Auburn Tigers

Tigers Land Magnolia State Signal Caller

September 11, 2009

Season Report Posted: July 26, 2009 21:13  

Quarterback wasn't originally thought to be a position of need for the Auburn Tigers in the 2010 recruiting class. An impressive camp performance earlier in the summer by Crystal Springs (MS) quarterback Matt Miller changed the tune that offensive coordinator, Gus Malzahn, was singing.

Shortly after his stellar performance at Auburn's Senior Elite mini-camp, Auburn extended a scholarship offer to the 3-star prospect. Ever since, Auburn has set atop Miller's list of favorites. Friday afternoon, Miller finally decided to pull the trigger.

"I committed to Auburn University," Miller stated.

"Auburn has been my leader since late in the summer and I just can't see myself playing anywhere else. The in-state teams like Ole Miss and Mississippi State are fine, but nothing compares to Auburn. I can't wait to take snaps in Coach Malzahn's offense. As a quarterback, there's no offense more exciting."

When asked about the firmness of his commitment, Miller responded, "I'm sticking with Auburn. No doubt. War Eagle."

Matt Miller is ranked by Rivals.com as the 28th best dual-threat quarterback in the nation. He spurned offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Southern Mississippi.

1-on-1 with Gene Chizik

September 11, 2009

Season Report Posted: July 26, 2009 20:24  

Auburn, AL (AP)-- On a slow day in the news and on the field, I got the chance to speak one-on-one with the head coach at Auburn, Gene Chizik. Among the topics are his first victory, his memories from his first stint at Auburn and football in the Southeastern conference.

Daniel Poe: Coach Chizik, thank you so much for giving me your time so I'd be able to conduct this interview.

Gene Chizik: It's no problem.

Poe: I know it's been stated time and time again that you only went 5-19 during your short time at Iowa State, but people don't focus on the good things you were doing there. Would you say that you on your way to building something good there?

Chizik: I think so. (laughs) There's no doubt that it was a bit of an uphill battle from the beginning. Last season, I was basically forced to play quite a few freshman that weren't ready for Big XII football, but the team grew together and started to play some decent football. It didn't show up in the win column, but I was proud of those guys. I will miss them, but my focus is no longer on Iowa State. It's on Auburn University.

Poe: Speaking of Auburn, what made you want to come back?

Chizik: Oh, it's great. I love it in Auburn. It's a world within itself. Everything about it is wonderful. The people are great. The fans are passionate. It's all about family in Auburn and I'm glad to be apart of the Auburn family once again.

Poe: It doesn't hurt that the last memory you have was of an undefeated SEC champion team, does it?

Chizik: Not at all. (laughs) I'm hoping that's how this season finishes, too.

Poe: So, I guess you like to set high goals for yourself and your teams?

Chizik: Without a doubt. Why should we try to just get by? Winning is fun. Players like winning. Coaches like winning. The fans like winning and that's what we want to do. We want to win and win a lot. I wasn't joking when I said I want Auburn to be the best. Before long, we will be the best.

Poe: Coach, you were at Auburn from the 2002 season through the 2004 season as the defensive coordinator. During that time, your defense was consistently among the best in the nation. Which was your favorite defensive unit?

Chizik: That's a tough question. I have fond memories of every single defensive team. The 2003 team was probably the best as far as talent goes. Guys like Dontarrious Thomas and Karlos Dansby come around only so often. My favorite unit to coach, though, was undoubtedly the 2004 team. There was so much heart there. They wanted to win more than any guys I've ever had the pleasure of coaching.

Poe: You mentioned Thomas and Dansby. Do you see any potential linebacker superstars on your current team?

Chizik: All three of the starting linebackers have that kind of potential. Josh Bynes is the anchor. He's one of the most physically impressive middle linebackers I've seen in recent years. He's big, fast, and once he hits you, you aren't getting around him. I know I wouldn't want him to tackle me (laughs).

Poe: Last week was your first game as the head coach at Auburn and that defensive unit was as impressive as ever. How did it feel to clinch that first victory?

Chizik: I was ecstatic. It was a shame, though. The guys on ESPN were saying that it was only Louisiana Tech. They don't understand. Louisiana Tech beat an SEC team last season and that's no easy feat. Derek Dooley's building a great program down there. Those guys played a great game; we just happened to play better.

Poe: How does it feel to be a head coach in the Southeastern Conference? Many say that it's arguably the best conference in college football.

Chizik: Arguably? There's nothing to argue. The SEC is the absolute best conference in the nation. The best football is played in the southeast, without any doubt. Big XII country is one thing, but the SEC is the cream of the crop. As far as your question goes, I feel blessed to be a coach here in the SEC; moreso, I feel honored to be the head coach at Auburn University. I couldn't ask for anything better because there is no better.

Poe: Thank you, Coach Chizik, for your time. I wish you the best of luck in your future at Auburn. War Eagle.

Chizik: War Eagle.

SEC Media Days: Auburn "Looking to Be the Best."

Season Report Posted: July 25, 2009 18:08  

Hoover, AL (AP)-- Today, the Southeastern Conference Media Day got underway. Every year, the members of the media look forward to this first real opportunity to talk to each of the 12 head coaches in the SEC.

This year provided the media the opportunity to meet with 3 new head coaches: Dan Mullen at Mississippi State, Lane Kiffin at Tennessee, and the new in-state coach, Gene Chizik.

Gene Chizik ended his less than stellar time at Iowa State with an overall record of 5 wins and 19 losses; however, Auburn University sought him out and hired him to take over the similarly struggling program. Coming off of a disappointing 5-7 campaign, the Auburn Tigers decided to cut ties with coach Tommy Tuberville who had been their man for 10 years.

Early in coaching search, many thought that Mack Brown's understudy and defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp would come back to the SEC and Auburn University as the head coach. That never panned out, however.

Auburn didn't stay down for long. Shortly thereafter, the Tigers got in touch with another quite familiar face: none other than the new head coach Gene Chizik.

Most Auburn fans were in dismay over this decision by Auburn's athletic department. Chizik refused to let it get to him. He quickly put together one of the best staffs in the SEC and maybe the entire country, in regards to recruiting and coaching ability.

Here's a quick run-down of Chizik's supporting cast:

Gus Malzahn: Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks coach
Ted Roof: Defensive coordinator/Linebackers coach
Curtis Luper: Recruiting coordinator/Runningbacks coach
Trooper Taylor: Assistant head coach/Wide receivers coach
Jeff Grimes: Offensive line coach
Jay Boulware: Special teams coach/Tight ends coach
Tracy Rocker: Defensive line coach
Phillip Lolley: Cornerbacks coach
Tommy Thigpen: Safeties coach

Although Chizik has his work cut out for him for the first couple of years, he is without a doubt remaining confident.

When asked if he could step up to the task of dismantling the upstart empire across the state he responded with a smirk, "We're up to anything. We're looking to be the best in the country. The key to accomplishing this is first becoming the best in the state, but that shouldn't take too long."