THE 2020 HOT BOARD, Pt. 1 Jay G. Tate • AuburnSports Publisher @JayGTate What follows is a look at men who either have been considered or could be considered by Auburn as a replacement for ousted coach Gus Malzahn. These names can change and the order on a moment's notice, so check back at least daily to keep track of the latest. BILLY NAPIER, Louisiana-Lafayette head coach Age: 41 Relevant experience: ULL head coach (2018-20), Arizona State offensive coordinator (2017), Alabama wideouts coach (2013-16), Colorado State quarterbacks coach (2012), Alabama analyst (2011), Clemson assistant (2006-10) On the good side: He's 27-11 in three years as the Ragin' Cajuns' head coach including 20-4 the past two seasons, incredible pedigree and experience, grew up in Georgia, has recruited the Southeast, runs the familiar 11-personnel/shotgun offense and achieves balance with it, wages ($880,000 per year) and buyout ($1.25 million) very manageable On the bad side: Has just three years of head coaching experience — all of it in the Sun Belt, offensive numbers only slightly above average relative to his conference Chances at getting this job: 45% MARIO CRISTOBAL, Oregon head coach Age: 50 Relevant experience: Oregon head coach (2018-20), Oregon co-offensive coordinator and OL coach (2017), Alabama OL coach (2013-2016), Florida International head coach (2007-2012) On the good side: Cristobal is known as one of the nation's best recruiters, especially in the southeast and Florida. He's currently 24-9 as head coach at Oregon. He won the Pac-12 title and the Rose Bowl last season. His recruiting class currently is rated No. 3 by Rivals.com. On the bad side: After a terrific 2019 season, the Ducks are 3-2 this year with losses to Oregon State and previously winless Cal. Chances at getting this job: 35% HUGH FREEZE, Liberty head coach Age: 51 Relevant experience: Liberty head coach (2019-20), Ole Miss head coach (2012-16), Arkansas State head coach (2011), Ole Miss recruiting coordinator (2006-07) On the good side: He's turned Liberty into a national darling; the Flames are 9-1 this season, remains relevant in terms of fielding a viable offense, has SEC experience, recruited at a high level while at Ole Miss On the bad side: Left Ole Miss in shame after getting caught communicating with an escort on a university-funded cell phone, Ole Miss also hit with sanctions after Freeze left related to improper benefits, 27 of Freeze's wins at Ole Miss have been vacated, Rebels went 5-7 during his final season in Oxford Chances at getting this job: 10% KEVIN STEELE, Auburn defensive coordinator/interim head coach Age: 62 Relevant experience: Auburn defensive coordinator (2016-20), LSU defensive coordinator (2015), Clemson defensive coordinator (2009-11), Alabama director of player personnel (2013), Alabama linebackers coach (2014), Baylor head coach (1999-2002) On the good side: Current interim head coach, been at Auburn for five years, coached in the SEC for most of his professional life, aggressive recruiter, understands the need for relationships with people beyond the athletic complex On the bad side: Hasn't been a head coach since 2002, older than most inexperienced head coaches, Auburn defense underachieved in some important ways this season. Chances at getting this job: 10% NEAL BROWN, West Virginia head coach Age: 40 Relevant experience: West Virginia head coach (2019-20), Troy head coach (2015-18), Kentucky offensive coordinator (2013-14), Texas Tech offensive coordinator (2010-12), Troy assistant (2006-09) On the good side: Relatable personality, SEC experience, makes $3.1 million per year in Morgantown, recruited well at Troy On the bad side: He's 10-11 so far at WVU, offenses at WVU have been league average, his buyout currently stands at $4 million, WVU recruiting under his watch has been just so-so Chances at getting this job: +/- 1%
Honestly, Napier was the first name I thought of. Has the Saban connection, enough success to be at least credible, but not too much to turn up his nose.
Oh I'm with you, but it won't stop people from bitching about it. Plus there's the argument that renewed interest in football will bring in more than enough money to make up for the buyout.
No, he’s 100% the safe choice. He’s who they’ll turn to when the pipe dreams laugh and hang up the phone.
I knew we got coaches fired when we beat them but now we get them fired when they beat us. New Coach U
He interviewed with us last year during the semester break. Would love to have him back but only as a recruiter.
Not many coaches are turning their nose up to Auburn unless they are waiting on a few select 5-8 jobs, which most around coming open anytime soon.
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Not sure how to feel about Napier. Seems like there could be some support behind the scenes, but I’m concerned he could turn out to be a Scott Frost or Butch Jones
I almost replied to that tweet, but then I realized how pathetic that would have been. Back to the celebration.