Special Issue: Thanks Tommy (PDF)
Tommy Tuberville stepped down as head coach Wednesday afternoon following days of discussion with Athletic Director Jay Jacobs.
The move came following a turbulent 5-7 season that saw Auburn miss out of a bowl birth.
In a decade at Auburn, Tuberville amassed 85 wins and one SEC Championship.
Tuberville resigned only four days following a season-ending loss to Alabama Saturday.
Jacobs said the University will honor the buyout terms of his contract.
Tuberville and the rest of the assistant coaches will be paid according to their respective contracts.
“We appreciate everything Tommy has done for this program, this University and the Auburn community over the last 10 years,” Jacobs, who became Auburn’s 14th AD in December 2004, said. “We wish Tommy and his family nothing but the best.”
As for the search for the next head football coach at Auburn, the future is uncertain.
Jacobs said Auburn will begin looking for a new coach immediately.
“We will move as quickly and efficiently as we possibly can, but we’re going to be thorough and strategic with our search to find the best fit for Auburn,” Jacobs said.
Auburn players gathered at the Athletic Complex at 6 p.m. for a team meeting to discuss Tuberville’s departure.
Players left the meeting only four minutes later, exiting the complex without speaking to reporters.
Tuberville said in a press release that he hopes to continue to be a part of Auburn University.
“The last 10 years have been a great time in my life,” Tuberville said. “It’s been a great place to coach and live, and we’ve had a lot of success along the way.
“I’m going to remain in Auburn and help the Auburn family however I can. I’m very appreciative of the coaches, players, staff and Auburn fans over the last decade.”
Look for a special issue of The Plainsman on news stands today.
December 3, 2008 - 6:31pm
This is a dumb move on
This is a dumb move on Auburn's part. Tommy Tuberville is a great coach and we were lucky to have him and I hope Jay Jacobs' regrets this decision. Good Luck Tommy, we'll miss you!December 3, 2008 - 6:36pm
I heard that he was given
I heard that he was given the choice to resign or fire all of his assistants. I guess resigning was the "manly" thing to do. But i still think it is kinda messed up and a little too early for Tuberville to be getting that kind of UltimatumDecember 3, 2008 - 7:12pm
As an alum, i am very
As an alum, i am very disappointed that he was fired or resigned. The straw that broke the camel's back was the blowout last week. So now who should be on the short list for head coach? How about Charlie Strong, DC of the Gators. Think of what he would bring to the Plains: the Florida connection...speed, intensity, and it would show that we could hire another black head coach in the deep South. We would 1-up on Alabama when they dropped the ball on Croom.....December 3, 2008 - 7:56pm
Talk about the ultimate knee
Talk about the ultimate knee jerk reaction! The guy beats Alabama 6 times in a row and loses this year. This will go down in the history of Auburn football as one of the most idiotic moves ever. I live in Baton Rouge and am a diehard LSU fan but everyone down here knows Tuberville is one of the top three coaches in the SEC period. People in Auburn will soon know how the people in Arkansas now feel after they let Houston Nutt go! I dont know who your athletic director is but he is the one that needs to be fired after this.December 3, 2008 - 8:35pm
Coach Tuberville
It took 5 years but Bobby Lowder finally got him. Coming up with the $6 million to buyout the man's contract is pocket change for him. What a short-sighted move....... Whoever was behind this never read the Auburn Creed.December 3, 2008 - 8:55pm
This is a bad idea!
What was Jay Jacobs thinking? Does he think that we are gonna do the same thing that Alabama did and go out and hire a proven coach that wants to be here. Tommy will be singing to the masses in a couple of weeks about how the board of trustees was always in his business and we will be lucky to get a pee wee coach to come and coach this team. if Jay Jacobs has the nerve to fire Tommy maybe he should let the board of trustees that their services are not needed any more in the athletic dept.December 3, 2008 - 9:04pm
This is so sad. Whatever
This is so sad. Whatever happened to perseverance through tough times! This is Auburn! We don't fold at the first little sign of defeat!I am very disappointed in the Athletic Dept.! We will miss you, Tubs! Thank you for some great years!December 3, 2008 - 10:27pm
Whatever Happened To ?? ...
Am I the only one that saw the hundred years of Auburn football history DVD? I agree with everyone here. Whatever happened to commitment and perseverance? Everything in the stadium entrance video appears to be crap. Because WE meaning as a fan base apparently DON’T believe and it's sad. It’s embarrassing in fact, more embarrassing than any football loss. I am an Auburn engineering student and have built my student career on perseverance and the Auburn creed. I also work for the athletic department here at Auburn and everyone including the team stands behind Tommy. We were lucky to have him. Coach Tubs you will be missed!December 3, 2008 - 11:28pm
I guess Lowder finally got
I guess Lowder finally got what he wanted. Yes, we had a losing season, but think about it; 2003 Auburn had a bad season, but what happened in 2004? 13-0 ring a bell? Auburn is notorious for making drastic moves like this without a plan in mind. Auburn was bound to lose badly to Bama and break the streak, but is it really that bad. Just comes to show you that those who put money in certain people's pockets have power. And that next year's season is not looking that bright and promising.December 3, 2008 - 11:33pm
FAILTROCITY
Anyone who thinks Tommy resigned on his own initiative is a fool. He was forced out and those responsible need to be burned at the stake for this (and I am not talking figuratively). Firing coaches based on "what have you done for me lately" is the policy of teams like the New York Yankees and the Crimson Tide. This is AUBURN! This firing has got to be the biggest crime against Auburn University that I have seen. Do you fools know how much fun the Bama fans are going to have ridiculing us (the Auburn Family) about this? I guarantee that if Tubs is hired by another SEC team, that team will be playing in Atlanta next year and Auburn will be 4th. If all it takes to get kicked out of Auburn is one failure, well then, Bobby Lowder (and the rest of those resposible): YOU HAVE FAILED! GET OUT!December 3, 2008 - 11:45pm
New Coach
BILL COWHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO IT TO COMPETE JACOBS!!December 4, 2008 - 12:42am
I heard Tubs was told to
I heard Tubs was told to fire his offensive assistants or resign and he resigned. I don't blame Tubs for being loyal to his long time assistants. But I also don't blame the administration. Auburn has been a dissappointment on offense every year but 2004. THis past year they were a JOKE. There was a common thread and that was the offensive assistant coaches. I like Tubs but I think it was the right move.December 4, 2008 - 11:57am
This isn't new!
I am glad to see so many people are shocked by Auburn's behavior concerning Coach Tuberville's job. However it isn't the first time the BOT did what they wanted and not what was best for Auburn University. This has become a terrible trend. Almost everyone who loved Auburn, worked for years, had some integrity has been replaced. Some of the new people are fine but don't have any historical knowledge whatsoever. The only job requirement is that you satisfy the BOT. Make your concerns known and show your love by not accepting everything so lightly. Kick up a fuss, maybe one day someone will listen. Remember it is the Legislature who has to approve these BOT members and they need our vote.December 4, 2008 - 12:05pm
Jacobs is short-sighted and
Jacobs is short-sighted and foolish. This decision isn't in the best interest of the football program or the University. He is guaranteeing a 2-4 year rebuilding period. One season (or even two) shouldn't wipe away an SEC championship, an undefeated season, many bowl games, and 6 consecutive wins over Alabama. Hasn't Jacobs learned from Alabama that replacing the coach doesn't guarantee a successful program?December 4, 2008 - 1:24pm
Fire Jacobs!
As an Alum I expect more class and dedication than Jacobs and Lowder have shown Coach Tubs and the rest of the Auburn Family. Best of luck to Coach Tubs, take a year or two off and land yourself a better job - and come back and kick some Lowder A$$ when you do.December 4, 2008 - 1:34pm
After our perfect season in
After our perfect season in 2004, Tommy was made great offers to leave Auburn, but he chose to stay and show his devotion to the Auburn family. It's a shame we didn't show him the same courteousy. Auburn football will not be the same for me and I think this was a rash decision because they felt they had to do something to show change... Best of luck to you Tommy and may others show you the same loyalty you have showed to us.December 4, 2008 - 3:35pm
mediocrity
i'm sure you think tubs really cares about auburn, orange, blue, aubie, a.p.i., blah blah foy, tigers, war eagle, etc. but the truth of the matter is that this is the same guy who declared he wouldn't leave ole miss unless it was in a "pine box". like all football coaches, he is in it for the $, and very little else. he's never been a phenomenal recruiter, and has blown many too many big chances. it was time for him to go. he's old, and he needs to retire. saban, i may not like him personally, but he turned bama around in 1 year. but then again he said he would "never coach college football"... money talks and that is what this is really all about. our finest alumnus, mr lowder, will make sure we dont continue down this road of mediocrity and get us a real coach. hopefully, we as a univ., can get behind and support whoever this may be and turn our program around. don't defend tuberville's pastoral satisfaction with mediocrity.December 4, 2008 - 3:35pm
mediocrity
i'm sure you think tubs really cares about auburn, orange, blue, aubie, a.p.i., blah blah foy, tigers, war eagle, etc. but the truth of the matter is that this is the same guy who declared he wouldn't leave ole miss unless it was in a "pine box". like all football coaches, he is in it for the $, and very little else. he's never been a phenomenal recruiter, and has blown many too many big chances. it was time for him to go. he's old, and he needs to retire. saban, i may not like him personally, but he turned bama around in 1 year. but then again he said he would "never coach college football"... money talks and that is what this is really all about. our finest alumnus, mr lowder, will make sure we dont continue down this road of mediocrity and get us a real coach. hopefully, we as a univ., can get behind and support whoever this may be and turn our program around. don't defend tuberville's pastoral satisfaction with mediocrity.December 4, 2008 - 4:04pm
It wouldn't surprise me ....
It wouldn't surprise me if Mr. Lowder himself wrote the above review. As I am an employee of the athletic department, you've apparently never met Mr. Lowder or Tubs for that matter and you wouldn't understand the first thing about loyalty. Finest alumni?? That almost made me puke. If you're going to subject us all to your opinionated bullshit, then at least have the courage to use a real name. Thank you & War Eagle!December 4, 2008 - 6:56pm
Tommy Gone = Huge Mistake!
As an Auburn student and fan, I can’t believe Tommy Tuberville is really gone after 10 seasons and 85 wins! I think this is a huge mistake and only going to hurt our football program! However, Jay Jacobs . . . You can leave whenever you like!I hear that Auburn is looking at Texas Tech’s Mike Leach, Arkansas’s Bobby Petrino, and North Carolina’s Butch Davis to replace Tommy Tuberville. ESPN reported: "A person familiar with the situation told ESPN's Joe Schad that Tuberville likely could have stayed on for another season if he wanted to, but the coach knew he did not have the support of certain members of the Auburn Board of Trustees." I wonder who that is? Oh, I know, can you say Bobby Lowder and the minions that he padded the board of trustees with . . . What a ####. I can see why Tommy wouldn't want to put up with their crap. I'd be willing to bet Bobby Lowder has Jay Jacobs in his pocket, if not on his pay roll! These are the same guys that tried to get Tuberville fired back in spring of 2004 . . . However, Tommy Tuberville had the best revenge by leading Auburn to a 13-0 season, winning the SEC championship, and finishing ranked # 2 in the nation that year. Screw the BCS for not letting Auburn play in the championship game!December 5, 2008 - 12:46pm
wives of assistant coaches
The assistant coaches were out recruiting when this firing/resignation occurred. We hear two phone calls from wives of assistant coaches who were, rightfully, upset. http://sportscallonline.com/radio/sportscall.htm . After jet gate and the board of trustees (who [really the banker] almost caused Auburn to lose it academic qualifications), we necessarily ask the question now of whether Jay Jacobs is being indirectly controlled by the jet gate board. ESPN is making a joke out of Auburn University and its Athletic Department.December 6, 2008 - 10:14am
GO GET SPURRIER!!!!!!!
is it true that spurrier was in auburn on the 5th on december. i think he would be a good fit at auburn we need someone that will go and get the 4 and 5 star recruits and not just settle for the 2 and 3 stars. i hate to se tubby go and i wish him the best but it is now time to move on and i think spurrier would look good in an under armour visor with a big AU on it. jay jacobs please make a good decision for the first time in your life or you will be the next to go.....December 8, 2008 - 12:56pm
Spurrier would be awesome!!!
We've got to try to get Steve Spurrier--that would be just the best thing we could do. An experienced coach with so much success. Recruiting would be unbelievable compared to what we've been getting. We can't go on bringing in the same kind of coaches-look what happens. Lately we are good--not awesome. (besides 2004) We need a coach who will surprise people. We need a coach who wants to be the best-and think about Spurrier against Saban. Steve likes a challenge-I think he would come and spend the remainder of his years with us. I just don't think it's smart to make a move that might "shock" Auburn and the rest of college football. This move would. It would change the way people look at us and our team.December 8, 2008 - 6:13pm
For those of you that don't
For those of you that don't live in South Carolina as I do, please educate yourselves on Steve. He is the antithesis of Coach Tubs. In last Sunday's State Newspaper, there was quite an article about Spurrier constantly critizing his players in public (newspapers, TV, etc). AT LEAST, once a month the same newspaper and others carry stories about a Univ. of SC football player being arrested for drunkeness, fighting and once even rape. Steve punishes sometimes these "bad boys" by making them sit on the bench for the first drive of a game. Compare this with what Coach Tubs has done and would do. Please do not even think of Spurrier and Auburn in the same thought.December 9, 2008 - 11:32am
Lowder's timing was better than it was in jetgate
Since there is nothing else to admire about Lowder, I will admit that his timing on getting rid of Coach Tubs was better this time that it was in jetgate. Because of the holidays, students and others will be leaving campus and I'm sure that Lowder thinks the firing of Coach Tubs will be forgotten.Other coaches that might even consider coming to AU after the treatment of Coach Tubs are busy with preparing their teams for bowl games. Each of you in the Auburn family, please do whatever you can (phone, write,start a petition, etc) to whomever you think will help us in removing ASAP Lowder from the BOT. He must want to control the entire university and this cannot be allowed to happen. Who will Lowder "go after" next? Will it be the president that AU is fortunate to have, the faculty, etc.? This man needs to be stopped before he destroys the Auburn family. If Lowder cannot be stopped, then let's just ask him who he wants as head coach, hire that person so the negative and constant PR nightmare that our university is receiving in the press will stop.December 9, 2008 - 6:55pm
Coach Tuberville's ALLEGED resignation
For the FIRST time in my life, I AM SAD and EMBARRASSED to be an Auburn Tiger. I was NOT thrilled with the loss to 'Bama; however, Coach Tuberville SHOULD NOT HAVE LOST his job. The "official" report is that he resigned, but Auburn faithful know in their hearts that he was MOST LIKELY FORCED into this position. Coach Tuberville had one bad season out of ten for GOODNESS sake! I met Coach Tuberville during a meeting in his office shortly after returning to AU (1980 and 1984 alum)to work, and he is an honorable man and a GOOD coach! I was MOST IMPRESSED that he treated me with respect despite being the only woman in the room. One bad season does NOT a career make. I wish Coach Tuberville ALL THE BEST. AU is the poorer for having lost him, but AT LEAST he is out of the quagmire of AU politics run by Dictator Lowder and his "Jetgate" buddies who will ruin AU athletically and in every other manner if we - the alumni - allow it! Thanks Coach Tuberville for your 10 years and ALL MY BEST in your future endeavors!December 13, 2008 - 4:21pm
Chizik your new coach
http://www.kcci.com/news/18271868/detail.htmlDecember 15, 2008 - 3:19am
Good luck with Chizik! I'll
Good luck with Chizik! I'll pray that you guys won't regret this decision for the next years to come.