montgomeryadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:
1.21.2009

Willis leaves the program

How about that? I've now officially seen it all.

Assistant coach James Willis is leaving Auburn to coach at Alabama.

Here's what Willis had to say via a statement issued from UA:

"I'm excited about the opportunity to come and work with Coach Saban at the University of Alabama," Willis said in the statement. "He is one of the best defensive coaches in the game and this is a chance to gain some great experience and learn from the best. You don't get many chances like that in the coaching business. When you combine that opportunity with the history and tradition at Alabama, it was a decision that was best for me personally as well as professionally. I know my wife and the kids are as excited as I am to join Coach Saban's staff."

IF YOU'RE TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF THIS: ... good luck. I will say that James was shocked by being in limbo during the post-Tuberville period. I dismissed his shock as an acting job at the time. I'm not so sure now. I talked with him Sunday night and he didn't seem agitated. We even talked about the transition from Tuberville to Chizik. While he didn't seem particularly thrilled by (allegedly) not knowing what was happening during those first few days of Chizik's tenure, I never sensed that he was bitter. There is talk that his post-Tuberville severance package was an issue.

Willis isn't returning calls right now.

390 Comments:

1 – 200 of 390 Newer› Newest»
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm not happy. I can't believe he left his alma mater for the dark side.

5:47 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Yea. This is amazing to me.

5:48 PM  
Blogger Jim Rome said...

What a .....oh I can't type what I really think....

5:48 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Traitor traitor traitor
And no, you can't come back.

5:49 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

As I said on the last thread (I know, not good form) Willis + REC = tough time for AU.

5:49 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

This is why fans should never think a coach will or won't do ANYTHING.

5:49 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

and he takes a pot shot at AU and Chizik on his way out the door...

5:49 PM  
Blogger AUburnt2acrisp said...

where are you turner gill??

5:50 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

Willis - Just another form of prostitution.

5:50 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

I'm suprised that AU would let it happen, just from a PR standpoint. Even if it doesn't hurt them from coaching or recruiting (debatable). Sometimes perception is reality.

5:50 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Traitor is right. I will only say that because he is an alum. Otherwise, I wish him luck. Nope. He's a bamer now. Period.

5:50 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Monica, you're absolutely right.

I had someone credible tell me around noon that this was an "internet rumor."

I have a call to make ...

5:51 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Ok either Bama made him an offer he couldnt refuse or Willis really holds a grudge for being fired for a few days.

5:51 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

If he wants to leave, Spongy, no amount of money is going to abate his intentions.

5:52 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

Ask Rodney Garner if it's a good move to cross AU. If you want to come back, too bad. Now, what would be cool is if Chizik sent him that way as a mole. Now that would be brilliant.

5:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a tough business and yes, you can't tell what might happen next. All kinds of underhanded things go on behind the scenes, things that we as fans never know about.

5:52 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

sorry....just isn't in me to wish him any sort of success at all...

5:53 PM  
Blogger Spongeworthy said...

Chizik need to know he needs to fight dirty. Good wake up call.

5:53 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

Saban will do anything.

5:54 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

I cant call him a traitor until I know more about the details. I know that we were paying the new assistants some big bucks. Did Chiz offer Willis that kind of money? If not...

5:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jay G Tate, if he wanted to leave, why accept Chizik's offer?

5:54 PM  
Blogger barkley for governor said...

What a loser!!! This makes me regret he was ever part of the staff, because his heart was obviously not in it. I hope he's fired after his first year.

5:54 PM  
Blogger AUant said...

I would say we fight fire with fire...but honestly...is there anyone on the bama staff that we would really want???

5:54 PM  
Blogger AUfan said...

I had a former AU player tell me that rivalries mean more to the fans than they do to the players. I laughed him off. He was right. I am now really depressed.

5:55 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

He is a traitor BigCat. He could have left and gone elsewhere

5:55 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

AUant- heaven's no.

5:55 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Luv ... because Alabama didn't have an opening until just recently.

5:56 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Auburn Alum to bama = Traitor

There are other, better schools at which he could have coached if he wanted out that damn bad.

5:57 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

I'm surprised he went to Bama. Not surprised he left. I never knew what his coaching assignment was going to be. I think Willis was concerned, too, Then there's Cotton. We went and signed another QB this week. Something fishy there too.

5:57 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Roof to coach LB? Are we looking for DB coach?
David Gibbs just took a job as Houston Texans secondary coach. Do we want him back?

never mind.

5:57 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

With 4 linebackers coming in this weekend, this hurts. Watch to see if T. Patrick and P. Smith back out. Never saw this coming.

I was told (you know the friend of a friend thing) that Muschamp and Middleton suggested he not go.

5:58 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Money was a major issue here.

5:59 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Ballin...business is business. I need more details. I think Willis is very loyal...to CTT!

5:59 PM  
Blogger barkley for governor said...

I don't know how any high school kid could play for a guy who made the move from Auburn to Alabama. Does it get any more disloyal than that? I would rather play for osama bin laden.

5:59 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Well Saban got his Mobile connectionback and we lost ours.

6:00 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

No amount of money, not even Bill Gates kind of money, could entice me to go there. I'd eat an onion before I'd go there.

6:00 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I'm hearing that a post-Tuberville severance package was an issue ...

6:00 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Do you think Willis just burned his bridges? Learn from the best defensive mind....gag. Wait until he sees how Saban really treats his assistants. Do they even have a defensive coordinator?

6:01 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

only loyalty Willis has is to his wallet...

6:01 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

Willis = Prostitute

6:01 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

JGT who would be responsible for that package, Jacobs?

6:02 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Since UAT was already in the hunt for these LB's. this will sting.

I won't call him a traitor becasue it is business. I wil jsut say i am disappointed.

6:02 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Jay is Willis going to be the DC for Alabama??!!

6:02 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

Moving on... so now we have 2 open coaching spots... a DB coach and ??? What?
Assuming Roof coaches LBs?

6:03 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

eat an onion, huh? That's pretty crazy right there. Reel it in, Tar. This is a family blog.

6:04 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Wonder if he thought he was due the post severance package since he was let go. If that is the case, technically they did let him go didn't they? If so, they probably owed him the money. When he was 'hired back' maybe they felt they didn't owe him and he felt they did.

6:04 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Jacobs is the athletic director, so he'd govern stuff like that.

Tim Jackson is Jacobs' man on the ground in the football offices.

6:04 PM  
Blogger AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...

WOW!!!!
This is shocking.... not because Auburn will survive.... but be cause he left now and his alma mater!!!!

6:05 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

wtc: right on.

6:05 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

Saying it is just business doesn't get it. There still is a right and wrong way to do businees in this country....

Nevermind maybe this country is going to hell in a handbasket.

6:05 PM  
Blogger Wakeriderof87 said...

I think Willis was pretty upset with Auburn about the way something was handled just don't really know what.

Do we know what he was goin to make this year? Was he paid less than the rest of the assistants on staff?

6:06 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

On a side note, wasn't Willis that offered Pybus a scholly to fend off Duke?

I hope Pybus works out, but was he a chart topper?

6:06 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

stunned. wow.

6:07 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

eat an onion or go to UA-T:
the onion

eat an onion or drink cyanide:
cyanide

just sayin'

6:07 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

WTC I agree that I am disappointed too. But if Willis was not getting Trooper/Taylor money then I really cant blame him for wanting to leave. As far as going to Alabama... Saban is one of the few coaches in the game today that makes this a bigger decision than just Auburn v Alabama. You may only last a year but coaching under Saban is probably a career changer for the better.

6:07 PM  
Blogger AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...

Jay G.
form what i'm hearing JJ (strikes again remember the CWM crap about the tickets to chicken bowl) wanted him to pay back the severance package after he was brought back after the firing of all staff members

6:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Agreed, ballin. It's not about what's right anymore. It's about the Almight Dollar and it makes me sick.

6:07 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

he should have had enough respect for his alma mater to wait until after signing day to make the move... the timing was just vindictive, and an intentional attempt to hurt AU...

6:08 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

I don't want anyone to lay a finger on Willis as long as Mama is a live.

...

If you want to visit, James, I want 24 hours notice.

Good luck to you ... I hope we whip your butt from here to West Vance and back.

6:09 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

He definitely received a severance package of some kind after not being retained initially. They all did -- aside from Hugh Nall, who basically declined it.

6:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Almight = Almighty

6:09 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Miller, he's clearly angry about something. I think the reason has been discussed several times in these comments.

6:10 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

ok, i'm over it. How important to get a new coach before signing day?
Jay GT- will this be a name or an off the radar hire?

6:11 PM  
Blogger AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...

"Revenge is a dish best served cold"........

Pay Back is a MOTHER!!!!!

6:12 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Players might not have thought as deeply about the rivalry as fans, but Saban sure acted like the rivalry bothered him a little bit on the sidelines of the Iron Bowl. Saban will do ANYTHING to win. He is cut throat, underhanded, etc. His assistants have to watch their backs. Willis will come to regret this move one day.

6:12 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Jay,

Did UAT ask permission to speak with Willis?

6:12 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

Strike his name from the record books.

6:13 PM  
Blogger AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...

wtc:
Saban ask permission:
Bahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

6:13 PM  
Blogger tigerfan44 said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

6:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Welcome to the business side of sports and a quick middle finger!

Who was he recruiting?

6:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He will be an assistant head coach and LB Coach?

6:27 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

WHAT THE ???

6:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe that is why Coleman was wavering again?

6:28 PM  
Blogger tigerfan44 said...

Good question WTC. Anyone who reads my post knows I never liked Willis' on field coaching but when Saban picks one of our own it cuts deep.
Money is root of all evil and Saban is rich.

6:29 PM  
Blogger wartiger said...

I put alot of stock in the opinion of a few people here at the HABOTN. And those people had alot of respect for Coach Willis so this disappoints me...that being said this can't be good for him as a recruiter?..right?

6:29 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

OK... so we go hire a DB coach and... what will our new open coaching spot coach?

6:29 PM  
Blogger Miller said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

6:31 PM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

in my best scooby doo impression...


Huh?

6:31 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

I'm sure Oklahoma State is cussing Auburn for stealing their coaches and then recruiting the players they were after. So we need to freakin' suck it up and go kick his butt harder than anyone's on the recruiting trail and worse on the field. Yes, this hurts. No, I don't care if Willis' name is wiped from record at Auburn. College Football is a business. Nothing more. Here is your proof. He took the best opportunity available to him in his eyes. Only he has to live with the consequences of his actions.

Maybe Auburn just sent him on loan for a few years to learn how to buy a recruits' second cousin's aunt's cat an Escalade and keep it legal. $aban is apparently a Jedi master of the $100 handshake as well.

See ya Darth Willis...

Vader managed to redeem himself, I somehow doubt Willis can ever do the same....unless he is the one who lands Bama with a death sentence...

6:32 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

ballin - I admire your passion on this issue. lol

6:33 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Does he sit in the coaches box during the games? Can you imagine the reception he will get next season when he has to return to Auburn? At least we will have a few months to simmer down.

6:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Couple of things...

Kirby Smart is the "official" DC...

Saban is the de facto DC..

I'm as shocked as everyone else.

There must be some bad blood between Chizik and Willis.

6:33 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

test

6:34 PM  
Blogger tigerfan44 said...

I know it is business but Willis will regret this move when bammer loses a game. Who do you think will get the blame? Them bammers can crazy, no offense FSJ, you are not typical. It will be rough on his family. He is all smiles now but just wait for that first loss.

6:35 PM  
Blogger AUant said...

Done Deal!!! Willis is gone...lets do something fun...like speculate on his replacement and if it will be another LB coach or will we split the two DB coaches and let Roof coach LBs.

6:36 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

FSJ i think there is bad blood between Willis and Jacobs.

I dont know much about Jacobs or Chiz but I know that Willis gave a lot to Auburn both on and off the field. I cant write him off without hearing his side of the story.

6:37 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Does anyone think he approached UAT? I was asking about the permission thing because I do not know the rules (guidelines, protocol) to this issue. I mean we asked permission to speak with Luper and Taylor. Just wondering.

6:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gang, this is as big an indictment of the shape of the program at Auburn as anything that has taken place the last few months.

I was not as enamored with JW as many others, but it was clear he was talented and would work well in this staff. Now, Auburn is left wondering why for the 3rd time in 3 months.

6:39 PM  
Blogger BinOBA said...

Well burn my damn biscuits, there was fire there amid all that smoke after all. I'm gettin to where i won't believe a thing til i see em' line up and play in late august.

6:39 PM  
Blogger AUfan said...

We need some words of wisdom from Patrick Fain Dye.

6:39 PM  
Blogger Alan said...

Willis is the one who called Bama and Saban about this.

He is dead to me.

No matter what happened between him, gene, and Jacobs, you just don't leave your alma mater 2 weeks before signing day. This will hurt short term because of recruiting but will help long term because his coaching left a lot to be desired.

Like I said, he is dead to me.

I'm glad you went pro before the undefeated 93 season. You lost at Auburn when you played and you are gonna lose now.

Funny how we have had 6 non winning seasons in 30 years and James was apart of 3 of them.

6:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This came from nowhere. I'm afraid this will hurt recruiting over the next 2 weeks, but weren't we famous for not doing well in the Mobile area last year anyways??? Like it or not, he's gone now. I have always liked Willis and I'm afraid AU just dropped the ball by ever letting him go if they planned on hiring him back. I think he would have taken the first offer to get out of that place. Think about it, he'll have a new boss no matter where he is. You have to admit that UA appears to be on the uptick while AU looks to be right where they have always been. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I would have done the same thing. After all, this is his job we're talking about. College football has become just like corporate America. There is no allegiance and money talks. I think he made a wise move. I hate to say it, but i wish him well. No hard feelings here.

6:40 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

If Jacobs or Jackson asked for the severance package back, THEY should be terminated. If it is not inthe contract, shut your pie hole about it and move on.

If that is the case, this will fall squarely on their heads. Maybe something will come out soon.

6:41 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Well if this is how he wants to play it, the buh-bye.

If there is an issue between him and the new staff or him and the administration, I would rather it happen now then have a bunch of crap flair up during the season.

6:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For some reason a smaller scale of Rich Rodriquez comes to mind.

6:43 PM  
Blogger AUfan said...

JJ and Tim Jackson are qualified to put the cushions on seats before home games. Nothing else. Now, back to hating on Willis and his new Bama brethern.

6:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is there a "no take back policy?"

6:44 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Same here. No hard feelngs. I wasn't mad when Middelton went to UAT so I am not mad about this. I am disappointed with the timing though. We should know by Thursday if this hurts our visitors list for this weekend.

6:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well...I'm not certain whether to be thrilled with the hire or not.

I know Willis is a good but raw recruiter...

Have no idea about his coaching ability.

And by the way....for enough money, I'd coach at Auburn.

6:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

But FSJ, can you recruit?

6:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This class's crowning players may be a 2A quarterback and a 1A "athlete" when it is all said and done.

Nothing against those guys, but c'mon

6:48 PM  
Blogger barkley for governor said...

If you were already a coach at Alabama?

6:49 PM  
Blogger riskman108 said...

What TV station in Auburn is carrying the Auburn Vs. Kentucky game tonight? Also what time is it on... thanks!!!

6:49 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

I just hope Darth Willis is ready for when we throw a crossing pattern over the middle (where his LB should have been) to win the Iron Bowl. Other teams ate our LBs up all year on that and Bama better get ready for the same.

If JJ is behind this, can him now. He can run off coaches quicker than a Pensacola stripper.

6:50 PM  
Blogger tigerfan44 said...

JJ so you are glad he is gone.

6:55 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

Mon I haven't been fired up in a while but this did it for me.

I am afraid that Willis is a product of the environment in this country today. The what is in it for me mentality. What can I do for gain for myself and I mean right now? The lack of ethical behavior. There is no honor, loyalty, or sacrifice?

Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask when or they gonna do it and how much am I gonna get.

This ME society makes me sick, but mostly it makes me sad.

OK thru with the rant.

6:56 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

He has burned those bridges. I think it is safe to say that Willis will never be a coach at Auburn again. Oh well. Time to move on. He was just a DB coach. There's other coaches out there. I doubt he was out recruiting today for Auburn, and there seems to be a lot of activity with the plane today, so recruiting still continues. Auburn will be fine without Willis, not sure Willis can say the same!

6:57 PM  
Blogger AUant said...

With the job that Chizik has done so far in hiring coaches, I'm not really concerned about losing Willis. I'm pretty sure he will find someone at least his equal or better. I get the feeling that he only hired him back to calm the fans. To allow him to leave only means that he must have someone better in the wings!!!

6:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it true that this is all over $70,000?

This is perfect. On the first day of Socialist Czar Obama's reign, we get this.

7:00 PM  
Blogger scott,will not,from tucson said...

this is on jacobs.

7:00 PM  
Blogger DoWhat? said...

You know lately I have not seen much about Willis being on the Recruiting Trail. It has all been Taylor, Luper and Boulware. Did anybody else notice that?

7:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It is a clean break from the old and in with the new. I am looking at it that way.

Completely fresh start. Bad timing for recruiting that is all. But this is a long term fix.

Next!

7:01 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

I agree Ant. I'm not worried about finding his replacement. Time to move on.

7:01 PM  
Blogger scott,will not,from tucson said...

gnome, this is not a political site. go elsewhere.

7:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

DoWhat - You make a good point as a matter of fact.

7:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

AU1N04....

I'm an excellent recruiter...


Barkley....I wouldn't leave Alabama for Auburn UNLESS there was some bad blood....

7:03 PM  
Blogger ron mexico said...

well we now see how valuable the mobile area is to Saban...

I say we hire Joe Whitt back and send him down here...

"Oh James Willis came by to see you today, I taught him everything he knows."

7:04 PM  
Blogger BinOBA said...

Willis was a great recruiter, that is all. We've got a couple other great recruiters right now.

7:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Scott,

How is this on Jacobs?

7:04 PM  
Blogger ballin said...

FSJ you have already left Bama. It is OK to admit it.

7:05 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

I wouldn't call Willis a "Great" recruiter. Who has he recruited to Auburn lately? I think he worked hard to recruit.

7:08 PM  
Blogger WarEagleRK said...

What's done is done.

This is surprising, but you can't trust anyone in the coaching business.

7:09 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Can we really blame this on lack of ethical behavior, honor and loyalty after watching what xCTT went through with "the establishment" for 6 of his 10 years here?

7:11 PM  
Blogger Alan said...

This was a punch to us and I kinda like it.

No holds barred now. Its about to get even nastier. Trooper and luper will run circles aroung Willis next year in mobile.

7:12 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Coleman: 'I don't think I'm even going to mess with Auburn now'

Now I'm getting a little tired of this kid's attitude.

7:13 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Willis left Auburn. Auburn didn't leave Willis.

7:14 PM  
Blogger J. Kev said...

Screw him. Freaking traitor.

7:15 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

I have no doubt Willis was working hard to get players out of Mobile, but Auburn hasn't accomplished much in lower Alabama lately.

Marks was a diamond-in-the-rough. Coleman was a big-time get, but that's on Joe Whitt Sr.

Mike McNeil? Spencer Pybus?

I'm not trashing Willis. I like him a lot. I'm just saying ... the results don't match the "ace recruiter" reputation.

7:16 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Thank you Jay GT. That's what I thought too. Now Coleman doesn't know if he is going to fool with Auburn. I think his uncle needs to jerk him up by the seat of his pants.

7:18 PM  
Blogger Alan said...

Agree completely Jay. He was nowhere close to Joe whitt sr in those regards.

7:23 PM  
Blogger eaglesteeler said...

Ok all of you who have good sources.

We need to know the following:

1. Did Willis make the call?
2. Did Willis have a problem with Chizik or JJ?

no guessing or I'll find you and haunt you. I am tired of all the rumors and guesses.

7:25 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Also worth noting about recruiting in Mobile: Willis was an Auburn assistant going against the Alabama head coach.

That's a tough battle to win.

7:26 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Eagle, good luck with your search for "facts" on this one.

7:27 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

Joe Whitt Jr?

7:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can we campfire? I feel the need to fuss this out of my system.

7:35 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

If Joe Whitt still wants to coach/recruit, I'd love to have him back on staff. I was very disappointed when he "retired."

7:39 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

Have we begun losing to UK yet?

I would not be so pessimistic, but our track record at Rupp speaks for itself...

7:42 PM  
Blogger Alan said...

Me too THT!

7:43 PM  
Blogger scott,will not,from tucson said...

gnome, jacobs has a history of being unreliable when it comes to living up to financial arrangements. while i don't know conclusively, i strongly sense that jacobs pulled a "gotcha" with the pay thing.

7:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well...Bye!!!

7:45 PM  
Blogger eaglesteeler said...

It will be soooo interesting when UA comes on Pat Dye field with Willis. He may want to wear a helmet!

I can see a coach having issues with his school, but respectfully don't you find a way out or time it differently, so that your school and HIS' schools football program is not hurt so badly?

He is only hurting his rep, in my opinion. He will be directly responsible now and in the future for any follow out for AU.

7:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Exactly Jay....

Willis was going against Nick Saban in Mobile.

Tuberville wasn't down there nearly enough.

7:47 PM  
Blogger Griff said...

This ENRAGES me.

7:48 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Didn't Willis leave Auburn before his senior year as well? This is becoming a habit of his!

7:49 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

Many of the people I work with and MOST I work FOR are no different than any of the players in this dumpsterfire. They will push their grandma down the stairs and kick her on the way down to make a nickel. Many are also very clever and adept at how they do it, and when they get ya, they get ya good (i.e. contracts etc.). It sounds like ADJJ is too busy making enemies to run the show effectively.

7:51 PM  
Blogger RoscoPCoaltrane said...

So has T. Coleman backed out on AU?

7:51 PM  
Blogger Kris said...

Screw Willis and Screw Bama

7:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kathy...

I'm not sure what Willis leaving before his senior year would have to do with this.

7:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kris...

Now that is direct and to the point.

Good stuff.

7:53 PM  
Blogger Chris in Inverness said...

Let's take a step back and look at it for the same reasons Lance Thompson left for UT.

A chance to work under CNS and a step closer to a DC spot.

Add Monte Kiffen for Saban there and its the same thing.

Thompson may have had problems with SAban's hours - Willis had a problem with AU wanting the severance pkg back.

The only head scratcher is going before signing day - That's got Saban all over it but, the man's burned bridges now but it tells me some nastiness was going on behind the scenes.

7:53 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Just irony FSJ.

7:54 PM  
Blogger Kris said...

No disrespect FSJ, but I have absolutely zero tolerance for traitors. It is one thing to simply be an assistant at Auburn and go to bama...that I understand. But to have played there and then go two weeks before signing day? I wish nothing but bad things for the guy...freaking loser.

7:56 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Kat I wonder if Willis felt that AU left him? You have to be pretty PO'd to turn against your own family like this. He knew the consequences of his action. Professionally, it will probably be a good move for him even if he only lasts a year. It sux for us but it also buys Chiz more time with the faithful. I'm just wondering how many more PR hits will we have to take this year?

7:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

No Kris..I loved it.

Summed up my feelings when Bill Oliver did the same thing. I still have no use for him.

7:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Willis lost lots of fine recruits over the years, this doesn't bother me, Chizik told him to shave his head or fond a job somewere else

7:58 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

FSJ, I didn't like it when Bill Oliver came to Auburn.

7:59 PM  
Blogger Kris said...

Nor did I Kathy....traitors suck

8:01 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Rivals is saying that coleman is angry with Willis. Kat is that the article that you quoted from?

8:02 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Wow what a win for USC!

8:03 PM  
Blogger chip chip said...

Auburn's biggest recruiting problem the last few years is they fell behind in the facilities arms race. Travante Stallworth remarked how nice the weight room at Carolina was on his visit. We are years behind on the oversize dorm rooms that appealed to Andre Smith at UAT when he was recruited.
Auburn has made some moves in the right direction in this area. The new training facility and new dorms etc. will be big selling points the next few years, but we only caught up. We need to pass some of the big boys to move up the food chain. At least they won't have take any recruits near "The Dump" aka BEMC.
These could be reasons Taylor and Luper left OSU. All of T.Boone's big projects had to go on hold when the funds he managed for them lost about half their value in 2008. Last I heard they had a bunch of cleared construction site with nothing happening...

8:03 PM  
Blogger astatguy said...

Auburn has shelled out a lot of money for assistant coaches. I wonder if Willis had an income similar to the new hires. It's a business and the bar for coaches salaries has been raised. Sometimes one has to promote oneself.

8:04 PM  
Blogger BinOBA said...

The end of the UF/USC game was awesome!

8:04 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

I'm so over Willis already.

Fish heads I'm tellin' ya.

8:05 PM  
Blogger tennessee tiger said...

Am I to understand that the AU-UK game tonight is not being aired by Raycom in the Chattanooga market?

8:05 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Yes, it was, Bin. Incredible.

8:05 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

No Big Cat, that wasn't what I heard, but I like what they are implying. I don't have accounts to any of those pay sites. Maybe Mon can fill us on what he said.

8:06 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

We're getting it here in Huntington, West Virginia, TennTiger.

8:06 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Coleman is mighty angry with Willis. Saying he lied to him before and he's lied again. Said he was always talking bad about bama and now he's working for 'em.

8:09 PM  
Blogger tennessee tiger said...

I just linked to Raycom and don't see the Nooga on the list, but I am just in a hotel so I thought if there were some locals from the Nooga they could direct me to a channel carrying the game. I don't get why I can't pick it up here.

8:09 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Thanks Monica!

8:10 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

TennTiger, WOW on the hair!

8:11 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Mr Coleman can go play for somebody else too if he wants too. I'm bout sick of all these softies.

8:13 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Tenn Tiger I havent seen an afro like that since Good Times.

8:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

DY-NO-MYTE!!!

8:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kris.....Hey Little buddy tell it like it is!!!!! Lisa wants to know what is wrong with Willis going to the dark side.. She said thats good they pay more. And you wonder why I skip the beer and go straight to the Grey Goose!!!!!

8:15 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

Me too Monica. I'm tired of Coleman's games.

8:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another move of Alabama to best improve its coaching staff.. Willis' records show that he is really fit for the job.. Hope he is.. This may be a step towards more of his success..

8:16 PM  
Blogger Chris in Inverness said...

Ease up on the HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS -- I'm sure allowing a kid to change his mind when being targeted by men making millions of dollars isn't unheard of.

Likghten up on being "sick and tired" of 17-18 yr olds.

8:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good grief, News Review. Go ahead and just succumb to the Bama fever why don't ya!

I'm with Monica. Enough with these panty wastes that don't want to coach or play at Auburn.

F those mother fers, I say!

8:19 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

I'm SICK AND TIRED of 17 and 18 years over valuing themselves and making "threats" to visit So Miss. So Miss? Seriously?

Yeah, I'm
SICK
AND
TIRED.

And to quote, Peter, I don't care if it offends you.

8:20 PM  
Blogger eaglesteeler said...

AU left Willis?

How, they hired him back! They probably game him a raise. He was the only field coach RETAINED.

He may have had issues, but if you are loyal and AU was loyal enough to keep him, doesn't that require a little loyalty.

8:20 PM  
Blogger Tar Heel Tiger said...

Fish heads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn73Wtem0No

sorry, I can't link right now. Song starts about 2:20 in.

8:21 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

A pox on both their houses.

8:22 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Eaglesteeler I dont know the details but if AU was paying these other assistants double what they were paying one of their own then I's say they left him.

8:23 PM  
Blogger wtc said...

Tenntiger, the game is on Fox Sports South. if you are on comcast it should be channel 33.

8:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can't we all get along?

8:25 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

This says one thing to me:

We're getting in Nicky's head a little bit.

It's a blow, but it ain't the end of the world.

As that titan of American jurisprudence Judge Mills Lane says ...

LET'S GET IT ON.

8:25 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Want me to send you the story, BigCat & Kathy? If so email me at monica_wareagle@yahoo.com and I'll reply with the story.

8:25 PM  
Blogger Jet said...

fsj ... you lovable bamzo, you.

Be careful ... it might be FSJ on a Stick tonight.

8:26 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

AL.com is reporting that Willis will coach LBs and have the title of associate head coach. Whatever that means.

8:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I disagree Jet...

Saban didn't need Willis to recruit Mobile.

Saban is the main recruiter in Mobile. James Willis is not opening one more door for Nick Saban.

8:27 PM  
Blogger Chris in Inverness said...

Offended? No no. There's another verb for it.

Is it the kids over-valuing themselves or their egos being bloated by outside sources?

Sorry, but let the kids make THIER LIFE DECISIONS and take a breath, a deep one, and figure out who's over-valuing what.

8:28 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

AU 17
UK 16

8:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Big Cat...


For some reason...Alabama has a ton of these glorified titles.

8:28 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

Monica... email sent

8:28 PM  
Blogger eaglesteeler said...

point made. He was at a disadvantage because many times he is still a CTT leftover.

But Whitt was too a prior coache leftover and he was an AU man all the way. He survived.

But if Willis did have money issues and AU wouldnt respond, then I'd like to know that.

8:28 PM  
Blogger AUBigCat said...

I guess it looks good on a resume especially if Nick is the HC you were assisting...as if lol

8:30 PM  
Blogger DoWhat? said...

Apparenty Tana Patrick did not care about the departure of CJW. He said Auburn is one of his "Top Schools" according to PM's site.

8:30 PM  
Blogger DoWhat? said...

booya

8:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah and Def Leppard is a Top Metal Band

Get off the Tana train.

He ain't coming to AU!

8:32 PM  
1 – 200 of 390 Newer› Newest»

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home


follow me on Twitter

• THE RING OF FIRE •
INAUGURAL CLASS
Phormerly Phred
Scottie B. in Tennessee
crudup
Hoopie
Ron Mexico
hip-hopanonymous
AUnMobilz
Sullivan013
Scott from Tucson
scottatl
jhag **FRANCHISE PLAYER**

CLASS OF 2008
Peter Frankenschmidt
Mr. Sensible
WarEagleRK

CLASS OF 2009
eddie4au
FakeSteveJobs (aka FSJ)
AUBigCat
michael
Steve from Columbia (aka SteveFC)
kristina
Jet

WHERE EAGLES SOAR
AUFan365 was Larry Bailey, 1948-2010

FEELING THE HEAT
WarEagleGirl
TarHeelTiger
Kathy
D. Miller
Dear Leader
j-z
Norm
digger4au
Harrison
LuvAU1968
cincytiger
mytommyd (is supposed to be mrtommyd)
ehyoutiger
wtc
IV
wakeriderof87
Sean
Scott Chocolate
NoVaTiger
Taylor
BinOBA
wes
Aeronaut
chip chip
Spongeworthy
Loganville Tiger
E-Bro
Ephemeral
au1n04
FearlessFreep
coosa
bear82
wartiger
patdyeswildturkey
atlantatiger
JD the Biscuitator
shesaid
depressedAUfan
dnatl

NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
Cousin Humpers = Bammers (aka CH=B)
dan dan the AU fan
bellefay1
API
Jay 'W. not Tate'
missinit
Craig Miller
AU1292
MLF
Comm'r of Flesh Wounds
Stupup74
61northak
Jimmy
bigdaddy334
Secondaid
Andrew
SCoats
astatguy
Jason Crawford
paulmain
Lowcountry Tiger
BigEZ
Will
WDCWE

MY PEEPS
Wifey
cpf
GritzNGravy
roundtable
Josh_Moon
MrsFrontRim & FrontRim
ChuckCrim
troyznoiz

FIRST DOCUMENTED POSTER
Buck

BANHAMMERED
Hamburglar
ROLLTIDEROLL
hairydawg
DavidOku
Jay_G (an impostor)
WarEagleogDotCom

Powered by Blogger

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]

Advertisement