James Willis

by LSU Jonno on Dec 18, 2008 12:27 PM CST Comment 8 comments

Hey guys,

The latest rumor mill at LSU has us landing James Willis as our new LB coach. I saw that he was the LB coach at AU for the last 3 years or so, and I think I saw where yall were sad to see him and Paul Rhodes go when Chizik was brought in but I can't remember.

I looked up his recruiting info on Rivals (not sure how accurate that stuff is) and they attribute a fair shair of yall's recruits to him.

What are you guys' thoughts on him? Have any of Auburn's LB's gone pro from his tutelage?

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He seems like a good guy

If Chizik doesn’t retain him, as some rumors are saying that he is trying to, LSU would be lucky to get him. He is a solid recruiter and a solid coach and the players really like him for my understanding.

by Mattco on Dec 18, 2008 3:59 PM CST reply actions

I was becoming doubtful about Willis'

…..abilities as a technique coach. I’m sure you can remember Auburn linebackers like Mark Brown, Dontarious Thomas, Karlos Dansby, Travis Williams, and a whole lot more. They attacked the ball, and went sideline to sideline. You didn’t DARE try to run wide on ’em.

…..Linebacker coach Joe Whitt moved to a fundraising position about 3 years ago, and it really isn’t the same. Our linebackers stand flat footed in the hole, look confused about assignments, and were sometimes ineffective, this year.

…..Our top two tacklers this past season were in the secondary. Our top four linebackers COMBINED for 12 tackles for a loss, all season. That’s it. Only one tackle for loss, per game. Did they recover any fumbles? Two. All year. Sacks? Only one sack, ALL YEAR.

…..Willis has a reputation as a recruiter, but I really didn’t think he put a good product on the field, this year.

by Acid Reign on Dec 18, 2008 6:15 PM CST reply actions

I would say

that part of that is how beat up our linebackers were this year for the entire season.

by Mattco on Dec 18, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions

Stop being in denial, we’re in trouble. Get used to it.

by Sparkey on Dec 20, 2008 3:16 PM CST reply actions

Sparkey

Man come on, is your glass always half empty? Please look back at every post you have made…….if I didn’t know better I would think you were a Tide fan. It’s always negative with you….the sky is falling, this is the big one, life as we know it will come to an end, the New Kids on the Block are geting back together…..everything that is bad.

Use your powers for good please.

War Eagle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Indytiger1 on Dec 20, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions

At least some one is paying attention.

No, to settle your worries I’m not at all a Tide fan. Not in the slightest. If you paid attention as well, I’m taking action as fruitless as it might seem. What is bothering me is that the guys up to aren’t good. I’m not always a pessimist but the Jay’s aren’t giving me much room to have hope for much else.

I’m not always this gloomy, I just think our administration is awful right now. Thanks for reading stuff though, that makes me like someone thinks I have at least half of a brain. I did admit that I’m starting to get a little hopeful with Chizik but I’m so scared to have my hopes come crashing down again next year like they did this year. I was the most optimistic person around this year. I never thought this would happen. Honestly, I felt we had a great chance to go to Atalanta.

And, if we get a great offensive coordinator we’ll have a great season. I truly believe that!! War Eagle!

by Sparkey on Dec 21, 2008 4:32 AM CST up reply actions

Well..

I mean it probably will not be the best start we’ve ever had, but come on, lighten up a little. War Eagle, right?!

by auburn tigers on Dec 21, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions

Willis out due to politics

Willis was fired because he didn’t side against Tubs in the coup. Someone question his technique but the guy was All-SEC, in the NFL 6-7 years and was our best recruiter. He got us back into Mobile and now we are handing it back to LSU and bama. Seems crazy to let a guy go with his reputation? Not any crazier than letting a diminutive egomaniac banker destroy you program and reputation from the inside.

by Tig on Dec 21, 2008 11:51 AM CST reply actions