This weekend, Auburn hired Gene Chizik as the man to rekindle the success of Tommy Tuberville’s tenure as Head Coach.  First, let’s talk about Tuberville.  He should have told the President, Board of Trustees, and everyone else to shove it a few years ago when they made the secret trip to Louisville to sweet talk Bobby Petrino.  Instead, Tuberville stuck around and nearly won a national title.  Top 10-15 was the norm under his direction.  Almost as important at Auburn, he had a knack for beating Alabama.  He has one down year, and Auburn shows him the door. 

Meanwhile over in Tuscaloosa, ‘Bama grew tired of sub-standard results and the annual Tuberville-directed Iron Bowl beatings.  They hire Nick Saban, who starts pulling in top recruits right after his introductory press conference is over.  In only his second year, Saban had the Tide in the hunt for a national title. 

If ever there was a critical time at Auburn, it is now.   The hated rivals have struck gold, but there is still plenty of talent in the cupboard (thanks to Tuberville).   An opportunity to create some excitement with prospective recruits to bring in a Turner Gill, a Chris Peterson, or even Mike Leach–all proven winners at places with far fewer resources or passionate fans than Auburn.

But they blew it.  Gene Chizik?  The coach who was 5-19 in two years at Iowa State and winless in the Big 12 this year?  Well done, Auburn.  You just made the jobs of the other SEC coaches much easier both on the recruiting trail, and on the field.  Get out the pens, recruits–you can cross Auburn off your list.