PM
Will said...: I agree it's crappy. He could have been another non-question mark next yr for us.

I love Chicken Sammiches. We will win 7 or 8 games next yr and I will be riding MARTA to tha' Dome for our bowl game.; 1:32 PM
Aubie said...: On an unrelated note, Jeff Kent retired from baseball today. His mustache, however, will continue working in porn.; 1:32 PM
Unknown said...: Durst leaving is disappointing, but on the positive side, we didn't lose a lot of players to graduation. I think there is the potential for Chizik to have a very good first season.; 1:33 PM
Norm said...: For '09, I for one would have no problem with the Chicken Bowl. Easy commute for me. I may even be persuaded to purchase an adult beverage for some of you out of towners.

"May" should be stressed here.; 1:36 PM
Bfoster18 said...: Steve, with all due respect, a job that pays you $400 to $600K a year to be an assistant football coach is extremely desirable. In fact, a job like that is in the upper epsilon of college football. Willis wasn't getting that. Think he wanted it? Seriously, the multitude of events that have happened at Auburn had to happen at some point. Willis was one that they wanted out even back in '07. I know. Yet he survived that and lived to fight another day with another boss. Good for him. But at the same time, he's also a now playing with friends he spent the last two years trying to bust for unethical recruiting practices.

You go, James. That a way to beat the system.; 1:38 PM
Will said...: Hey Jet, did you ever give us a PG-13 version of the Tyrik Rollison entry on FB?; 1:38 PM
Unknown said...: I do think 7 or 8 wins are very realistic and 9 aren't out of the question. I would consider 8 wins next season to be the criteria for success.; 1:38 PM
Jet said...: Maybe I'm not such a compassionate conservative. I am opposed to issuing a scholarship at this time to anyone who we expect 100 percent of their contribution to be on special teams.; 1:39 PM
Aubie said...: Upper Epsilon?
Isn't their house down by Lambda Chi?; 1:40 PM