Search
Chizik to be the next Auburn coach
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2008-12-13
A source close to the Iowa State football team has told the Tribune the Cyclone players are “irate†that Gene Chizik, who has taken the Auburn football head coaching position, is heading to the SEC school.
The source said several Cyclones came to ISU to play specifically for Chizik and don’t understand how the coach could leave for another school.
Athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a Saturday press release he understands why Chizik left, but disappointed in the circumstances surrounding it.
“Gene (Chizik) confirmed for me today that he is accepting the head coaching position at Auburn. I’m disappointed for our Iowa State fans and student-athletes that he has chosen to leave our program after only two seasons," Pollard said. "I understand that it (Auburn) is a dream job for him, but the timing and the way it played out has been hurtful and disappointing. Although this is a significant set back, we will get through the challenge because the Iowa State University athletics program is far greater than one person.â€
Senior offensive tackle Doug Dedrick was shocked when he heard the news and said his heart goes out to the returning players.
"I understand why he did what he did," Dedrick said. "Coach Chiz really is a very good guy. I've got nothing negative to say about him. My reaction to this is I feel really bad for the players, the current team. I think Chiz could have done great things here, but he did what he had to do. It's his decision."
Dedrick wouldn't say if he agreed with the move or not.
"He did what he did," Dedrick said. "It's done. He did what he had to do. I support Chiz and I feel bad for the players, the community and stuff, but (ISU athletic director Jamie) Pollard will get us back."
The Birmingham (Ala.) News has reported Chizik and Auburn officials had scheduled a second face-to-face interview.
Chizik initially interviewed for the job Thursday. He served as Auburn defensive coordinator from 2002-2004, which included the Tigers’ 13-0 season in 2003. He also served as the Texas defensive coordinator for two years, including in 2005 when the Longhorns won the national title.
Chizik was hired at ISU before the 2007 season has been touted for two years by the athletic department as the man who would turn around Cyclone football. Chizik went 3-9 in his first year in Ames and 2-10 this past season.
The buyout in Chizik's ISU contract is $750,000.
On Nov. 17 Chizik addressed the media and stated he was committed to ISU football.
“Anyone that knows myself, my wife, my family, they know that we are firmly entrenched here in Ames,†Chizik said. “We love this university. We love who we work for. We love this football team. We love this community.â€
Chizik made those comments on heels of a report on a Dallas radio station that Chizik regretted taking the ISU job. Brian Estridge, an ESPN 103.3 FM radio host, told the Tribune that an Oklahoma State assistant coach told him Chizik could still see himself coaching at Texas. Estridge later told Chizik reports of what he said were not true.
The Tribune made multiple requests to ESPN 103.3 FM for an audio copy of Estridge’s comments. The Tribune has not received a copy of the comments.
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville resigned on Dec. 3. He went 85-40 in 10 years. The Tigers went 5-7 this past season. It was the first time Auburn failed to make a bowl game since Tuberville's first season in 1999.
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2008-12-13
As defensive coordinator, Gene Chizik helped Auburn to a perfect season, but he's just 5-19 as head coach at Iowa State.
Associated Press photo.
Associated Press photo.
A source close to the Iowa State football team has told the Tribune the Cyclone players are “irate†that Gene Chizik, who has taken the Auburn football head coaching position, is heading to the SEC school.
The source said several Cyclones came to ISU to play specifically for Chizik and don’t understand how the coach could leave for another school.
Athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a Saturday press release he understands why Chizik left, but disappointed in the circumstances surrounding it.
“Gene (Chizik) confirmed for me today that he is accepting the head coaching position at Auburn. I’m disappointed for our Iowa State fans and student-athletes that he has chosen to leave our program after only two seasons," Pollard said. "I understand that it (Auburn) is a dream job for him, but the timing and the way it played out has been hurtful and disappointing. Although this is a significant set back, we will get through the challenge because the Iowa State University athletics program is far greater than one person.â€
Senior offensive tackle Doug Dedrick was shocked when he heard the news and said his heart goes out to the returning players.
"I understand why he did what he did," Dedrick said. "Coach Chiz really is a very good guy. I've got nothing negative to say about him. My reaction to this is I feel really bad for the players, the current team. I think Chiz could have done great things here, but he did what he had to do. It's his decision."
Dedrick wouldn't say if he agreed with the move or not.
"He did what he did," Dedrick said. "It's done. He did what he had to do. I support Chiz and I feel bad for the players, the community and stuff, but (ISU athletic director Jamie) Pollard will get us back."
The Birmingham (Ala.) News has reported Chizik and Auburn officials had scheduled a second face-to-face interview.
Chizik initially interviewed for the job Thursday. He served as Auburn defensive coordinator from 2002-2004, which included the Tigers’ 13-0 season in 2003. He also served as the Texas defensive coordinator for two years, including in 2005 when the Longhorns won the national title.
Chizik was hired at ISU before the 2007 season has been touted for two years by the athletic department as the man who would turn around Cyclone football. Chizik went 3-9 in his first year in Ames and 2-10 this past season.
The buyout in Chizik's ISU contract is $750,000.
On Nov. 17 Chizik addressed the media and stated he was committed to ISU football.
“Anyone that knows myself, my wife, my family, they know that we are firmly entrenched here in Ames,†Chizik said. “We love this university. We love who we work for. We love this football team. We love this community.â€
Chizik made those comments on heels of a report on a Dallas radio station that Chizik regretted taking the ISU job. Brian Estridge, an ESPN 103.3 FM radio host, told the Tribune that an Oklahoma State assistant coach told him Chizik could still see himself coaching at Texas. Estridge later told Chizik reports of what he said were not true.
The Tribune made multiple requests to ESPN 103.3 FM for an audio copy of Estridge’s comments. The Tribune has not received a copy of the comments.
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville resigned on Dec. 3. He went 85-40 in 10 years. The Tigers went 5-7 this past season. It was the first time Auburn failed to make a bowl game since Tuberville's first season in 1999.
| Comments |
| CYCLONEMANIAC get on the phone right now and hire sonny dykes from arizona. GET IT DONE. 12/13/08 jean let him go..it is obvious that he in not "entrenched" in Ames like he said not that long ago. I would be irate to if i was a Cyclone 12/13/08 AUinSA Wish yall could keep him, we dont want him! 12/13/08 flashcamera Please keep him. The Auburn fans don't want him 12/13/08 Bamafan You should be happy you got rid of this guy. He won't last 2 years at AU. In fact you might can have him back if you want him. AU fans are so mad at the hiring that they may fire the AD and not let them make the offer. If he does go you should hire Turner Gill at once, you will be WAY better off. Roll Tide. 12/13/08 SAMMY COME ON DOWN!!!!!! 12/13/08 AuburnAlumni Both schools lost!! Sorry ISU. Auburn recruiting is toast. 12/13/08 CyclonesgoCyclones Darks spouts off in video http://www.iowastatedaily.com/articles/2008/12/13/sports/football/doc49444b0577f86567120571.txt 12/13/08 waynexersize Why would anybody involved with Iowa St. be irate or upset that this guy left. He's a loser. Now you can get a real coach. 12/13/08 |
|
We welcome comments on all sides of all issues. We want our comment forums to be a respectful, comfortable place for people of all opinions to discuss topics of interest. Toward that end, we will not approve comments that contain profanity, obscenity, libel, name-calling, or personal attack. We reserve the right to disapprove any comment for any reason.
|