AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn University President Jay Gogue said he made the decision to hire football coach Gene Chizik and did it without seeking or receiving input from Auburn trustees or other boosters.
Gogue told The Birmingham News that the ex-Iowa State coach was the only candidate recommended by athletic director Jay Jacobs. The hiring has drawn criticism by some Auburn fans because Chizik was only 5-19 in two seasons at Iowa State, his first head coaching job.
Gogue said he was “somewhat surprised” by the negative reaction.
“Auburn people care deeply about this place,” he said. “Coaching changes are always difficult. So, while the reaction initially surprised me a little, I would have to say looking at it now that I am not as surprised given the fact that people do care so much about the program.”
Gogue said he wasn’t involved in interviewing any other candidate before meeting with Chizik last Saturday in Memphis.
“I think this is a person I am comfortable with,” he said.
He said he wanted Chizik to address three areas of concern.
“I was interested in his views on graduating his athletes; taking care of your kids and making sure that I don’t read about them in the newspaper in terms of off-field activities; (and) making sure the NCAA rules are followed,” Gogue said. “We have 10 years of no compliance problems at Auburn.
“And I finally asked him what would be among the first things he would do as coach and he told me that he wanted to return to Iowa to say goodbye to his players. I was impressed that he wanted to go back and talk to the kids face to face. I have been places where that didn’t happen.”
Gogue instructed Jacobs to get permission from a school’s athletic director before interviewing any coach.
“Don’t call a coach, don’t call an agent,” he said he instructed Jacobs.
Gogue also knows the perception has existed at Auburn that trustees wielded too much control over the university and athletics program, including hiring and firing football coaches. He said that wasn’t the case this time.
“Not a single call with any advice or counsel was made to me,” Gogue said.
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Comments » 25
1volgal writes:
so what we got clk
ctownvol writes:
Well he obviously didn't ask Sir Charles...
Triton1 writes:
At least we got someone with no experience, if I were an Auburn fan I'd be livid. Trading Fulmer for a rookie may prove to be a mistake, but if we'd hired a proven loser, I'm just totally confused on this swap.
GREEKDAWG writes:
Sure, Bobby Lowder had nothing to do with it,,,,right
VolinCalif writes:
The guy was an Assist. at Aub. they were well aware of his ability.
DennisVols writes:
Here is an interesting article from the Birmingham News. It is interesting who was missing and the comments from the Auburn fans.
http://blog.al.com/kevin-scarbinsky/2...
floridavolsfan writes:
Kirk Herbstreit loves this hire and I agree---God could not win at Iowa State..................
HollySpringsVOL writes:
All they got was a LOOSER!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
"don't want to read about them in a newspaper in off-field activities".
He won't be contending for any cups, then.
Good show.
Hudro writes:
If he didn't check with Lowder and Bobby doesn't agree with the selection then he won't be president long. Lowder has a grip on that program. Recall the ill fated middle of the night plane trip to Louisville?
volnbig11land writes:
I couldn't care less who they hire or how far they fall. I am however confused by this quote from the president:
“I was interested in his views on graduating his athletes; taking care of your kids and making sure that I don’t read about them in the newspaper in terms of off-field activities; (and) making sure the NCAA rules are followed,” Gogue said. “We have 10 years of no compliance problems at Auburn.
Which one of these did Tubberville fail in?
mattfriedman58#226364 writes:
It's funny how none of the 3 areas of concern include 'winning football games'. Lack of doing so will get a coach fired immediately, but Gogue doesn't seemed to be concerned about that even though they're coming off a losing season and have a new, unproven coach in the SEC. We may have a new cellar dwellar in the SEC.
volburger writes:
you're saying they shouldnt have hired chizik because of his skin color. What is that called?
volnbig11land writes:
naffyizim
volnbig11land writes:
why do you care?
what genius are you going to hire when your washed up (I know you beat us this year) visor throwing coach retires? His son? Really?
go back to www.chickenlips.com and post your junk.
volnbig11land writes:
I'm pretty sure you play other teams every year as well. Do you troll their sites to make smiliar stupid comments?
I looked at your posting history and you don't hide your dislike for us Vols very well. Team envy? So you had a good year and we obviously didn't, that ensures your future success and our continued downward spiral? Based on your teams storied past, humility might be something you become familiar with.
In closing, since you seem to be able to predict the future perhaps you could give us all a little advice on future stock investments.
I'll close my post and await your witty reply.
volnbig11land writes:
We have been in a state of decline the last few years resulting in this past disaster of a season, but it is obvious we still have something going for us.
Otherwise fans from other teams wouldn't plan their day around trolling our team site.
volnbig11land writes:
That's the best you got? Typical mullett answer.
Why else are you on here so much?
Colliervol writes:
There are no barners on here. Who in the world are you talking to?
Colliervol writes:
Let me correct that. We may have a few around here that were raised in a barn. But no "barners".
jimr07 writes:
you are saying there is no room for bigotry or racism? coming from the biggest racist that posts on here, i am surprised you would say that. Peyton Manning sends his love.
volnbig11land writes:
hahaha, mutt (still laughing).
One of the MAIN reasons this site is so "funny" is due to the stupid posts from other teams fans.
Check my posting history (if you know how) and show me where I have ripped anyone over our new coach. In reality I am quite happy with him.
Don't question my support for the university until you show me your suppport for yours. Trolling one of your biggest rivals web sites doesn't count by the way....
I couldn't care less if recruits read these posts or not and have to believe if they do it either doesn't influence them or they aren't strong enough to handle the pressure. I mean come on, if a post bothers them, what is a hostile crowd and a ticked off LB going to do them?
Funny you mention me bashing you as first grade, yet your posting history doesn't exactly show you as mr? positive.
In closing, good luck in your game, I'll be rooting for you because you're in the SEC. However, if your offended, go to your own web site!
I can honestly say I have NEVER visited another teams web site. Nothing there of interest to me....
volnbig11land writes:
"Bud" I'm quickly tiring of your dribble.
Not nearly as many Aubarn fans that (our) on our site
Have you never heard the expression, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. (no ?)
But I do know (It) (cant) help anything.
I know, I know, it's not english class. Good thing, because you have no class!
I'm out!
volnbig11land writes:
JEPARDY?
hahahahahahaha
Kiffin_fan writes:
Couldn't have said it better myself, good job!!!
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