Unique Times For The Auburn Program
by Jay Coulter on Dec 14, 2009 1:00 AM CST
in Football
37 comments
A year ago this past weekend a stunned Auburn family got the news. Former Auburn defensive coordinator Gene Chizik was coming home. This was the same Chizik who bolted from Auburn following the 2004 Perfect Season because Texas offered a better chance at becoming a head coach. This was the same guy who won five games in two years as coach at Iowa State. The Auburn Nation was angry and bewildered.
A year later things are much different. Chizik has largely won over the Auburn faithful with his recruiting efforts and a surprising seven win season that will culminate in a New Year's Day bowl. Just about everyone will tell you things are moving in the right direction. So far, you'd be hard pressed to find fault with this new coaching staff.
As good as things look today, there are stiff challenges ahead. Unlike Tommy Tuberville, this coaching staff must deal with a cross-state rival that's arguably at an all-time high. In an age of internet and 24 hour sports, Alabama football is on everywhere you turn.
Whether it's Mark Ingram and his Heisman or the talking heads all but guaranteeing an Alabama victory in the national championship game, the Tuscaloosa program is getting positive press from coast-to-coast. Ultimately it will be up to Chizik to answer the challenge.
It's a task that would push the limits of even Lombardi and Bryant. Chizik is taking on a program and a coach that's laid down the gauntlet not only to Auburn, but the rest of the conference. Like him or not, Nick Saban lives football 24 hours a day and demands the same of his staff. You likely wouldn't want to work for him or be his friend, but as far as coaching goes, there are few who are better.
What must Auburn do to answer the challenge?
Most importantly, it has to recruit. Chizik's staff is made for it. If a few chips fall its way, Auburn will end up with a top five class in February. Tuberville liked to say he could take his three-star athletes and beat your five-stars. In these times that's too much of a risk. Auburn must answer power with power.
Chizik will also need to retain his staff. An eight or nine win season next year means the likes of Gus Malzahn and Trooper Taylor will be in high demand. Auburn hasn't been shy about paying its assistants. That philosophy has to continue. Continuity is key in the early years of a program.
Defensive coordinator Ted Roof must build a defense that can handle being on the field for long periods of time. In Malzahn's book, The Hurry Up, No Huddle: An Offensive Philosophy, he explains that teams must be prepared for a drop-off in defensive stats. When the offense is not clicking, the defense is under more stress than Tiger Woods. Malzahn all but guarantees a team's defense will suffer with his offense. Recruiting should help in this area.
Auburn must continue to upgrade its facilities. After Friday's story, many of you disagreed with my recommendation to increase seating at Jordan-Hare Stadium. All of you had valid points. The key thing about expanding is the addition of luxury boxes. Talk to school officials and they'll tell you that's where you make money. Currently, Auburn has hundreds on the waiting list to purchase these suites. Adding two additional levels of sky boxes along with a few thousand additional seats will bring in millions for the team. That money can then be used to enhance other parts of the football program.
Most importantly, Auburn people must stand together. We all must be patient while Chizik builds this program. The Auburn experience is unlike any other. Most alumni love their schools, but Auburn people take it to another level. The divisions that existing during the Tuberville years must remain locked away. Bobby Lowder leaving the board of trustees in early 2011 will do wonders for morale.
Finally, Auburn must operate on its own timeline. Everyone's aware of what's happening in Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge and Gainesville. It alright to be cognizant of the challenge, just don't let it affect the overall plan. Regardless of what happens elsewhere, you have to like Auburn's chances of returning to the BCS in the coming years.
The Tigers have come along way in a year. There's much work to do, but the future is bright.
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You’ve written a very thoughtful piece. I agree with many of the points you makes, especially your awareness of the more subtle aspects.
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1. The defense will suffer under Malzahn’s hurry up offense. Loyal fans notwithstanding, it will take raising the awareness of the majority of Auburn’s fanbase to accept the fact that our defensive stats will not be like “back in the day.” We are going to give up some points. They guys are going to get gassed. We will need a fat bench to allow for rotations.
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This season we sufferred from the meeting of two divergent contingencies, i.e., Malzahn’s offense and a super thin bench. That we managed to cobble together any kind of viable defense with the kids we had is a miracle. At the end of the season we had guys playing positions on game day they had never played before. And to their credit, they shut down the Heisman trophy winner. The very next week, after the plan was out there for all to see, Florida could not stop Ingram.
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Therefore, calling for Roof’s head on a stick was a bit premature.
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2. Tommy Tubrville has not changed his tune about recruiting. After his name had been mentioned in regard to Notre Dame, then again when other writer s were wondering about Tuberville and Fulmer’s chances of getting something this season, and again after Tommy said he was available for the Kansas job, Tuberville repeated his mantra about “don’t worry about the five stars and four stars.” And still he waits for the phone to ring.
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Recruiting is absolutely vital in the current climate of college football. There are too many good programs who can offer just as much as the old traditional powerhouses. The kids know that Troy has produced a first round draft pick. And even though I constantly scratch my head when a kid picks Mississippi State or North Carolina over Auburn, I have to accept that he’ll most likely get immediate playing time, TV exposure, and a look from scouts, plus the scholarship.
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3. We absolutely must keep this staff together for a few years. Unless one of our assistants gets a head coaching offer from somewhere, there is no excuse why any of them should leave for another program at the assistant level. This is what the money is for. Spend it wisely. Keep this team together.
You've made some good points
Regarding Tuberville, although I really liked him while he was head coach, I’ve started to like him less with each passing day when I look at how he let the team slowly decay while passively recruiting and then received a $5 million payout on his departure. I once felt like he had earned the payout or at least deserved it by virtue of the fact that he had to endure Lowder’s wrath, but now I’m not so certain.
To the contrary, I really like Chizik’s attitude that we are going to throw our hat in the ring when it comes to recruiting top talent.
If you never try to land top recruits then you’ll probably never land top recruits.
WDE
Understatement of the Decade
“If you never try to land top recruits then you’ll probably never land top recruits.”
"The future is bright"...
…and the fan base must be patient and united while that “much work to do” is taking place.
We need to enjoy our team and stay behind the staff. I am convinced that’s what it will take to get the job done. Everyone (the team, the coaches, the fanbase) all playing and pulling together with one heartbeat.
As for the expansion of Jordan Hare. I think its important that it be done. Not to keep up with the competition but to bring in more revenue and as Sparky commented last week…“to help with recruiting”.
aubtigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
Work in progress
Tubs did a good job, but he felt that it was him and his staff against the administration and refused to listen. He did let talent base slip as his assistants generally were not good recruiters.
I continue to have no doubt that our current staff under Chizik are excellent recruiters. I am now encouraged by their x and o’s based on their ability to frustrate the best team in America, Bama. Like it our not Saban can coach. A bowl victory would be huge for recruiting.
I do not expect huge strides next year, as we will have to break in a totally inexperienced QB. If we keep implementing Chizik’s discipline and philosophy with 2 or 3 more recruiting classes, we may be ready to challenge all comers.
Continuity with the coaches will be huge. I am excited about the future, just that it may be 2 to 3 years before we are championship worthy.
War Eagle!
Very thoughtful and compelling....
Nice job Jay.
I truly feel the Auburn family is understanding the “uniqueness” of the times. I said previously that Coach Chizik would probably never quibble about his assistants making the same salary as he does as long as they are winning on and off the field.
I love Coach Chizik’s demeanor, and his appreciation of Auburn. All coaches say the things he says about their respective employers. CGC seems to embraced the fan base much more than what I see from the others.
WAR EAGLE!
"An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject"-Thomas Jefferson
Chizik mainly won me over with his attitude.
He is completely focused on this program and he shows, so well, that he cares about where he’s trying to take this program and this team.
War Eagle
good thoughts,...
i think that BOWL success is critical to recruiting. it has the ability to ‘seal the deal’ those on the hook…and pull interest into the program where maybe there wasn’t before. there are still a bunch of recruits with no commit. i agree with BoJax34… i used to get caught up in the glamor of each conference as it “stood” against the other. these days, i don’t care about that at all.
how the SEC matches up?,… i haven’t been worried about in a long while. i care about the performance of my Auburn team because BOWLS (as some make them out to be) are not…just for fun. hell, going into this BOWL season, the first things i hear are analysis based on last year’s BOWL games. point is,… one could argue it is the most ‘visible’ game of the year for those who manage to get one.
…preseason rankings do play a strong part in your ability to position for BOWL play year to year (not that i agree with it). the last impression of the year to both recruits and the knuckleheads deciding the postseason rankings is the BOWL. (there are apparent exceptions to this) Auburn needs to look to throw EVERYTHING at NU on New Years day. a HUGE win (may not be possible),… accompanied by AU’s tough show in Tuscaloosa would be a great place to leave perception of the AU program… finishing strong.
wappa
Chizik has largely won over the Auburn faithful with his recruiting efforts and a surprising seven win season that will culminate in a New Year’s Day bowl.
I would add to this, Chizik’s insistence that the players conduct themselves as Auburn men and aspire the ideals of the university.
stay 'clean' Auburn... echo of previous posts...
another thought i had this past week is… for Auburn to keep itself clean. i am hopeful that Auburn staff, Auburn players, etc. will be able to stay ‘clean’ this offseason. with notable off-the-field issues visiting Tennessee, UF, Les Mile’s game mangment competency in question?, Mark Richt possibly starting the 2010 year on the hot seat(especially when they lose to Tex A&M), and Ole Miss underperforming so badly this year… i think Auburn (along with Miss St., and Kentucky) have the ability to stand out a bit in this SEC…especially with a strong finish against NU.
wappa
Nice read.
I think Chizik is going to have us on the right track. It is an absolute must that the fans do not get frustrated during the 2010 season. I feel like we are in for a bit of a let down win wise next season. There will still be some serious challenges lurking on our schedule next season. We have to remain calm and allow Chizik to not only get players in here, but also let them develop in his system. Next year his first class will all be young and playing in all these tough situations and scenarios for the first time. We, as fans, have to have patience with this.
War Eagle
2010 schedule
4 Sep-Ark St
11 Sep-@MSU
18 Sep-Clemson
25 Sep-SC
2 Oct-Monroe
9 Oct-@UK
16 Oct-ARK
23 Oct-LSU
30 Oct-@OM
6 Nov-UTChat
13 Nov-UGA
20 Nov-OFF OPEN
27 Nov-@BAMA
I agree with WE86. The rest of the SEC won’t be standing still. Those guys will be making improvements, too. We only have a couple of cupcakes. The main of our schedule consists of some pretty tough teams. Three easy games will be Ark. St., La. Monroe, and UT Chat. And I needn’t remind anyone here how Alabama feels about LA Monroe.
Clemson could be tough. Arkansas, unless Mallet goes pro, which I’ve read, will be strong. And so on.
by KungFuPanda9 on Dec 14, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
Comments like this...
“Most alumni love their schools, but Auburn people take it to another level” are part of the reason Bama fans (and others) make fun of Auburn. I am not sure why the writers of all things Auburn must use “!” points or comments that try to lead the reader into thinking how uniquely magical a place Auburn, its fanbase, or its [insert athletic program, library, or viewing place of sunsets on the plains here] is. Auburn’s a nice campus, the Ale House is a great place to drink, and Niffers and Mama G’s are killer places to eat. But seriously y’all…you’re Auburn. You’re the little brother. No amount of streaks, finger holding, or excited endings of sentences is going to change that. And if we must stop talking about the Bear, then Bo is officially done. We’ve got the most recent one now. Roll Tide.
by JunctionCrimson on Dec 14, 2009 5:22 PM CST reply actions
Ale House is gone :(
And you just don’t understand. Unless you’ve been through the experience, you don’t understand.
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Dec 14, 2009 6:34 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah
I wa in Auburn for a wedding this weekend when I found that one out. How the hell do you axe the Ale House? Do they brew beer at the new Struttin Duck?
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Dec 15, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions
I hope they still serve Tiger Tail
You know what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in France?
by jd is legend on Dec 15, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
Yes...
guys they do. And, the Ale House folks couldn’t run a pop sickle stand at Panama City Beach. Then again, the Struttin Duck being there now is because of a couple of mishaps on their end. Well, if the city council gets its way, there will be no bars left in downtown Auburn. I realize you think I sound nuts and that’ll never happen, but trust me that’s their goal.
I think you meant to post this on AL.com...
…with all of the other redneck Bama fans. Most all over at Rollbamaroll have good heads on their shoulders. Obviously it’s not contagious.
by auburn tigers on Dec 14, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions
Way to make it painfully obvious
why you are on the outside looking in. If you aren’t an Auburn fan, then you just don’t understand.
War Eagle
I'm going to keep this short and to the point.
If you don’t us then stay the hell out. And, sir-piss off. Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you. Jackass cock sucker.
To you jackasses...
everybody’s the “little brother.” I’d say you’re giving bammers a bad name, but no, you’re just typical.
Upon moving to AL, I let my wife decide who she would root for. After one day at a new job full of Bama fans, she met me at the door with a hearty cry of "WAR EAGLE"
by SandMountainTiger on Dec 15, 2009 5:22 AM CST up reply actions
Obession by the Crimson Headed Stepchild Is Noted
Now waddle your fat redneck white trash a$$ back over to the Crapstain forum where you can post about the good ole days where Bear used to oversign players, cut backroom deals, and play an extra game against Vandy in order to win the SEC.
How pitiful.
The most immature post I've read on here in a long time
This is why I don’t buy the whole “little brother” myth. The fact that you feel like you need to get on here and post this sort of thing speaks volumes. And if we’re going to get into that argument, “Got 2?”
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
That's the reason...
It’ll be hard not to pull for Texas.
I have many nice Bama fans, that love this rivalry. They have never looked at Auburn the way this guy/gal does.
WAR EAGLE!
"An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject"-Thomas Jefferson
The Future for Auburn may be bright
after you lose to Northwestern on New Years Day!
GO CATS!
How come Tommy Tuberville isn’t coaching Auburn anymore? I recall some of his teams being really good.
by LincolnParkWildcat on Dec 15, 2009 9:20 AM CST reply actions
Actually, I am a Northwestern fan
I am guilty of joining this community recently to talk some smack, I admit. :)
I’ve been a season ticket holder there for 8 years. I’ve seen some bad football (the Michigan State 2006 game) and some crazy exciting games up in Evanston (we’re sometimes called the Cardiac ‘Cats for a reason). I saw on wikipedia that he resigned, (and I somewhat remember the Auburn administration flirting with Louisville’s coach). Did he wear out his welcome after 10 years, or did he lose too much by Auburn standards?
by LincolnParkWildcat on Dec 15, 2009 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
He left after last season, surprised you didnt know that. It was on TV once.
I wasn’t aware you guys still had a football team until they announced the bowl picks. You guys play tackle or 2 hand touch? Cause I think the bowl game is going to be tackle.
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Dec 15, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions
The best game of the season was our victory over Wisconsin
I wasn’t aware you guys still had a football team until they announced the bowl picks
That’s not exactly an unfair assumption to make (and I know your’e joking) . Before 1995 (our rose bowl year) we were one of the worst football teams in the nation. Not anymore! We have 3 big ten titles since then, and also have played in several bowls. Our goal is to win our first bowl game since the 1949 rose bowl. We have 8 Big Ten titles, compared to your 6 SEC titles.
@GumptownTiger, the best game of the season was Wisconsin, followed by Iowa. You guys should have beaten Alabama in the Iron Bowl..
by LincolnParkWildcat on Dec 15, 2009 6:00 PM CST reply actions
It has always been more difficult to win an SEC title.......
and we haven’t been on a 60 year bowl victory drought. So what was your point again?
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
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