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Gene Chizik out at Auburn

By Matthew Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com
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In four years on the Plains, Chizik compiled a 33-19 overall record, including a mere 15-17 ledger in conference play.

Gene Chizik, the only coach to lead Auburn to a national championship in the last 50 years, has been relieved of his coaching duties at the school, athletic director Jay Jacobs announced Sunday via an open letter to Tigers fans on Auburn’s official athletic site.

“…after careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our football program, I have recommended that Coach Gene Chizik not be retained,” Jacobs said in his open letter. “President Gogue has accepted my recommendation. Earlier this morning, I informed Coach Chizik that he will not return as head coach.”

Chizik informed his assistant coaches of his dismissal after the Tigers’ 49-0 defeat to rival Alabama Saturday. The players were informed of the decision in a team meeting early Sunday afternoon.

In four years on the Plains, Chizik compiled a 33-19 overall record, including a mere 15-17 ledger in conference play. Despite the rather unassuming coaching record, Chizik cemented himself as a memorable figure in Auburn history when he led the Tigers to the 2010 national championship.

It was an abrupt descent from the top, however, as the Tigers have won just four conference games since their national championship season.

The 2012 season proved to be one of the worst seasons in Auburn history. Winning just three games overall, the Tigers finished with an 0-8 record in conference play, the worst mark in school history.

In addition to Chizik’s firing, Jacobs informed the Tigers’ assistant coaches that they would also be relieved of their duties.

Chizik will receive a $7.5 million buyout for his dismissal from the university.
 

Matthew Osborne - With an extensive background in both writing and high school recruiting, Matt serves as the Editor and Director of Recruiting for Southern Pigskin. Once serving as the South Region Senior Scout for a national scouting service, Matt is very familiar with the top football prospects in the south. If it is a weekend in the fall, you can rest assured that Matt is on the road watching some of the top high school and college games in the region. To keep up with all of the latest recruiting news in the south, be sure to follow Matt on Twitter: @MattOsborneSP. You can email him at matt@southernpigskin.com.