aubiefifty 16,733 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 DENNIS: Malzahn, Sumlin enter crucial matchup in similar circumstances Both Gus Malzahn and Kevin Sumlin – head coaches for Auburn and Texas A&M, respectively – find themselves in a situation where a loss could cost either one their job. Texas A&M opened the season against UCLA, where the Aggies blew a 28-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose to the Bruins, 45-44. In Week 4, the Aggies battled an inferior Arkansas team to an overtime victory. The second loss of the season for Texas A&M came Oct. 7 against top-ranked Alabama, 27-19. On Saturday, the Aggies lost Mississippi State 35-14. The Tigers beat that same team 49-10 on Sept. 30. Auburn lost Week 2 to the defending national champions Clemson in a close contest, giving up 11 sacks in the process. Auburn struggled the following week in a close win over FCS Mercer, too, in a game where turnovers plagued the offense. Malzahn’s Tigers followed that game with four straight wins before blowing a 20-point lead to rival LSU on Oct. 14. The similarities between the two coaches go beyond just this season, however. A failure to live up to expectations over the past few years is really why both are constants among the list of coaches on the proverbial “hot seat.” Neither coach has won more than eight games in a season since 2013, nor has either coach beaten Alabama since their first years at the helm. Sumlin defeated No. 1 Alabama in 2012 en route to an 11-2 record. Malzahn knocked off a top-ranked Alabama in 2013, ultimately leading to a trip to the BCS National Championship game. Texas A&M finished 9-4 in 2013 while Auburn finished 12-2. Since then, neither coach has finished better than 8-4. Furthermore, both Malzahn and Sumlin have struggled against their rivals. Texas A&M has never won against LSU during Sumlin’s time at the helm. And while the Aggies have beaten Arkansas every season, three of those contests went to overtime. Under Malzahn, Auburn hasn’t beaten Alabama or Georgia since his first year, and the winless streak at LSU that dates back to 1999 has continued. There’s even a trend in the outcome of contests between the Aggies and Tigers. Texas A&M has won every game at Jordan-Hare Stadium since it joined the SEC in 2012, while Auburn has claimed all the games at Kyle Field. These similarities between the two head coaches are intriguing, especially as both head into a crucial November with their jobs potentially on the line. Calls to fire Sumlin have died down since the early portion of the season, but they'll probably intensify again after Saturday. Malzahn’s seat warmed considerably after yet another loss in Baton Rouge. Auburn comes out of its bye week facing the toughest portion of its schedule, beginning in College Station on Saturday. While the Tigers finish the season with a three-game home stand, they will host two of the top teams in the nation in No. 3 Georgia and No. 1 Alabama. Malzahn needs to win at least three of the last four games to cool tensions among fans and administrators. Two of those wins probably need to be over the Aggies and Bulldogs. All of this makes the matchup even more exciting to watch. While both the Tigers and Aggies feature explosive offenses and impressive athletes, the story lines on the sidelines put even more on the line. If trends continue, it is Auburn’s turn to beat Texas A&M in a must-win contest for both coaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sogaaufan 27 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Sumlin is probably safe. He isn't supposed to win this week. Gus, however, if he drops one after being a double digit favorite is probably done (unless he can win out) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NolaAuTiger 3,295 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I figured after the LSU loss, if we lose again before UGA, Gus may be gone before Iron Bowl. Realistically I know this theory may be a stretch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger 8,818 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 haha in 2013 I said the future would hold big Malzahn vs Sumlin matchups in the West for years....well this isn't exactly how I envisioned it but I'll take my Viper points any way I can get em Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steeleagle 2,945 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 26 minutes ago, NolaAuTiger said: I figured after the LSU loss, if we lose again before UGA, Gus may be gone before Iron Bowl. Realistically I know this theory may be a stretch Auburn never fires a coach during the season. So yes, your theory is more than a stretch. But if he doesn't win 2-3 between TaM, GA, and Bama, more than likely he will be fired after Bama game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keesler 5,924 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 7 minutes ago, steeleagle said: Auburn never fires a coach during the season. So yes, your theory is more than a stretch. But if he doesn't win 2-3 between TaM, GA, and Bama, more than likely he will be fired after Bama game. Who's going to fire him? The new President? The out-going AD? Seriously, who is going to make that decision, sit down and have the exit interview with Gus and his entire staff, then pull the football HC candidate list out of the desk drawer and start the search for a qualified replacement? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Auburn is in a fine mess right now, the timing is horrible. We have a President with 3 months on the job, now facing the replacement of his Athletic Director because up to 30% of his athletic programs are under some sort of freaking investigation. The Pres has to find a qualified AD and somehow talk him into jumping into the fire pit of AU athletics to tackle numerous investigations including Title XI which may include NCAA investigators as well as the Feds. Pile on the new Pres with the possibility of firing a very mediocre (but in no way atrocious) head football coach while as many as 4 other conference foe (a couple of Big time SEC teams) will be in the market for head coaches as well. The other SEC teams canvassing the country for a new football coach have steady Presidents and tenured AD's in place that know their school, know their boosters and BOT members and have at least an inkling of what is needed at their respective schools. Auburn will have none of those luxuries when/if Gus gets canned - we'll have a couple of newbies at the highest levels of Administration that haven't a clue of what Auburn is all about or what Auburn needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steeleagle 2,945 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 13 minutes ago, keesler said: Who's going to fire him? The new President? The out-going AD? Seriously, who is going to make that decision, sit down and have the exit interview with Gus and his entire staff, then pull the football HC candidate list out of the desk drawer and start the search for a qualified replacement? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Auburn is in a fine mess right now, the timing is horrible. We have a President with 3 months on the job, now facing the replacement of his Athletic Director because up to 30% of his athletic programs are under some sort of freaking investigation. The Pres has to find a qualified AD and somehow talk him into jumping into the fire pit of AU athletics to tackle numerous investigations including Title XI which may include NCAA investigators as well as the Feds. Pile on the new Pres with the possibility of firing a very mediocre (but in no way atrocious) head football coach while as many as 4 other conference foe (a couple of Big time SEC teams) will be in the market for head coaches as well. The other SEC teams canvassing the country for a new football coach have steady Presidents and tenured AD's in place that know their school, know their boosters and BOT members and have at least an inkling of what is needed at their respective schools. Auburn will have none of those luxuries when/if Gus gets canned - we'll have a couple of newbies at the highest levels of Administration that haven't a clue of what Auburn is all about or what Auburn needs. I understand that scenario.But If we delay, how is that better? We keep a lame duck coach, who, if he doesn't beat Ga and Alabama, will enter next year, probably knowing he will NOT survive 2018, because we will have a new AD, who will know his first major decision, will be to wait and fire GM. And you think that we can't make a good HC hire? I think we can. We are on par with Alabama and GA as far as recruiting, positioning ourselves for SEC and National Championship runs (2010, 2013). GA last won an SEC championship in 2005. Auburn has won 2 in the last. So, i see the only school that we are competing with for a very good HC is Fla. We can do that. I think holding off a year JUST because of so many hires needed in the SEC, and Auburn needing a AD too is not hard to overcome, IMO. And regarding our other fires going on within the AD, nothing, nothing compares to what we NEED to do in the football program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerFanAU 586 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 30 minutes ago, keesler said: Who's going to fire him? The new President? The out-going AD? He could leave for Arkansas. I believe that's a real possibility. We all think its crazy, but him being born and raised there, and walking on at Arkansas, leads me to believe there's some interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger 8,818 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 If he leaves on his own who is going to be making the hire? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bg5 536 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I think the one that loses Saturday will lose his job at the end of the year. I don't think anyone gets fires after the game unless one side just blows the other out (which could happen) in which case that coach could be let go right away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerFanAU 586 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 3 minutes ago, Tiger said: If he leaves on his own who is going to be making the hire? All the more reason to get rid of Jacobs yesterday, last week, last month, last year... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_ATX 13,654 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 21 minutes ago, steeleagle said: I understand that scenario.But If we delay, how is that better? We keep a lame duck coach, who, if he doesn't beat Ga and Alabama, will enter next year, probably knowing he will NOT survive 2018, because we will have a new AD, who will know his first major decision, will be to wait and fire GM. And you think that we can't make a good HC hire? I think we can. We are on par with Alabama and GA as far as recruiting, positioning ourselves for SEC and National Championship runs (2010, 2013). GA last won an SEC championship in 2005. Auburn has won 2 in the last. So, i see the only school that we are competing with for a very good HC is Fla. We can do that. I think holding off a year JUST because of so many hires needed in the SEC, and Auburn needing a AD too is not hard to overcome, IMO. And regarding our other fires going on within the AD, nothing, nothing compares to what we NEED to do in the football program. The AD thing is a much bigger issue than you're making it out to be here. Coaches like to know who their boss is and if they have support. Assuming Jacobs is gone, we have to get a new AD in place first to attract a quality coach. And yes, there are bigger things in the athletic department right now than the football program. An FBI investigation is a little more important. Sexual harassment type claims against former coaches while the AD hid them is a bit more important. Don't let football fandom cloud reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steeleagle 2,945 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 9 minutes ago, Brad_ATX said: The AD thing is a much bigger issue than you're making it out to be here. Coaches like to know who their boss is and if they have support. Assuming Jacobs is gone, we have to get a new AD in place first to attract a quality coach. And yes, there are bigger things in the athletic department right now than the football program. An FBI investigation is a little more important. Sexual harassment type claims against former coaches while the AD hid them is a bit more important. Don't let football fandom cloud reason. I Agree the AD change IS important. Didn't mean to imply that. But I read where, if they hire the firm from Atlanta, that can help schools hire an AD in weeks or maybe even a couple of months then we can get an AD in quick. Just depends on when/if they let JJ go. If he goes before Thanksgiving, we have a chance to make a quick hire. Again, if the administration feels we need to make a change, they will move forward, and get the best possible AD, coach that can be hired. I think other than FLA, we are a much better Football coach opportunity than Ark, Tenn, TaM, etc. I just feel that keeping GM, if he falls flat in the last 2 games, will be an even more terrible 2018... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milehighfan 1,240 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I just hope Auburn has its ducks in a row in taking on the actions needed and doesn't go out pissing in the wind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NolaAuTiger 3,295 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 1 hour ago, steeleagle said: Auburn never fires a coach during the season. So yes, your theory is more than a stretch. But if he doesn't win 2-3 between TaM, GA, and Bama, more than likely he will be fired after Bama game. Well, just because we never do it doesn't mean we shouldn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 7,773 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 1 hour ago, keesler said: Who's going to fire him? The new President? The out-going AD? Seriously, who is going to make that decision, sit down and have the exit interview with Gus and his entire staff, then pull the football HC candidate list out of the desk drawer and start the search for a qualified replacement? We have several on this board capable of firing, hiring....and even coaching. Just read. Dr. Leath has plenty of help if he would ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUld fAUx@ 2,584 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 7 minutes ago, SaltyTiger said: We have several on this board capable of firing, hiring....and even coaching. Just read. Dr. Leath has plenty of help if he would ask. Any guesses as to a Profile Name to watch for? or just assume any 1st-time poster is seeking guidance? I, for one, would not feel qualified to advise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 7,773 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 17 minutes ago, NolaAuTiger said: Well, just because we never do it doesn't mean we shouldn't. I look for us to win out, beat UGA for a second time in the SEC title game, make a run for the roses, and give Gus a contract extension thru 2034 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 7,773 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 2 minutes ago, AUld fAUx@ said: Any guesses as to a Profile Name to watch for? or just assume any 1st-time poster is seeking guidance? I, for one, would not feel qualified to advise. "PRESTIGER"......have a few beers start advising faux, be better than most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NolaAuTiger 3,295 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 2 minutes ago, SaltyTiger said: I look for us to win out, beat UGA for a second time in the SEC title game, make a run for the roses, and give Gus a contract extension thru 2034 Really could be undefeated right now and firing Gus would be unfathomable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUld fAUx@ 2,584 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 4 minutes ago, SaltyTiger said: "PRESTIGER"......have a few beers start advising faux, be better than most. Already had a few, and have been advising me. Problem is, I never listen to me. With age, wisdom? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murpjf88 506 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 6 minutes ago, SaltyTiger said: I look for us to win out, beat UGA for a second time in the SEC title game, make a run for the roses, and give Gus a contract extension thru 2034 And I keep looking out the window for flying pigs but I've come to the realization that that's about as likely to happen as a Gus Malzahn coached team beating Alabama and Georgia twice to make the college football playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 7,773 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 4 minutes ago, AUld fAUx@ said: Already had a few, and have been advising me. Problem is, I never listen to me. With age, wisdom? not even 2 in afternoon faux. Of course that is an upside of coastal living. OK to have a beer at 10:00 in the morning.....Think I will have one with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUld fAUx@ 2,584 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 1 minute ago, SaltyTiger said: not even 2 in afternoon faux. Of course that is an upside of coastal living. OK to have a beer at 10:00 in the morning.....Think I will have one with you. Skoal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr82b4au 5,568 Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 55 minutes ago, NolaAuTiger said: Really could be undefeated right now and firing Gus would be unfathomable should Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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