Auburn Football: Gene Chizik, One Year Later

Today, Gene Chizik starts his second year as Auburn's head coach.  The old cliche "What a difference a year makes" does not do the Auburn program justice.

I don't have to remind everyone what Auburn was like a year ago.  We all know, and it was an Auburn fan base still in shock over past events.

Then came in Gene Chizik, a man Auburn knew.  He was a key cog in the machine that rolled Auburn to an undefeated season and a SEC championship. 

As time passed and the debacle of 2008 occurred, we had several names out there to fill the vacant head coach position.

Then, out of the blue, came the hire of Gene Chizik.  Torches and Pitchforks were set.

In this day and age of instant analysis and reaction, there was a frenzy of cries and shock.

I was even shocked at the hire but was interested to see what would happen.

Then came the assistant coaching hires.  Names like Gus Malzahn, Trooper Taylor, Tracy Rocker, Curtis Luper, and all the other assistants were named. 

The hires sent a jolt of enthusiasm not only through the fans but the players as well.

It was no hidden fact that Auburn wanted to win and win now. 

Especially with the success on the other side of the state.

Then as the season approached, it was one of the most unique situations I can recall for any new head coach and his staff.

Most of the linebackers and secondary were injured.  A new quarterback had to be announced.  Chris Todd had won the job even after the problems from last season, shoulder or not.

A new spread style system, in which the Auburn family was still feeling sick over the spread version from 2008. 

Depth issues all over the place.

It wasn't looking pretty early.

Then as they took the field, they did something no one thought they would do.

They started winning, and win they did in every fashion possible.

Five games in, Auburn was 5-0.  Kool-aid was passed around.  Chizik seemed to be the next hottest thing in college football.  Apologies were thrown to Chizik like confetti.

Then a wall was hit.  Bad Saturdays for the Tigers resulted in three straight losses. 

Then on Halloween, a nightmare for Ole Miss resulted in a victory for the Tigers.  This assured bowl eligibility with the Furman Paladins coming into town.

By many accounts, this was mission accomplished for the 2009 season, but it ended up with more than anyone could have thought.

All you have to do is listen for the Auburn crowd at the end of the Iron Bowl to get the idea.  "It's Great to be an Auburn Tiger" filled Jordan-Hare.

That enthusiasm, that feeling of togetherness that was missing for so long out of the program.  Chizik managed to bring that feeling back not only to the players, but to the fans as well.

That was something no one could see coming.  That is why Chizik was hired. 

It wasn't just the players that needed that.  It was everyone. 

Granted, in starting his second season, we will see how it translates on the field.  If there is any indication, there are bright days ahead for Chizik and his staff.

If you had asked what people thought of Chizik this time last year, they would have mentioned somewhere the 5-19 record at Iowa State.

If you ask about him now, they mention he's done more for this program than what the 7-5 record indicates. 

This should serve all as a reminder that even though winning and losing dictates much in a program, there is much more behind the scenes than others are willing to take into consideration.

Starting year two as Auburn's head coach, Chizik will be successful. 

He's got a big family to support him.