Here's a transcript of Paul Rhoads' conference call with media on Friday. See Saturday's Star for analysis:
PAUL RHOADS?
--Opening statement
“Let me start off by saying that it’s great to be an Auburn Tiger. Very excited to be here and very grateful for Coach Tuberville giving me this opportunity. Excited to get to work just as quick as we can.”
--What changed in six years, since you turned down the job in 2002?
“That was quick. I thought it might take three or four questions before we got into that. What appeals to me obviously is the chance to compete at the very highest level in college football. I don’t think there’s much argument that the Southeastern Conference is the premier football conference in the country. The opportunity to meet that challenge head on at an institution that plays football as well as Auburn University does, that was the obvious appeal to me.
“My profession is very nomadic, as you all know, but if you look at my track record, I don’t follow that. I’ve been very stable in my stops and my progression along the way, and, after two years at Pittsburgh, after just taking over and getting started on what we feel was a very exciting run, I didn’t think it was time to uproot that quickly. We had a very good football team. We were 12th in the country in total defense at that time, and the year after I turned this opportunity down we were seventh in the country. We thought we had a chance to win our league and be there to challenge on the national scene. That’s why it wasn’t right at the time. For the reasons that it wasn’t right at that time, it has been now, and I’m very eager and excited to be here.”
--Your view on your career decisions over the years, why you've stayed put longer?
“Well, I think, I don’t know if you set out with a thought in mind of building a resume completely when you make all of those decisions, but I started at the entry level and then continuing on up that progression by level of conference, I feel, and by level of position, and when I finally got the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator at Pitt in 2000 and then getting two years into that, I just didn’t think that was the right time. And there are other reasons that don’t need to be brought up that didn’t affect the decision as much as two years was too soon to jump at that time. By staying there eight years and the things that we accomplished in that time, I think it provides the right time to leap and meet this next opportunity head on here in the SEC and at Auburn University.”
--Schemes stay the same? How do AU's schemes mix and match with what you do?
“I think the obvious is that Auburn finished sixth in the country in total defense, I believe. So coming in with broom and sweeping everything clean and making wholesale adjustments and changes would be quite foolish. At the same time, we played pretty good defense ourselves, and I obviously have confidence in my background and the things that we have done over the years to be successful, so we’ll take a fast look at what we’re doing here, what’s been very good and why it’s been very good and continue to do that. Then at the same time, we’ll start to mesh things that I know are going to work well and have been successful and put together what’s going to be a very fine Auburn offense in 2008.”
--Auburn ran a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 last season. How does your past match?
“It’s too early to really get in great detail about that. My background is not as much 3-4 as was ran last year, but certainly the 4-3 scheme will stay as a staple within the defense. I’m excited to get more involved with 3-4 scheme. We did play a 30 front, played it situationally and played it quite well, but not as extensive as they have here, and I look forward to getting more involved in that in the months and weeks to come.”
--What is your basic philosophy?
“I’ll start out with the fact that we are going to be fundamentally sound before I even talk scheme. I know we’ve already talked 4-3 and 3-4. Before we ever talk scheme, we are going to be very fundamentally sounds. By that I mean, we’re going to backpedal well. We’re going to take great steps as linebackers. We’re going to get off and use our hands well. We’re going to do all of the things that a great defensive football team does fundamentally. We’re going to be sound schematically as a defense. We’re going to have people in the gaps that they’re supposed to be in. We’re going to have people deep and keep offensive players in front of us. We’re going to do all of those things, regardless of scheme. We’re going to tackle extremely well. It’s obvious that the better athletes that you’re playing with, the better tacklers you’re going to have, but I believe wholeheartedly that you can teach tackling. You can teach average athletes to be great tacklers and great athletes to be even better tacklers. And we’re going to run to the football. Those things I can guarantee you.
“From a schematic standpoint, we’ll blend fronts. We’ll play a mix of zone. We’ll play a mix of zone pressure and we’ll play a mix of blitz. That’s very generally stated, but we’re going to use all of those tools. We’re going to use all of those coverages. Percentages will very from week to week, and that often depends on an opponent and what they’re trying to accomplish. Those first four things I can guarantee you’ll see on the football field.”
--What is your recruiting schedule for this weekend?
“I have no thorough idea at this point. As a matter of fact, I was just handed an itinerary and a list of recruits and families that are going to be on campus this weekend and haven’t had a chance to really talk about it in any great detail, but I will be jumping into it with both feet and looking forward to meeting all of the recruits and their families as well as our player hosts that are going to be around this weekend.”
--What was the time frame of your contact with Tommy Tuberville about the job?
“No, I really don’t want to get into that. Coach Tuberville will certainly address that if it becomes an appropriate time to do so. I’m happy to be here today and very eager to get started.”
--You were valedictorian of your high school. Were you a serious student?
“The graduating class was somewhere in the neighborhood of 330, I believe. I really don’t know if I can say that I was really that serious of a student. I come from an educational background. My father was a high school teacher and a high school football coach. My mother was also a teacher, although she long given than up to raise five children by the time I was of age. I’m the youngest of five, but I did enjoy school. I do enjoy the educational process, and that’s true today with football. I think the educational process in coaching is ongoing. It takes place every day. It’s one of the things that drives me on a daily basis to become a better football coach.”
--Are your kids coming now or later?
“Family is awfully important to me, and we’ll get them down here as soon as we can. Most people back home and most people we’re associated with just assume that they will finish out the school year and then move. My wife and I want to get them down here as fast as we can and get them around the Auburn family and the Auburn community. We want to get them into these schools down here and hopefully make some buddies as fast as they can and get involved in the local athletics and head into the summer time with a good group of friends they can be associated with.”
Friday, January 18, 2008
Hello again, and Rhoads is official
I'm back from vacation and ready to get a coordinator search over with. This from Auburn athletics media relations just a few minutes ago:
AUBURN NAMES PAUL RHOADS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
AUBURN—Paul Rhoads, who served as defensive coordinator forthe past eight seasons at Pittsburgh, has been named defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Auburn, announced head coach TommyTuberville Friday.
In his eight seasons as defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, Rhoads also oversaw the secondary from 2000-06 and linebackers in 2007.
“We’re excited to have Paul join our staff,” Tuberville said. “He fit everything that we were looking for in a defensive coordinator. Paul brings great experience and enthusiasm, he’s agreat recruiter and I really like his philosophy on teaching techniques and fundamentals.”
Rhoads’ defenses’ at Pitt regularly were among the nation’s leaders in various categories, finishing fifth nationally in total defense in 2007 allowing just 297.7 yards per game.
This past season, Rhoads’ Pittsburgh defense, held a high-powered West Virginia offense to a season-low nine points.
The Panthers were third nationally in pass defense allowing just 167.3 yards per game in 2007.
Under his direction, Pitt's defense has been regularly listed among the nation's leaders in various defensive categories. His track record of success led The Sporting News to name him the Big East's best defensive coordinator in its 2006 college football annual.
“I’m happy and very excited to be an Auburn Tiger,” Rhoads said. “My family and I are thrilled about being a part of the Auburn Family and the Auburn community. I truly appreciate the opportunity that Coach Tuberville and Auburn have given me and can’t wait to get started. I look forward to the challenge of competing in theSoutheastern Conference, which is the best conference in the country,and helping Auburn compete for a national title.”
With an aggressive philosophy, Rhoads’ Pitt defenses scored 10 defensive touchdowns during three seasons from 2004-06, including four in 2006, one shy of the school record. In 2004, Pitt ranked ninth nationally with 17 interceptions en route to the Big East title and Fiesta Bowl berth.
During Pitt’s victorious Insight Bowl season in 2002, the unit played at its highest level since the late 1980s. The Panthers ranked among the nation’s top 25 in seven different categories and allowed their fewest points in a season since 1988, despite playing in a school-record 13 games.
In 2001, the Panthers gave up just 7.4 points and 182.6 yards over a five-game winning streak heading into the Florida Tangerine Bowl. The unit ranked among the nation’s top 30 in five different categories at season’s end. Additionally, Pitt finished with 38 quarterbacksacks, its highest sack total since the 1987 season.
As secondary coach, Rhoads had five players taken in the last six NFL drafts, including 2006 Thorpe Award Finalist Darrelle Revis, who was the first secondary player selected.
Prior to his arrival at Pittsburgh, Rhoads coached five seasons (1995-99) at Iowa State, where he was the secondary coach his last four years after coaching the inside linebackers in 1995. Rhoads also assisted with the Cyclones' special teams.
Rhoads, 40, spent three years at Pacific, from 1992-94, serving as the defensive backs coach and, in his final season, coordinator of the Tigers' pass defense. In 1993, Pacific ranked 20th nationally, allowing just 152 yards passing per game.
Rhoads began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State (1991) and Utah State (1989-90), working with the secondary at both schools.
Rhoads was a three-year letterman at Missouri Western from 1986-88, where he was a defensive back. A 1989 graduate of Missouri Western with a bachelor's degree in economics, Rhoads was the recipient of the Chris Faros Scholarship, honoring the program's top senior student-athlete. Rhoads earned a master’s degree from Utah State in 1991.
A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Rhoads was a prep special mention all-state free safety and valedictorian of his high school class. He and his wife, Vickie, have two sons, Jacob (13) and Wyatt (11).
We're expecting to have a media conference call with Rhoads this afternoon. More later and in Saturday's Star.
AUBURN NAMES PAUL RHOADS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
AUBURN—Paul Rhoads, who served as defensive coordinator forthe past eight seasons at Pittsburgh, has been named defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Auburn, announced head coach TommyTuberville Friday.
In his eight seasons as defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, Rhoads also oversaw the secondary from 2000-06 and linebackers in 2007.
“We’re excited to have Paul join our staff,” Tuberville said. “He fit everything that we were looking for in a defensive coordinator. Paul brings great experience and enthusiasm, he’s agreat recruiter and I really like his philosophy on teaching techniques and fundamentals.”
Rhoads’ defenses’ at Pitt regularly were among the nation’s leaders in various categories, finishing fifth nationally in total defense in 2007 allowing just 297.7 yards per game.
This past season, Rhoads’ Pittsburgh defense, held a high-powered West Virginia offense to a season-low nine points.
The Panthers were third nationally in pass defense allowing just 167.3 yards per game in 2007.
Under his direction, Pitt's defense has been regularly listed among the nation's leaders in various defensive categories. His track record of success led The Sporting News to name him the Big East's best defensive coordinator in its 2006 college football annual.
“I’m happy and very excited to be an Auburn Tiger,” Rhoads said. “My family and I are thrilled about being a part of the Auburn Family and the Auburn community. I truly appreciate the opportunity that Coach Tuberville and Auburn have given me and can’t wait to get started. I look forward to the challenge of competing in theSoutheastern Conference, which is the best conference in the country,and helping Auburn compete for a national title.”
With an aggressive philosophy, Rhoads’ Pitt defenses scored 10 defensive touchdowns during three seasons from 2004-06, including four in 2006, one shy of the school record. In 2004, Pitt ranked ninth nationally with 17 interceptions en route to the Big East title and Fiesta Bowl berth.
During Pitt’s victorious Insight Bowl season in 2002, the unit played at its highest level since the late 1980s. The Panthers ranked among the nation’s top 25 in seven different categories and allowed their fewest points in a season since 1988, despite playing in a school-record 13 games.
In 2001, the Panthers gave up just 7.4 points and 182.6 yards over a five-game winning streak heading into the Florida Tangerine Bowl. The unit ranked among the nation’s top 30 in five different categories at season’s end. Additionally, Pitt finished with 38 quarterbacksacks, its highest sack total since the 1987 season.
As secondary coach, Rhoads had five players taken in the last six NFL drafts, including 2006 Thorpe Award Finalist Darrelle Revis, who was the first secondary player selected.
Prior to his arrival at Pittsburgh, Rhoads coached five seasons (1995-99) at Iowa State, where he was the secondary coach his last four years after coaching the inside linebackers in 1995. Rhoads also assisted with the Cyclones' special teams.
Rhoads, 40, spent three years at Pacific, from 1992-94, serving as the defensive backs coach and, in his final season, coordinator of the Tigers' pass defense. In 1993, Pacific ranked 20th nationally, allowing just 152 yards passing per game.
Rhoads began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Ohio State (1991) and Utah State (1989-90), working with the secondary at both schools.
Rhoads was a three-year letterman at Missouri Western from 1986-88, where he was a defensive back. A 1989 graduate of Missouri Western with a bachelor's degree in economics, Rhoads was the recipient of the Chris Faros Scholarship, honoring the program's top senior student-athlete. Rhoads earned a master’s degree from Utah State in 1991.
A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Rhoads was a prep special mention all-state free safety and valedictorian of his high school class. He and his wife, Vickie, have two sons, Jacob (13) and Wyatt (11).
We're expecting to have a media conference call with Rhoads this afternoon. More later and in Saturday's Star.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The rest of the story
A little more on the story that we ran on the page 5C dealing with the future of a playoff system in college football.
From the AJC story ...
Here is how the other presidents responded when asked which of four categories best summarized their stance:
It’s time for a playoff but I’m not sure about this particular model.
— Henry Bienen, Northwestern
— Richard Brodhead, Duke
— Jack Hawkins, Troy
— Robert Khayat, Ole Miss
— Steadman Upham, Tulsa
Brodhead said an eight-team playoff “makes the season too long” but “we might well support a four-team playoff.”
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but it’s time to at least talk about a playoff.
— James Barker, Clemson
— Scott Cowen, Tulane
— Robert Foglesong, Mississippi State
— Judy Genshaft, South Florida
— James Ramsey, Louisville
— Martha Saunders, Southern Miss
Said Ramsey: “On the surface, I think there needs to be careful analysis of a playoff - and if the analysis supports such a playoff, I would be in full favor.”
I think college football should stick with the BCS.
— David Ashley, UNLV
— Ray Authement, Louisiana-Lafayette
— Brady Deaton, Missouri
— Dave Frohnmayer, Oregon
— Jo Ann Gora, Ball State
— John Hennessy, Stanford
— Richard McCormick, Rutgers
— Sean O’Keefe, LSU
— Graham Spanier, Penn State
— Marlene Strathe, Oklahoma State
— Lee Todd, Kentucky
— John White, Arkansas
— John Wiley, Wisconsin
— Robert Witt, Alabama
Adams is sure to meet the most resistance from his fellow presidents at Big Ten and Pac-10 schools, who prefer their traditional arrangement with the Rose Bowl. He also could face an uphill battle in his own conference. Among the naysayers were four SEC leaders.
Jeff D’Alessio writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: jd’alessio@ajc.com.
From the AJC story ...
Here is how the other presidents responded when asked which of four categories best summarized their stance:
It’s time for a playoff but I’m not sure about this particular model.
— Henry Bienen, Northwestern
— Richard Brodhead, Duke
— Jack Hawkins, Troy
— Robert Khayat, Ole Miss
— Steadman Upham, Tulsa
Brodhead said an eight-team playoff “makes the season too long” but “we might well support a four-team playoff.”
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but it’s time to at least talk about a playoff.
— James Barker, Clemson
— Scott Cowen, Tulane
— Robert Foglesong, Mississippi State
— Judy Genshaft, South Florida
— James Ramsey, Louisville
— Martha Saunders, Southern Miss
Said Ramsey: “On the surface, I think there needs to be careful analysis of a playoff - and if the analysis supports such a playoff, I would be in full favor.”
I think college football should stick with the BCS.
— David Ashley, UNLV
— Ray Authement, Louisiana-Lafayette
— Brady Deaton, Missouri
— Dave Frohnmayer, Oregon
— Jo Ann Gora, Ball State
— John Hennessy, Stanford
— Richard McCormick, Rutgers
— Sean O’Keefe, LSU
— Graham Spanier, Penn State
— Marlene Strathe, Oklahoma State
— Lee Todd, Kentucky
— John White, Arkansas
— John Wiley, Wisconsin
— Robert Witt, Alabama
Adams is sure to meet the most resistance from his fellow presidents at Big Ten and Pac-10 schools, who prefer their traditional arrangement with the Rose Bowl. He also could face an uphill battle in his own conference. Among the naysayers were four SEC leaders.
Jeff D’Alessio writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: jd’alessio@ajc.com.
To you
I'm going on vacation into next week, so there will be a break in blog entries here. Since Auburn is always in a bowl, I do an annual second Christmas in Kentucky with my folks. Nanna and Pappa like to see their grandson, and we like to see them.
A couple of notes before I go:
--Still no word on the Auburn defensive coordinator. Tommy Tuberville is back in Auburn interviewing candidates and keeping quiet about names. I expect something today or Friday, ahead of a big recruiting weekend. We all chip in at The Star, so we will have it covered when it happens.
--Former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges now has at least two job possibilities. He's interviewed at Ole Miss and will at UCLA, where he used to work. He's a good guy with a nice family, so here's wishing him well.
See you next week, and thanks for reading.
(-:
Joe
A couple of notes before I go:
--Still no word on the Auburn defensive coordinator. Tommy Tuberville is back in Auburn interviewing candidates and keeping quiet about names. I expect something today or Friday, ahead of a big recruiting weekend. We all chip in at The Star, so we will have it covered when it happens.
--Former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges now has at least two job possibilities. He's interviewed at Ole Miss and will at UCLA, where he used to work. He's a good guy with a nice family, so here's wishing him well.
See you next week, and thanks for reading.
(-:
Joe
I guess it's just late
But in reading Joe's post (below this one), it got me to thinking.
Auburn wants to have a "White Out" with everyone wearing white T-shirts. If they really want to hype the night up, they should invite these guys to play at halftme.
I give you the Plain White T's performing "Hey There Delilah"
Auburn wants to have a "White Out" with everyone wearing white T-shirts. If they really want to hype the night up, they should invite these guys to play at halftme.
I give you the Plain White T's performing "Hey There Delilah"
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Scout troop
If you see someone not wearing a white T-shirt at tonight's Auburn-Arkansas basketball game, it might be an NBA scout.
Eleven scouts are expected to attend tonight's Southeastern Conference opener for both teams at Auburn's Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum. The list includes David Booth (Memphis Grizzlies), Frank Ross (Seattle Sonics), Bob Reinhart (Milwaukee Bucks), Dave Griffin (Phoenix Suns), Pete Babcock, (Cleveland Cavaliers), Gene Tormohlen (Los Angeles Lakers), Harold Ellis (Atlanta Hawks), Daryl Morey (Houston Rockets), Pat Connelly (Washington Wizards), Kevin Stacom (Dallas Mavericks) and Keith Drun (Sacramento Kings).
Yes, one presumes they're coming to scout Arkansas players.
The game has also been declared a "white-out" for Auburn fans, who are asked to wear white T-shirts.
The game will air live on ESPN2 starting at 8 p.m.
Eleven scouts are expected to attend tonight's Southeastern Conference opener for both teams at Auburn's Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum. The list includes David Booth (Memphis Grizzlies), Frank Ross (Seattle Sonics), Bob Reinhart (Milwaukee Bucks), Dave Griffin (Phoenix Suns), Pete Babcock, (Cleveland Cavaliers), Gene Tormohlen (Los Angeles Lakers), Harold Ellis (Atlanta Hawks), Daryl Morey (Houston Rockets), Pat Connelly (Washington Wizards), Kevin Stacom (Dallas Mavericks) and Keith Drun (Sacramento Kings).
Yes, one presumes they're coming to scout Arkansas players.
The game has also been declared a "white-out" for Auburn fans, who are asked to wear white T-shirts.
The game will air live on ESPN2 starting at 8 p.m.
Reports: Gran, Borges up for jobs
Auburn running backs coach Eddie Gran is interviewing today for the South Alabama head coaching job, according to multiple reports.
Also, former offensive coordinator Al Borges is up for the same job at Ole Miss, according to the Northwest Mississippi Daily Journal.
South Alabama will begin its football program in 2009 and move into Divsion I Football Bowl Subdivision in 2013.
Others reported to be in the mix include former Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower.
Gran interviewed for head coaching jobs at North Texas State (2007) and Middle Tennessee State (2006). He has coached 13 years under Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, joining Tuberville's original staff at Ole Miss.
Gran coaches running backs and serves as special-teams coordinator. He's also been a productive recruiter, plucking several from southern Florida.
Borges, who resigned in December, is reportedly on the interview list at Ole Miss and will interview today. Also on the list are former Ole Miss quarterback and current Canadian Football League head coach Kent Austin, former Alabama offensive coordinator Dave Rader, former Texas A&M coordinator Les Koenig, former Virginia and Mississippi State coordinator Sparky Woods, former Miami head coach Larry Coker and former Ole Miss wide receivers coach Hugh Freeze.
Also, former offensive coordinator Al Borges is up for the same job at Ole Miss, according to the Northwest Mississippi Daily Journal.
South Alabama will begin its football program in 2009 and move into Divsion I Football Bowl Subdivision in 2013.
Others reported to be in the mix include former Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower.
Gran interviewed for head coaching jobs at North Texas State (2007) and Middle Tennessee State (2006). He has coached 13 years under Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, joining Tuberville's original staff at Ole Miss.
Gran coaches running backs and serves as special-teams coordinator. He's also been a productive recruiter, plucking several from southern Florida.
Borges, who resigned in December, is reportedly on the interview list at Ole Miss and will interview today. Also on the list are former Ole Miss quarterback and current Canadian Football League head coach Kent Austin, former Alabama offensive coordinator Dave Rader, former Texas A&M coordinator Les Koenig, former Virginia and Mississippi State coordinator Sparky Woods, former Miami head coach Larry Coker and former Ole Miss wide receivers coach Hugh Freeze.
Latest on DC
Tommy Tuberville is back in Auburn with more interviewing to do in his search for a new defensive coordinator. He still hopes to have one by the end of the week, as Auburn faces a crucial weekend of recruiting visits. He's keeping names quiet.
I stand by my hunch that the new DC will be a name we've not heard. I never was a big believer in John Tenuta, Ted Roof and Joe Tresey.
I've heard speculation about Clemson DC Vic Koenning and Pitt's Paul Rhoads, but I don't see either happening. Koenning, speaking during Chick-fil-A Bowl preparations in Atlanta, made comments about how Auburn's new offense could negatively affect its defense. Rhoads accepted the Auburn DC job in 2002, then changed his mind once returning home to a deal sweetener.
At the time, Rhoads made comments about the pressures to win. These comments came at a time when there was public belief that Tuberville had his hand forced in firing both of his coordinators, John Lovett and Noel Mazzone.
Auburn eventually hired Gene Chizik.
I stand by my hunch that the new DC will be a name we've not heard. I never was a big believer in John Tenuta, Ted Roof and Joe Tresey.
I've heard speculation about Clemson DC Vic Koenning and Pitt's Paul Rhoads, but I don't see either happening. Koenning, speaking during Chick-fil-A Bowl preparations in Atlanta, made comments about how Auburn's new offense could negatively affect its defense. Rhoads accepted the Auburn DC job in 2002, then changed his mind once returning home to a deal sweetener.
At the time, Rhoads made comments about the pressures to win. These comments came at a time when there was public belief that Tuberville had his hand forced in firing both of his coordinators, John Lovett and Noel Mazzone.
Auburn eventually hired Gene Chizik.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Sims turning pro
This from Auburn sports information:
AUBURN DEFENSIVE TACKLE PAT SIMS TO ENTER NFL DRAFT
AUBURN—Auburn junior defensive tackle Pat Sims will forgo his senior year and make himself eligible for the 2008 National Football League Draft.
A Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native, Sims played in 27 career games at Auburn, registering 56 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks. This season, the 6-4, 316-pound Sims was named a First-Team All-Southeastern Conference selection by the Associated Press after finishing second on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks, while finishing 11th on the team with 37 tackles.
“This was something that I carefully thought about and felt it was in my best interest to pass on my senior season at Auburn and make myself eligible for the NFL Draft,” Sims said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play at the next level, and I believe this is the right time to pursue that goal.”
Starting in all 13 contests in 2007, Sims finished his career by being named the Defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl after finishing with four tackles, including three for loss and one sack.
“I had a great experience at Auburn, and I’d like to thank Coach Tuberville, Coach Dunn, Coach Gran, Coach Yoxall and the remainder of the football staff for their support and helping make me the player and person that I am,” Sims said. “I’m very appreciative to them for sticking with me through the good and bad times. I’ll also miss my teammates and the great Auburn fans, who were my biggest supporters.”
Sims helped an Auburn defense that finished sixth nationally in both scoring defense (10.1 ppg) and total defense (297.9 ypg) this season.
More in Wednesday's Star.
AUBURN DEFENSIVE TACKLE PAT SIMS TO ENTER NFL DRAFT
AUBURN—Auburn junior defensive tackle Pat Sims will forgo his senior year and make himself eligible for the 2008 National Football League Draft.
A Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native, Sims played in 27 career games at Auburn, registering 56 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 quarterback sacks. This season, the 6-4, 316-pound Sims was named a First-Team All-Southeastern Conference selection by the Associated Press after finishing second on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks, while finishing 11th on the team with 37 tackles.
“This was something that I carefully thought about and felt it was in my best interest to pass on my senior season at Auburn and make myself eligible for the NFL Draft,” Sims said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play at the next level, and I believe this is the right time to pursue that goal.”
Starting in all 13 contests in 2007, Sims finished his career by being named the Defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl after finishing with four tackles, including three for loss and one sack.
“I had a great experience at Auburn, and I’d like to thank Coach Tuberville, Coach Dunn, Coach Gran, Coach Yoxall and the remainder of the football staff for their support and helping make me the player and person that I am,” Sims said. “I’m very appreciative to them for sticking with me through the good and bad times. I’ll also miss my teammates and the great Auburn fans, who were my biggest supporters.”
Sims helped an Auburn defense that finished sixth nationally in both scoring defense (10.1 ppg) and total defense (297.9 ypg) this season.
More in Wednesday's Star.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Positive recruiting news for AU
DeRon Furr is through looking around. The quarterback from Columbus (Ga.) Carver High School plans to enroll at Auburn early and participate in spring practice, AuburnSports.com reported Monday.
That Auburn held onto Furr would seem to bode well for Auburn holding onto another commitment ... wide receiver and Carver teammate Jarmon Fortson.
Both players committed to Auburn early but announced recently that they would take visits.
Forston will still take visits, with Alabama, Florida State and Clemson as reported possibilities.
"I would really like to keep playing with him," Furr said. "He's still committed to Auburn. He's just making sure he's making the right decision."
Furr is an athletic quarterback who seems to fit well into Auburn's new spread offense. When he committed to Auburn, he said he was open to playing another position.
Fortson is a four-star receiver, and Auburn needs good receivers more than it needs quarterbacks right now. The Tigers have Kodi Burns, Chris Todd and Neil Caudle in camp plus commitments from Furr and Barrett Trotter.
Will getting Furr in the fold help Auburn keep Fortson? We shall see.
On the other side, one has to wonder what Trotter is thinking.
By the time he shows up at Auburn in August, Burns and Caudle will have had bowl practice and spring practice in the new offense. Todd ran it at Elizabethown (Ky.) High School, at Texas Tech and in junior college. Furr will have had spring practice.
Trotter ran new Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin's system in high school. He knows it well, but there's no substitute for being in camp.
Again, we shall see.
That Auburn held onto Furr would seem to bode well for Auburn holding onto another commitment ... wide receiver and Carver teammate Jarmon Fortson.
Both players committed to Auburn early but announced recently that they would take visits.
Forston will still take visits, with Alabama, Florida State and Clemson as reported possibilities.
"I would really like to keep playing with him," Furr said. "He's still committed to Auburn. He's just making sure he's making the right decision."
Furr is an athletic quarterback who seems to fit well into Auburn's new spread offense. When he committed to Auburn, he said he was open to playing another position.
Fortson is a four-star receiver, and Auburn needs good receivers more than it needs quarterbacks right now. The Tigers have Kodi Burns, Chris Todd and Neil Caudle in camp plus commitments from Furr and Barrett Trotter.
Will getting Furr in the fold help Auburn keep Fortson? We shall see.
On the other side, one has to wonder what Trotter is thinking.
By the time he shows up at Auburn in August, Burns and Caudle will have had bowl practice and spring practice in the new offense. Todd ran it at Elizabethown (Ky.) High School, at Texas Tech and in junior college. Furr will have had spring practice.
Trotter ran new Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin's system in high school. He knows it well, but there's no substitute for being in camp.
Again, we shall see.
How do you rate Auburn's 2007 season?
A--They beat 'Bama ... again | 9 (20%) |
B--Overall good, but they blew some chances | 13 (30%) |
C--Started rough, but came together | 13 (30%) |
D--Four losses is never okay | 5 (11%) |
F--They lost to Mississippi State?!? Are you kidding? | 3 (6%) |
Votes: 43
The voters have spoken. As you can see, B and C won, but it was pretty close all the way around.
Be sure to vote on the new poll.
-aj
Auburn "white-out"
Auburn basketball coach Jeff Lebo is calling for a "White Out" and is asking all fans at Auburn's Southeastern Conference opener against Arkansas on Thursday to wear a white shirt for the nationally televised game.
The Tigers (9-3) play host to Arkansas (11-3) on Thursday at 8 p.m. in Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum on ESPN2.
"This is something that Auburn fans can have some fun with and will be unique to our game," Lebo said.
2,500 white T-shirts will be distributed to fans courtesy of the U.S. Army and the team store in Beard-Eaves will sell a special $5 white T-shirt.
A special performance by the Team Acro Dunk Extreme Dunkers will take place during halftime.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.auburntigers.com or by phone at 800-AUB-1957. General admission seats start at $7 and can only be purchased at the Coliseum box office on gameday.
The Tigers (9-3) play host to Arkansas (11-3) on Thursday at 8 p.m. in Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum on ESPN2.
"This is something that Auburn fans can have some fun with and will be unique to our game," Lebo said.
2,500 white T-shirts will be distributed to fans courtesy of the U.S. Army and the team store in Beard-Eaves will sell a special $5 white T-shirt.
A special performance by the Team Acro Dunk Extreme Dunkers will take place during halftime.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.auburntigers.com or by phone at 800-AUB-1957. General admission seats start at $7 and can only be purchased at the Coliseum box office on gameday.
And the waiting goes on, plus a transfer
Tommy Tuberville is off in Anaheim, Calif., interviewing defensive-coordinator candidates at the American Football Coaches Association convention, and things are relatively quiet back this way.
That's because Tuberville, Auburn's head coach for nine years plus, has become a pro at hiring coordinators. His next DC will be his fifth at Auburn, and he just hired his fifth offensive coordinator in December in Tony Franklin.
Tuberville usually makes himself a one-man search committee, and he tends to do his interviews quietly and quickly. He interviewed his last DC, Will Muschamp, quietly. Muschamp's name wasn't publicized until Tubs announced his hiring.
Tubs concluded his national signing day news conference with two announcements: first, current DC David Gibbs was leaving to return to the NFL coaching ranks; second, Muschamp was hired to replace him.
Search starts and search ends in five minutes.
I expect that's how things will go this time. We won't hear much, at least in the way of names, while Tuberville is in Anaheim. He has to protect those who have jobs.
I expect the search to end sometime this week, before a big weekend of recruiting visits on campus. I suspect the new DC will be a name we haven't heard.
The names we have heard --- former Georgia Tech DC John Tenuta, former Duke head coach Ted Roof and Cincinnati DC Joe Tresey -- strike me as unlikely. Roof and Tresey would be hard sells for the fan base, and Tenuta's blitz-always style seems an odd fit for Tuberville and Auburn's personnel.
We shall see, and The Star will let you know when there's an announcement.
PLAYING THE FIELD: Three-year backup quarterback Blake Field has asked for his release to transfer and will transfer to Division II national champion Valdosta State. He leaves as Auburn's quarterback ranks crowd, and he wasn't likely to win the starting job in Franklin's spread offense. Warren Field, Blake's father, announced his son's transfer decision in an email to the Opelika-Auburn News.
That's because Tuberville, Auburn's head coach for nine years plus, has become a pro at hiring coordinators. His next DC will be his fifth at Auburn, and he just hired his fifth offensive coordinator in December in Tony Franklin.
Tuberville usually makes himself a one-man search committee, and he tends to do his interviews quietly and quickly. He interviewed his last DC, Will Muschamp, quietly. Muschamp's name wasn't publicized until Tubs announced his hiring.
Tubs concluded his national signing day news conference with two announcements: first, current DC David Gibbs was leaving to return to the NFL coaching ranks; second, Muschamp was hired to replace him.
Search starts and search ends in five minutes.
I expect that's how things will go this time. We won't hear much, at least in the way of names, while Tuberville is in Anaheim. He has to protect those who have jobs.
I expect the search to end sometime this week, before a big weekend of recruiting visits on campus. I suspect the new DC will be a name we haven't heard.
The names we have heard --- former Georgia Tech DC John Tenuta, former Duke head coach Ted Roof and Cincinnati DC Joe Tresey -- strike me as unlikely. Roof and Tresey would be hard sells for the fan base, and Tenuta's blitz-always style seems an odd fit for Tuberville and Auburn's personnel.
We shall see, and The Star will let you know when there's an announcement.
PLAYING THE FIELD: Three-year backup quarterback Blake Field has asked for his release to transfer and will transfer to Division II national champion Valdosta State. He leaves as Auburn's quarterback ranks crowd, and he wasn't likely to win the starting job in Franklin's spread offense. Warren Field, Blake's father, announced his son's transfer decision in an email to the Opelika-Auburn News.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Muschamp to Texas
Will Muschamp has resigned as Auburn's defensive coordinator to take a similar job at Texas. He will serve as co-defensive coordinator with the Longhorns and handle defensvie signal calling.
Muschamp was due to make $425,000 at Auburn next season, which would have made him the highest paid assistant in the SEC. Texas' co-coordinators made $300,000 apiece last season.
More to come in Saturday's Star.
Muschamp was due to make $425,000 at Auburn next season, which would have made him the highest paid assistant in the SEC. Texas' co-coordinators made $300,000 apiece last season.
More to come in Saturday's Star.
Back in Auburn
Will Muschamp returned to Auburn this afternoon, landing in a University of Texas plane at about 3 p.m. central. He had little to say to reporters who gathered at the Auburn-Opelika Airport. He said he has not made a decision, and that he must meet with Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville.
A decision is expected tonight.
Muschamp spent Thursday and most of the day Friday in Austin, Texas. He interviewed for the Texas co-defensive coordinator job.
A decision is expected tonight.
Muschamp spent Thursday and most of the day Friday in Austin, Texas. He interviewed for the Texas co-defensive coordinator job.
Will he or won't he? And why?
Still no word on Will Muschamp.
Auburn's second-year defensive coordinator is reportedly still in Austin, Texas, today, but there's no word of him accepting an offer to become the Longhorns' co-defensive coordinator. He interviewed for the job Thursday.
I've read a lot of message-board mess about what it might mean if he takes the job. He would become the second defensive coordinator in four years to leave Auburn for Texas, so what does it all mean?
Muschamp's and Gene Chizik's situations are different. Chizik wasn't happy under Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, a defensive coach who maybe put his hand in the defense too much back then.
Tuberville has been hands off with Muschamp. Tubs even let Muschamp make the 3-4 alignment a regular part of Auburn's defense. Tuberville is a 4-3 guy.
Muschamp can't be worried about money or security. He has a three-year contract offer on the table, and he received a substantial raise.
He doesn't need Texas for a better chance to become a head coach. He was involed in three head-coaching searches this year. He turned down Southern Miss and probably would have been the next coach in line at Arkansas, had Bobby Petrino turned that job down.
Muschamp has plenty of resume, with coordinator successes at LSU and Auburn plus a year in the NFL.
So why would Muschamp leave for Texas?
Unless Muschamp says, it's hard to know, but there's at least one possibility I've not heard thrown out. Maybe he wants to get away because Auburn changed offenses.
Auburn made an offensive-coordinator change in December and ran Tony Franklin's spread system almost exclusively in Monday's Chick-fil-A Bowl victory over Clemson. Auburn ran 90 offensive plays in that game, something that happens by design in Tony Franklin's no-huddle, fast-paced system.
It seemed to wear down Clemson's defense, but the spread can wear down two defenses in the same game. Auburn's defense stands to be on the field for more possessions and snaps as a consequence; Clemson had 73 offensive snaps.
Before Franklin's arrival, Tuberville pretty much commanded former offensive coordinator Al Borges to play conservatively and play to the Tigers' defense. Now, with Auburn running the spread offense, Auburn's defense will be stretched more.
It's interesting that Muschamp was going for head-coaching jobs in early December, and he's interviewing for another coordinator job now. The thing that's changed in between is Auburn's offense.
Muschamp has said all of the right things about the change, but one wonders.
I'm not sure what kind of offense Texas runs, but I know it produces a lot of points and yards. The Longhorns averaged 75 plays a game this season, and opponents averaged 72.
Franklin's Troy offense led the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision at 81 plays a game during the regular season.
Auburn's second-year defensive coordinator is reportedly still in Austin, Texas, today, but there's no word of him accepting an offer to become the Longhorns' co-defensive coordinator. He interviewed for the job Thursday.
I've read a lot of message-board mess about what it might mean if he takes the job. He would become the second defensive coordinator in four years to leave Auburn for Texas, so what does it all mean?
Muschamp's and Gene Chizik's situations are different. Chizik wasn't happy under Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville, a defensive coach who maybe put his hand in the defense too much back then.
Tuberville has been hands off with Muschamp. Tubs even let Muschamp make the 3-4 alignment a regular part of Auburn's defense. Tuberville is a 4-3 guy.
Muschamp can't be worried about money or security. He has a three-year contract offer on the table, and he received a substantial raise.
He doesn't need Texas for a better chance to become a head coach. He was involed in three head-coaching searches this year. He turned down Southern Miss and probably would have been the next coach in line at Arkansas, had Bobby Petrino turned that job down.
Muschamp has plenty of resume, with coordinator successes at LSU and Auburn plus a year in the NFL.
So why would Muschamp leave for Texas?
Unless Muschamp says, it's hard to know, but there's at least one possibility I've not heard thrown out. Maybe he wants to get away because Auburn changed offenses.
Auburn made an offensive-coordinator change in December and ran Tony Franklin's spread system almost exclusively in Monday's Chick-fil-A Bowl victory over Clemson. Auburn ran 90 offensive plays in that game, something that happens by design in Tony Franklin's no-huddle, fast-paced system.
It seemed to wear down Clemson's defense, but the spread can wear down two defenses in the same game. Auburn's defense stands to be on the field for more possessions and snaps as a consequence; Clemson had 73 offensive snaps.
Before Franklin's arrival, Tuberville pretty much commanded former offensive coordinator Al Borges to play conservatively and play to the Tigers' defense. Now, with Auburn running the spread offense, Auburn's defense will be stretched more.
It's interesting that Muschamp was going for head-coaching jobs in early December, and he's interviewing for another coordinator job now. The thing that's changed in between is Auburn's offense.
Muschamp has said all of the right things about the change, but one wonders.
I'm not sure what kind of offense Texas runs, but I know it produces a lot of points and yards. The Longhorns averaged 75 plays a game this season, and opponents averaged 72.
Franklin's Troy offense led the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision at 81 plays a game during the regular season.
No deal yet on Muschamp
Despite an internet report to the contrary, Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has not been hired as co-defensive coordinator at Texas.
Muschamp interviewed for the job Thursday, and OrangeBloods.com, a Rivals-affiliated site that covers Texas, reported that Texas hired the 36-year-old Broyles Award finalist.
The Austin American-Statesman reported otherwise, citing a UT official who said "Muschamp had not been hired."
In past hirings, the paper reports, including when Texas head coach Mack Brown brought in Auburn defensive coordinator Gene Chizik three years ago, Brown has moved quickly after an interview. Brown often finished the deal in less than a day.
Muschamp recently received a significant raise. He made about $350,000 for the 2007 season. He also has a three-year contract offer on the table.
Texas co-defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff reportedly made $300,000 last season. He resigned Wednesday, citing "philosophical differences" with Brown.
Muschamp reportedly has an offer to coach linebackers and call defensive signals. Co-defensive coordinator Duane Akina, who called signals in 2007, remains and would coach defensive backs.
More when we know more.
Muschamp interviewed for the job Thursday, and OrangeBloods.com, a Rivals-affiliated site that covers Texas, reported that Texas hired the 36-year-old Broyles Award finalist.
The Austin American-Statesman reported otherwise, citing a UT official who said "Muschamp had not been hired."
In past hirings, the paper reports, including when Texas head coach Mack Brown brought in Auburn defensive coordinator Gene Chizik three years ago, Brown has moved quickly after an interview. Brown often finished the deal in less than a day.
Muschamp recently received a significant raise. He made about $350,000 for the 2007 season. He also has a three-year contract offer on the table.
Texas co-defensive coordinator Larry Mac Duff reportedly made $300,000 last season. He resigned Wednesday, citing "philosophical differences" with Brown.
Muschamp reportedly has an offer to coach linebackers and call defensive signals. Co-defensive coordinator Duane Akina, who called signals in 2007, remains and would coach defensive backs.
More when we know more.
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