So if we moved on from Ellis J... (Edit we did)

[TitanTiger 20,499]

who would you like to see???

Some names I've heard was Chizik, Tuberville, Smart, Diaz, etc....

Also take into account school familiarity as well as overall success

We're not moving on from anyone, so just get the notion out of your head. CEJ will be the DC here next year.

[cooltigger21 0]

who would you like to see???

Some names I've heard was Chizik, Tuberville, Smart, Diaz, etc....

Also take into account school familiarity as well as overall success

We're not moving on from anyone, so just get the notion out of your head. CEJ will be the DC here next year.

Well if that is the case it's gonna be a repeat of the last two years. Offense will have to score 40 points a game for AU to win. I'm reminded of the definition of insanity,doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

Titan, I am pretty O & B, in my view but I do think CEJ will move on after this year. And for those that say he is a bad coach you should look at our stats after half-time. It is always like day and night. We did not give up a single TD the second half. That said others are right. CEJ just never has been good against the spread and that is the way so many teams are going. There are a lot of good choices, maybe even from inside. I do think we need to find someone who can at least teach these kids how to use their arms when tackling. I saw several last night trying to know players down as opposed to wrapping up. No excuse for this lack of technique.

[TastesLikeChicken 0]

Top Ten Defense's 2014 pick one of those lol:

1 Wisconsin 2260 251 1411 156.8 849 94.3 129 14.3 2 Clemson 2268 252 1450 161.1 818 90.9 166 18.4 3 Penn State 2406 267 1638 182.0 768 85.3 149 16.6 4 UCF 2466 308 1511 188.9 955 119.4 171 21.4 5 Alabama 2477 275 1669 185.4 808 89.8 125 13.9 6 Stanford 2530 281 1538 170.9 992 110.2 145 16.1 7 Florida 2672 334 1742 217.8 930 116.3 183 22.9 8 East Carolina 2715 339 1941 242.6 774 96.8 184 23.0 9 Michigan State 2803 311 1772 196.9 1031 114.6 211 23.4 10 Miami (FL)

[Guest jojo1515]

I have an idea. How about Floridas DC? I don't know if it is Muschamp or the DC making most of the calls, but their D is stingy for sure. The guy I really want is the DC at Ole Miss. They have played lights out.

[war eagle6 0]

Titan, I am pretty O & B, in my view but I do think CEJ will move on after this year. And for those that say he is a bad coach you should look at our stats after half-time. It is always like day and night. We did not give up a single TD the second half. That said others are right. CEJ just never has been good against the spread and that is the way so many teams are going. There are a lot of good choices, maybe even from inside. I do think we need to find someone who can at least teach these kids how to use their arms when tackling. I saw several last night trying to know players down as opposed to wrapping up. No excuse for this lack of technique.

That's the problem, waiting until halftime! So sick of that trend that it's getting overly ridiculous!!

[AU64 10,122]

Top Ten Defense's 2014 pick one of those lol:

1 Wisconsin 2260 251 1411 156.8 849 94.3 129 14.3 2 Clemson 2268 252 1450 161.1 818 90.9 166 18.4 3 Penn State 2406 267 1638 182.0 768 85.3 149 16.6 4 UCF 2466 308 1511 188.9 955 119.4 171 21.4 5 Alabama 2477 275 1669 185.4 808 89.8 125 13.9 6 Stanford 2530 281 1538 170.9 992 110.2 145 16.1 7 Florida 2672 334 1742 217.8 930 116.3 183 22.9 8 East Carolina 2715 339 1941 242.6 774 96.8 184 23.0 9 Michigan State 2803 311 1772 196.9 1031 114.6 211 23.4 10 Miami (FL)

What do they all pretty much have in common?

Let me answer that....they all run variations of a methodical pro-set that does not give the ball back 2 minutes after the offense gets it. Even Clemson has moved that way this year

Not a single HUNH offense in the bunch....well maybe East Carolina but they are in a different league.

[AUFlyer99 647]

Titan, I am pretty O & B, in my view but I do think CEJ will move on after this year. And for those that say he is a bad coach you should look at our stats after half-time. It is always like day and night. We did not give up a single TD the second half. That said others are right. CEJ just never has been good against the spread and that is the way so many teams are going. There are a lot of good choices, maybe even from inside. I do think we need to find someone who can at least teach these kids how to use their arms when tackling. I saw several last night trying to know players down as opposed to wrapping up. No excuse for this lack of technique.

That's the problem, waiting until halftime! So sick of that trend that it's getting overly ridiculous!!

Bingo. Want more? Go look at next years class. I hope Gus is thermonuclear pissed that he puts over 500 yards up and loses by 3. Mistakes are part of the game. Implosions are not.

[cooltigger21 0]

Top Ten Defense's 2014 pick one of those lol:

1 Wisconsin 2260 251 1411 156.8 849 94.3 129 14.3 2 Clemson 2268 252 1450 161.1 818 90.9 166 18.4 3 Penn State 2406 267 1638 182.0 768 85.3 149 16.6 4 UCF 2466 308 1511 188.9 955 119.4 171 21.4 5 Alabama 2477 275 1669 185.4 808 89.8 125 13.9 6 Stanford 2530 281 1538 170.9 992 110.2 145 16.1 7 Florida 2672 334 1742 217.8 930 116.3 183 22.9 8 East Carolina 2715 339 1941 242.6 774 96.8 184 23.0 9 Michigan State 2803 311 1772 196.9 1031 114.6 211 23.4 10 Miami (FL)

What do they all pretty much have in common?

Let me answer that....they all run variations of a methodical pro-set that does not give the ball back 2 minutes after the offense gets it. Even Clemson has moved that way this year

Not a single HUNH offense in the bunch....well maybe East Carolina but they are in a different league.

We don't need a top ten defense. A top 30 would be good enough with this offense.

[kd4au 1,145]

Why in the world would you bring Chizik back? Not that he's a bad D coordinator...but really? And nobody thinks it'd be really awkward working for the guy you hired?

I had that happen to me,I worked for a guy that wound up working for me.It worked fine we had a good relationship and we worked well together.Not saying this would happen just saying it depends on their relationship.

[gctiger 937]

While I think Muschamp would be a good hire, I seem to remember there being some mutual issues between him and Jay Jacobs at the time of his departure, so I'm not certain either of them would have any interest. I've seen the stats and heard the grumbling about teams with spread offenses having weak defenses, but I don't buy into it being a given that you'll have a weak defense by default if you run a spread or wide open offense. The defensive stats may take a hit with the players being on the field more frequently, but a top 30 defense paired with our offense should be sufficient in my opinion. Look at some of the defenses Spurrier had at Florida. The key is recruiting top defensive players, having a top notch strength, a conditioning program, and quality depth. We have the second requirement, but for whatever reason we've not had a high level of interest from the top defensive players and therefore do not have sufficient depth. Although I don't know the reason, I suspect it's either our defensive scheme, our defensive coaching staff, or a combination of both. I think a few recruits may have signed with other programs because they preferred an alternative defensive scheme. While at times it has appeared we've been close to turning the corner in our defensive recruiting, I'm not yet convinced that it's going to happen under the current circumstances. I'd welcome any comments.

[AU64 10,122]

Top Ten Defense's 2014 pick one of those lol:

1 Wisconsin 2260 251 1411 156.8 849 94.3 129 14.3 2 Clemson 2268 252 1450 161.1 818 90.9 166 18.4 3 Penn State 2406 267 1638 182.0 768 85.3 149 16.6 4 UCF 2466 308 1511 188.9 955 119.4 171 21.4 5 Alabama 2477 275 1669 185.4 808 89.8 125 13.9 6 Stanford 2530 281 1538 170.9 992 110.2 145 16.1 7 Florida 2672 334 1742 217.8 930 116.3 183 22.9 8 East Carolina 2715 339 1941 242.6 774 96.8 184 23.0 9 Michigan State 2803 311 1772 196.9 1031 114.6 211 23.4 10 Miami (FL)

What do they all pretty much have in common?

Let me answer that....they all run variations of a methodical pro-set that does not give the ball back 2 minutes after the offense gets it. Even Clemson has moved that way this year

Not a single HUNH offense in the bunch....well maybe East Carolina but they are in a different league.

We don't need a top ten defense. A top 30 would be good enough with this offense.

I'm just saying, show me a HUNH team with any kind of impressive defensive statistics....

JMO but it goes with the territory and as I've said a couple times...the only common thread in our defensive woes the past 7 years is Gus's offense. Not saying they can't and should not play better but there is more to the problem than EJ.

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,674]

who would you like to see???

Some names I've heard was Chizik, Tuberville, Smart, Diaz, etc....

Also take into account school familiarity as well as overall success

We're not moving on from anyone, so just get the notion out of your head. CEJ will be the DC here next year.

Its a thread asking people who they think could do Ellis Johnson's job better, and apparently, there's more than just I who would like to see that

[cooltigger21 0]

Top Ten Defense's 2014 pick one of those lol:

1 Wisconsin 2260 251 1411 156.8 849 94.3 129 14.3 2 Clemson 2268 252 1450 161.1 818 90.9 166 18.4 3 Penn State 2406 267 1638 182.0 768 85.3 149 16.6 4 UCF 2466 308 1511 188.9 955 119.4 171 21.4 5 Alabama 2477 275 1669 185.4 808 89.8 125 13.9 6 Stanford 2530 281 1538 170.9 992 110.2 145 16.1 7 Florida 2672 334 1742 217.8 930 116.3 183 22.9 8 East Carolina 2715 339 1941 242.6 774 96.8 184 23.0 9 Michigan State 2803 311 1772 196.9 1031 114.6 211 23.4 10 Miami (FL)

What do they all pretty much have in common?

Let me answer that....they all run variations of a methodical pro-set that does not give the ball back 2 minutes after the offense gets it. Even Clemson has moved that way this year

Not a single HUNH offense in the bunch....well maybe East Carolina but they are in a different league.

We don't need a top ten defense. A top 30 would be good enough with this offense.

I'm just saying, show me a HUNH team with any kind of impressive defensive statistics....

JMO but it goes with the territory and as I've said a couple times...the only common thread in our defensive woes the past 7 years is Gus's offense. Not saying they can't and should not play better but there is more to the problem than EJ.

I know that we aren't going to have great stats but one doesn't need stats to see this. Blown assignments, being out of position, God awful tackling are all out there for everyone to see. I wish I knew what it was for certain

[japantiger 4,051]

Top Ten Defense's 2014 pick one of those lol:

1 Wisconsin 2260 251 1411 156.8 849 94.3 129 14.3 2 Clemson 2268 252 1450 161.1 818 90.9 166 18.4 3 Penn State 2406 267 1638 182.0 768 85.3 149 16.6 4 UCF 2466 308 1511 188.9 955 119.4 171 21.4 5 Alabama 2477 275 1669 185.4 808 89.8 125 13.9 6 Stanford 2530 281 1538 170.9 992 110.2 145 16.1 7 Florida 2672 334 1742 217.8 930 116.3 183 22.9 8 East Carolina 2715 339 1941 242.6 774 96.8 184 23.0 9 Michigan State 2803 311 1772 196.9 1031 114.6 211 23.4 10 Miami (FL)

What do they all pretty much have in common?

Let me answer that....they all run variations of a methodical pro-set that does not give the ball back 2 minutes after the offense gets it. Even Clemson has moved that way this year

Not a single HUNH offense in the bunch....well maybe East Carolina but they are in a different league.

We don't need a top ten defense. A top 30 would be good enough with this offense.

I'm just saying, show me a HUNH team with any kind of impressive defensive statistics....

JMO but it goes with the territory and as I've said a couple times...the only common thread in our defensive woes the past 7 years is Gus's offense. Not saying they can't and should not play better but there is more to the problem than EJ.

The only problem with this line of reasoning is we controlled the clock in that game yesterday. This has nothing to do with pace. We had the ball over 20 minutes in the 1st half alone and still got ripped. This is about having a piss poor defense; consistently no matter who we play; what kind of offense they run, etc....EVER.

[AURealist 2,185]

I'm just saying, show me a HUNH team with any kind of impressive defensive statistics....

JMO but it goes with the territory and as I've said a couple times...the only common thread in our defensive woes the past 7 years is Gus's offense. Not saying they can't and should not play better but there is more to the problem than EJ.

I have seen this argument before, but have never had it actually explained in general or specifically to Auburn. Why would having a HUNH offense make the AU defense ineffective?

[tigerbrotha12 2,362]

I think when it comes to this new day and age of sprad offenses and throwing the ball around the field on these quick routes as a lot of teams do, some coordinators who used to be very good coaches have lost a step. I don't know if the great defenses of the past could stop a whole lot of spread offenses because offenses a few years ago were usually pro style attacks with a couple of spread formations in the playbook. The best thing we will be able to do is either to have Ellis somehow adapt to this, or to find an up and comer that can do it. I'm becoming more and more aware of the change that the game is undergoing. Adaptation needs to happen.

[kdog0405 7]

I am going to agree with those who say hiring any of these retreads would be disastrous, especially Chizik or Muschamp. If it happens, I want a brilliant up and comer with great recruiting ability and fresh ideas.

[WarAJEagle 5]

The idea of getting rid of Johnson scares me, Gus has never had to let someone go yet in his professional coaching career. Is it ludicrous to worry about Gus being capable of firing someone? I know it's all part of the job, but Gus is a pretty stand-up guy.

[cooltigger21 0]

I think when it comes to this new day and age of sprad offenses and throwing the ball around the field on these quick routes as a lot of teams do, some coordinators who used to be very good coaches have lost a step. I don't know if the great defenses of the past could stop a whole lot of spread offenses because offenses a few years ago were usually pro style attacks with a couple of spread formations in the playbook. The best thing we will be able to do is either to have Ellis somehow adapt to this, or to find an up and comer that can do it. I'm becoming more and more aware of the change that the game is undergoing. Adaptation needs to happen.

Saban and Smart are supposed to be the best two coaches concerning defense in the country. The HUNH is a huge problem for them.

[watsontiger98 9]

You serious Clark?

who would you like to see???

Some names I've heard was Chizik, Tuberville, Smart, Diaz, etc....

Also take into account school familiarity as well as overall success

[JDUBB4AU 5,121]

Gus will have to make a decision soon. This can't continue. I know he is stand up, but we can't win championships with a soft undisciplined defense

[auburn4ever 1,266]

Before Ellis was named AU's DC, he went 0-12 as head coach at Southern Miss in 2012. I'm also sure Southern Miss faced some teams that ran the spread offense that his defense couldn't stop back then.

[WarTiger 3,909]

Before Ellis was named AU's DC, he went 0-12 as head coach at Southern Miss in 2012. I'm also sure Southern Miss faced some teams that ran the spread offense that his defense couldn't stop back then.

He also had DECADES of experience as a SUCCESSFUL Defensive Coordinator as well. Cherry picking one year at a school with extremely limited resources and one that has to recruit among the best programs in the country for talent, doesn't support any ridiculous case you are trying to make here. Try again, but first do some research and learn the game. Come back in 5 years after you've learned something.

[kd4au 1,145]

While I think Muschamp would be a good hire, I seem to remember there being some mutual issues between him and Jay Jacobs at the time of his departure, so I'm not certain either of them would have any interest. I've seen the stats and heard the grumbling about teams with spread offenses having weak defenses, but I don't buy into it being a given that you'll have a weak defense by default if you run a spread or wide open offense. The defensive stats may take a hit with the players being on the field more frequently, but a top 30 defense paired with our offense should be sufficient in my opinion. Look at some of the defenses Spurrier had at Florida. The key is recruiting top defensive players, having a top notch strength, a conditioning program, and quality depth. We have the second requirement, but for whatever reason we've not had a high level of interest from the top defensive players and therefore do not have sufficient depth. Although I don't know the reason, I suspect it's either our defensive scheme, our defensive coaching staff, or a combination of both. I think a few recruits may have signed with other programs because they preferred an alternative defensive scheme. While at times it has appeared we've been close to turning the corner in our defensive recruiting, I'm not yet convinced that it's going to happen under the current circumstances. I'd welcome any comments.

I don't agree that we are a spread offense,we are running offense that does score quick and can put the D back on the field.But I do agree that we can have a good D along with this O.I also think you may be right that it is a combination of players and coaches that we are not getting it done.