Saturday, December 13, 2008

On The Hunt: Coaching Edition Ep. 7 (Season finale)

Sorry I haven't been able to update. I've been working on the content for the web site and running at the airport.
It's done. Gene Chizik is the next head coach at Auburn.
Here's a sneak peak at tomorrow's story:

AUBURN – Gene Chizik is officially Auburn’s new head football coach
The announcement, made official by Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard late Saturday evening, provided the end to a 10-day coaching search that lacked star power from Day 1.
A few hours after Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs denied there was a deal in place on Saturday, Pollard sent out a press release confirming that Chizik will take over the Auburn program.
“Gene (Chizik) confirmed for me today that he is accepting the head coaching position at Auburn,” Pollard said through a statement. “I’m disappointed for our Iowa State fans and student-athletes that he has chosen to leave our program after only two seasons. 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.”
Chizik, who was Auburn’s defensive coordinator from 2002-04, compiled a 5-19 record in two seasons as Iowa State’s head coach. The Cyclones went 2-10 last year and lost their last 10 games.
The 2008 season wasn’t a banner year for Chizik in any way.
Iowa State, which didn’t play Oklahoma, Texas or Texas Tech last year, lost by an average of 17 points per game. Chizik, a former defensive coordinator, watched his defense allow 35.8 points per game last season.
His buyout at Iowa State is $750,000. Internet message boards have been almost entirely pessimistic about the hire.

There you have it. The search is over.
On a sad note, I have a feeling On The Hunt: Coaching Edition will return for another season.
How do you feel about it?

1 comment:

Paul said...

I thought usually when looking for a coach, a winner record is a place to start. What do I know though?