AUBURN - Auburn president Jay Gogue has told some members of the Board of Trustees he is making preparations to possibly replace head football coach Gene Chizik, multiple sources confirm.
Gogue also told the trustees to whom he talked that he plans to retain athletics director Jay Jacobs and reassign executive associate athletics director Tim Jackson, who oversees football.
In telephone calls with some members of the Board of Trustees last week and early this week, Gogue said he intends to form a committee to help with the decision and plans to move quickly, ideally naming a new head coach within days after the end of the season should the decision be made that Chizik will not be retained. Gogue mentioned at least one potential candidate: Louisville offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. Mike Clardy, director of university communications, said earlier in the week Gogue would not comment on the football program. "At this time Dr. Gogue does not plan on commenting on the football program any further than he did in the statement released on 10/25," Clardy said in an email. Auburn's football team has reached historic depths this season, falling to 2-7 overall and 0-6 in the Southeastern Conference going into Saturday's game against No. 5 Georgia at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Supporters have become increasingly vocal in their displeasure with Chizik, Jacobs and Jackson as the losses have piled up. Chizik is in his fourth season as Auburn's head coach and led the Tigers to the national championship in 2010. The 2012 Tigers have the SEC's longest losing streak in league games with eight straight. They are 4-10 in SEC games since winning the national championship. Eight of those losses are by 17 points or more. Contractually, Auburn will owe Chizik a $7. 5 million buyout if he is dismissed at the end of the season. The buyout is payable over the life of his contract, which will have three years remaining. Following is the statement Gogue released on Oct. 25, two days before Auburn made history in a 63-21 loss to Texas A&M:
"In the past few weeks, many of you have contacted me, and I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share your thoughts about the football program. I know your concerns are sincere and heartfelt, and I share many of them. As we do every year, the football program will be evaluated in an objective, thorough and professional process. "For everything there is a time, and now is the time to support. The young men and women - our students - who make up Auburn University are grateful for the dedication of their extended Auburn Family. So am I."
Gogue also told the trustees to whom he talked that he plans to retain athletics director Jay Jacobs and reassign executive associate athletics director Tim Jackson, who oversees football.
In telephone calls with some members of the Board of Trustees last week and early this week, Gogue said he intends to form a committee to help with the decision and plans to move quickly, ideally naming a new head coach within days after the end of the season should the decision be made that Chizik will not be retained. Gogue mentioned at least one potential candidate: Louisville offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. Mike Clardy, director of university communications, said earlier in the week Gogue would not comment on the football program. "At this time Dr. Gogue does not plan on commenting on the football program any further than he did in the statement released on 10/25," Clardy said in an email. Auburn's football team has reached historic depths this season, falling to 2-7 overall and 0-6 in the Southeastern Conference going into Saturday's game against No. 5 Georgia at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Supporters have become increasingly vocal in their displeasure with Chizik, Jacobs and Jackson as the losses have piled up. Chizik is in his fourth season as Auburn's head coach and led the Tigers to the national championship in 2010. The 2012 Tigers have the SEC's longest losing streak in league games with eight straight. They are 4-10 in SEC games since winning the national championship. Eight of those losses are by 17 points or more. Contractually, Auburn will owe Chizik a $7. 5 million buyout if he is dismissed at the end of the season. The buyout is payable over the life of his contract, which will have three years remaining. Following is the statement Gogue released on Oct. 25, two days before Auburn made history in a 63-21 loss to Texas A&M:
"In the past few weeks, many of you have contacted me, and I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share your thoughts about the football program. I know your concerns are sincere and heartfelt, and I share many of them. As we do every year, the football program will be evaluated in an objective, thorough and professional process. "For everything there is a time, and now is the time to support. The young men and women - our students - who make up Auburn University are grateful for the dedication of their extended Auburn Family. So am I."