Bashing Gene Chizik? It's Just Too Easy!
I've just finished up a long day of covering this Gene Chizik-to-Auburn story, and I can tell you exactly what will be reading and hearing from local scribes over the next few days- and it ain't pretty! Newspaper columnists and talk radio pundits will be slamming not only the Gene Chizik hire, but Gene Chizik himself. 5-19 in two years as Iowa State head coach. A coach who is in over his head against the Sabanator across the state. A man who is anything but a "wow" hire. Images of Doug Barfield, blah blah blah. I'm thinking a bit differently. I'm thinking this guy could work out! (No, I am not on Nyquill). Will the guy beat up on Nick Saban in recruiting? Of course not, but who would?
My memories of Chizik while he was at AU were of a hard-nosed, no-nonsense coordinator. He appeared after each and every game to meet the media straight on. If you are looking for a comedian, Chizik is not your man. If you are looking for a man who looks you in the eye, answers your questions directly and doesn't hesitate to chew some butt, this guy is it.
Many questions will be cleared up over the next day, week, year. Can Chizik actually steal a recruit from Saint Nick? What kind of offense will he run? Will he double his salary simply be moving east? (yes). Is Nick Saban laughing? Are Alabama fans partying? Is Jay Jacobs history? If money was no object, why Chizik? I actually have heard that Toomers Corner was rolled tonight- by an Alabama fan who was overjoyed at the Chizik hiring (while it sounds like the perfect joke, it could actually be true). On the flip side: Could this guy be the next Jim Tressel or could he be the next Mike Shula? Will he re-energize the Auburn nation? Will he lead it mediocrity? Could he take Saban in a steel cage match? Bottom line? Before Auburn and Alabama fans send this guy down the river, let's see what he brings over the next 2 years. If he doesn't deliver, can him. If he does deliver, you may be looking in the mirror offering up an apology.
Fox6 will be carrying Monday's introductory newser live starting just before 1 pm. We will hear from Chizik, Jay Jacobs, players, alumni, fans, and yes- Finebaum. Thanks for making this web site a part of your day, and I hope to see you Monday afternoon!
