quietfan 233 Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2008/06/fran...stants_sav.html Tony Franklin, Auburn assistants savor 'right to speak freely'Posted by Evan Woodbery, Press-Register June 03, 2008 4:05 PM Press-Register sports columnist Paul Finebaum wrote about Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin today. Here's an interesting excerpt: I asked Franklin the other day if he could work for (Alabama coach Nick) Saban, given the restrictions of being gagged, tied and shackled. Nope, he said. "I enjoy my freedom as an American," Franklin said. "Our forefathers fought for our right to be able to speak freely." Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville's policy of permitting coaches to speak freely with the media is certainly one of the perks of covering Auburn. Assistant coaches can usually speak more knowledgeably about certain issues than the head coach. And when they speak to reporters without fear of reprisal by their boss, it makes for more interesting quotes and more interesting stories. Auburn assistants are usually accessible to reporters in their offices at any time of year. Not all programs can say that. In fairness, it should be noted that Tuberville clamped down on access at times in 2007. Assistants were not officially available during the two weeks leading up the Iron Bowl. Throughout the year, players were often removed from the interview request list with little warning or explanation. To this point, Franklin has been a reporter's dream. He's frank, honest and plainspoken. He answers questions honestly, with little coach-speak. That's good news for reporters -- and fans. Also, the link to the complete PF article if you want it: http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/i...&thispage=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolltoomer 0 Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 Somehow, I felt that that was the way it was. I'm sure coaches flinch at the idea of players generating "bulletin board" stuff (read Demeco Ryans and his "shutout promise" for the 2005 Iron Bowl), but if you have faith in your staff, no reason they shouldn't provide commentary. Public exposure and recognition is rewarding in itself, but can also lead to a brighter career future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUBURNJAC 53 Posted June 4, 2008 Share Posted June 4, 2008 I love CTT and the staff at Auburn. Tubs is one hell of a nice, accessable guy. I've been around him several times when he could of shunned me, and after awhile he even remembered my name! The rest of the coaches that I have met are equally nice and also very cool. I went to a crawfish boil that Coach Nall and Coach Gran held together, and Suzanne Tuberville was walking around with a pitcher of lemonade filling up peoples glasses. There were former players there, and a couple that had just graduated (I guess no current players were there b/c there was drinking). Anyway, my point is that the coaches at Auburn are super great and THANK GOD I AM NOT A BAMMER WITH THEIR s***ty ASS COACH! WAR DAMN AUBURN COACHING STAFF! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthLink02 8 Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Saban's style of coaching is one of a kind I have heard some rumored stories of some yelling matches between Jimbo and Saban during the weeks leading up to big games as Jimbo was NEVER a fan of Saban's style THOUGH THOUGH THOUGH I will say that Jimbo did in fact like Saban a LOT and did enjoy coaching under him. I think Jimbo was one of the few coaches who would stand up to Saban knowing he wouldn't be fired and that deep down Saban respected those who stood up to him. But, it got ugly some times Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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