Auburn hires Chizik

Dec 14, 2008 - 5:01 AM AMES, Iowa (Ticker) -- Gene Chizik's lack of success at Iowa State failed to scare Auburn.

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard and Auburn's Jay Jacobs each confirmed Saturday that Chizik was hired as the next coach at Auburn.

Chizik then spoke about what it meant for him to coach the Tigers.

"Through my travels in coaching over the last 23 years, there's one place that I've always wanted to return to and that is Auburn," Chizik said. "The tradition of the Auburn football program combined with the passionate fans and their love for Auburn are second to none.

"My family and I are Auburn through and through and look forward to being part of the Auburn family and community."

Chizik replaced Tommy Tuberville, who resigned earlier this month after winning 85 games and a Southeastern Conference championship in 10 seasons. There have been reports that Tuberville actually was fired.

Chizik's decision originally was confirmed by Pollard, who was perturbed by the move.

"Gene confirmed for me today that he is accepting the head coaching position at Auburn," the statement read. "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 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 setback, we will get through the challenge because the Iowa State University athletics program is far greater than one person."

The Tigers are apparently drawn to Chizik, who was their defensive coordinator when they went 13-0 in 2004 and finished second in the nation. The Tigers allowed just 11.3 points per game that season.

"I'm extremely proud and excited to have Gene returning to Auburn to take over as head football coach of this program," Jacobs said.

"I know that we have found the right fit for Auburn. Gene's body of work during his 23 years in this profession is remarkable. He has a strong knowledge of this athletics program, this university and the community, and he knows how to be successful in the Southeastern Conference."

Following his first stint with the Tigers, Chizik spent two seasons as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Texas, helping the Longhorns to the 2005 national championship.

Chizik replaced Dan McCarney after the 2007 season at Iowa State. However, he went just 5-19 in two seasons, including a woeful 2-10 mark this past campaign.

Jacobs, however, believes that Chizik has the qualities necessary to be a successful coach.

"He is a high-energy coach that is an outstanding motivator and demands a tough, physical style of football," Jacobs said.

"I'm confident that Gene can build upon the foundation that has been established and make this a program that competes for championships on a consistent basis."

Last week, Chizik reassigned both his offensive and defensive coordinators with the Cyclones. He also fired quarterbacks coach Tony Petersen and secondary coach Shawn Raney.