Since a dismal 2012 athletics season, in which many, including our own publication, called for his removal, Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs has been at the helm of a stunning revival in the athletic department. Jacobs sat down with Plainsman sports editor Eric Wallace to discuss the high profile hires behind the turnaround and the future of Auburn's sports programs.
What impact can the SEC Network have on Auburn University?
"There's no way Auburn could afford the marketing we're about to get from the SEC Network. It's not just a help to athletic programs, but now coast-to-coast people that don't even have an affinity for athletics can see our athletics and University on this cable channel. It is going to be such a positive tool for Auburn University to recruit student-athletes as well as the best and brightest students."
Has there been any update on the internal national championship claims discussion
"They're still looking at it, and now that we're so close to the season starting, I think we're probably going to wait until the end of the year, so it's not going to be a distraction when we're making a decision on what we're going to do."
Have you ever seen this level of excitement surrounding Auburn basketball?
"Never. Our ticket sales are up about 200 percent and our enthusiasm is up by about 1000 percent. It's interesting to be talking about men's basketball four days before the first SEC football games."
Is there any discussion of expanding Jordan-Hare Stadium?
"We're not looking to add seats. We want to have a more rich and positive environment for our current fans. We've sold out this year for the first time since 2008, so we want the same people coming back and having a better experience.
What updates are in discussion for improving the stadium experience?
"We're constantly looking at what we can do to make what we have even better. Sometimes that means taking seats we currently have and maybe making them premium seats. We want it to be a better experience."
How do you deal with the personal criticism that is inevitably directed toward someone in your position?
"I'm more excited about the next ten years of me being the athletic director here moving forward, and there may be some bumps in the road, but you can't celebrate the victories unless you have some tough times. It just comes with the territory. When I was a player here, my dad told me, 'When it's getting too tough for everyone else, it's getting about right for me and you.' I think about that everyday."
Thoughts on the upcoming football season?
"The thing about Auburn football is that it's back, it's fun and it's fast. I can't wait until Saturday to see how we do. The plan is that by the end of the year, we'll end up back in Atlanta. I don't have a prediction for Saturday. I know everybody is talking about all kinds of things, but you never know in the SEC. We have a couple guys we have to replace and a couple of injured guys, but I'm really excited about Saturday and looking forward to it."
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