The success of coach Gene Chizik's first years at Auburn only encouraged the desire for change after this year's disappointing season.
During Chizik's time at Auburn, he led the football team to a 33-19 record and its first national championship win since 1957.
Chizik's past success demonstrates the benefits of hiring new blood for the coaching staff, said Athletics Director Jay Jacobs.
"When there was a change made after the '80 season, three years later we won the SEC Championship," Jacobs said. "After a couple bad years in '91 and '92 we went undefeated in '93. Both of those were with changing coaches. History, to some degree, dictates that change can be a catalyst for helping you be more successful."
Defensive tackle Jeff Whitaker said having a break from this season's disappointment will help build morale as well.
"I think we've still got a tough group of guys," Whitaker said. "The main thing we're focused on right now is finals, then we'll go home for a while. I think the break is kind of good for a lot of the guys to just get away from it, get with family and kind of just chill. We're not going to have another season like this."
Running back Tre Mason said whoever was hired as head coach would find a team capable of going undefeated in 2013.
"He'll find that all the players that are here want to work hard and win games, and he has what it takes to win a national championship," Mason said. "We feel like we have the pieces of the puzzle. All we need to do is put it together."
Mason said he expects the team will stay relatively intact in the coming year, despite changes in the coaching staff.
"It's going to be a challenge because people's minds go everywhere," Mason said. "People will think, 'should I leave? Should I stay?' But I'm pretty sure people will probably stand and stick together as a family."\0x2029
Tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen said he still respects Chizik and expects him to succeed in the future.
"I know some program's going to get a great coach out of him," Lutzenkirchen said. "I think he'll be able to take a year or two off maybe and spend time with his family. He's got young kids, so he'll be able to watch them grow up and be part of their adolescence."
Despite the players' continued support of Chizik, Robert Buddig, freshman in business management, said dismissing Chizik was the right decision.\0x2029
"Yeah, the players like him and everything, but ultimately what makes you a good head coach is the win and loss column," Buddig said. "He's a nice guy, but I've played football for six years, and there comes a time to either be a nice guy or a good coach."
A frequently repeated figure is Chizik's record without Cam Newton as his starting quarterback. While he won 33 games overall, he was just 19-19 without Newton.
Chizik was terminated only four years into his contract, so his dismissal will be fairly expensive.
Jacobs said Chizik will receive monthly payments adding to $7.2 million over four years, though the price will be reduced if Chizik gets another job.
Buddig said improving the football team is worth the price, however.
"Looking at the big picture, I think it was a good idea because we can't afford another bad season down the road," Buddig said. "The big thing in college today is the football program and the capital it brings in."
Buddig said he thinks other staff changes might improve the quality of Auburn's athletics program as well.
"Jay Jacobs' job is not only the football program, and we're not only struggling in football," Buddig said. "We're struggling somewhat in basketball and some of the other big sports. Part of being an athletic director is building an athletic program that's top-tier. You have to be successful in every sport."\0x2029
As far as his own job security, Jacobs said he was more concerned about doing right by the football team.
"What I'm worried about is making sure I do my job," Jacobs said. "My main concern right now is doing what's best for this football team. Like I've always done, I'm going to continue to keep my head down, working hard and making the best decisions I can for Auburn Athletics."
Whatever happens, Lutzenkirchen said he expects Auburn's football team to be on top of its game again soon enough.
"We fully expect each year to be contending for a championship," Lutzenkirchen said. "They'll find the right guy. It might take a year or two, but we'll be back on top soon."
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