Posts Tagged ‘auburn’

For the first time ever, we have averaged over 100,000 daily visits to the site this week. Thank you!

UTEP: We have learned that Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler will be named the next head coach at UTEP. Here's a quick writeup on Kugler. 

South Florida: ESPN is confirming WDAE's report that Western Kentucky head coach Willie Taggart will be the new head coach at South Florida. Update> We have confirmed. Further, sources tell us that defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will serve as interim head coach. Here's what you need to know.

Auburn: Ellis Johnson will make $800,000 per year as defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee will earn $350,000. 

Notre Dame College (D-II - OH): Notre Dame College is seeking applications for the position of Defensive Coordinator. This is a full time 35K-40K benefited position.  We require the candidate to have prior defensive coordinator experience. Responsible for the overall defense scheme/game plan, recruiting and assisting in all aspects of a competitive DII program. Email resume, cover letter with the names and phone numbers of 3 professional references to careers@ndc.edu. No phone calls please. Notre Dame College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and is actively committed to diversity within its community. In pursuit of that, we actively encourage diversity among applicants for this position.

FIU: Bruce Feldman reported earlier today that James Coley and Dan Quinn are candidates at FIU. 

Tennessee: Here is a link to Butch Jones' MOU. $2.9 million / year plus incentives. The pool for assistants is stated as "minimum of $3 million". 

James Madison (FCS): Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks coach Jeff Durden and offensive line coach Chris Malone have been released from the staff. 

NC State: Northern Illinois defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen will join Dave Doeren in same capacity (DL / recruiting coordinator). 

West Virginia Wesleyan (D-II): Sources tell us University of Charleston defensive coordinator George Shehl will be the new head coach at West Virginia Wesleyan. In 2010 Shehl was the defensive grad assistant at Marshall. 

     Oregon's Mark Helfrich has been named 2012 Quarterbacks Coach of the Year 

App State (FCS - NC): Sources tell us offensive coordinator Scott Satterfield will "interview" this weekend for the head job...is considered the leader for the job by the coaches we hear from. 

Auburn: Rhett Lashlee has now been announced as offensive coordinator. Lashlee served on Gus Malzahn's staff at Arkansas State last season in the same capacity.

Arkansas State: Sources tell us Gus Malzahn recommended to Chad Morris that he consider the job. Separate sources tell us it is unlikely Morris will seek the position. 

Colorado: Sources tell us former NFL Coach of the Year with the New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel is interested in the job. If he's interested, Colorado should take a long look. 

Tennessee: Butch Jones' agreement is reportedly 6 years / $18 million (CBS Sports). 

Auburn: AuburnSports is reporting that Trooper Taylor will not be part of Gus Malzahn's staff. 

Nicholls State (FCS - LA): Nicholls State needs a home game for the 2013 Season.  Available date is Saturday, September 28th.  If interested, please contact Associate Head Coach, Chuck Hepola at 985-448-4796 or via email at chuck.hepola@nicholls.edu

Jacksonville State (FCS): Running backs coach Jimmy Ogle has been named interim head coach during the search. A large number of coaches have registered their interest in this opening. 

Chowan University (D-II - NC): Chowan University is looking to fill the following home-and-home: Saturday, September 21, 2013 and Saturday, September 19, 2015. We must be home in '13 and will travel in '15. Please contact Dennis Helsel, Director of Athletics, at (252) 398-6244 or by email at HelseD@Chowan.Edu

Wingate University (D-II - NC): Wingate is seeking applicants for the position of QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator. Qualifications: Collegiate QB playing and coaching experience with strong preference for past coordinating experience. Desire to learn and implement current system. Salary: low $30's. Contact: reich@wingate.edu. No phone calls.

Cincinnati: Defensive line coach Steve Stripling will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game.

Tennessee: Butch Jones will officially be announced as the new head coach today.

Yesterday we destroyed the all-time viewership record for the site! Keep sending the Scoop, and thank you for helping us help coaches!

Houston Baptist: Rockwall High head coach Scott Smith will join the HBU staff as offensive coordinator we're told. 

Cal: Sources tell us that from his staff at LA Tech, at least the following coaches will join Sonny at Cal... Tony Franklin (OC), Pierre Ingram (RB) and Rob Likens (WR). Don't have any info on the others. Will update...

Wisconsin: Barry Alvarez plans to coach the team in the Rose Bowl. 

Auburn: Auburn 247 is reporting that Gus has let all of the nine assistants from Gene Chizik's staff go. 

Louisville: Pete Thamel of SI reports that Charlie Strong has turned down Tennessee and is working on a new contract with Louisville. 

Auburn: Sources tell us that Ellis Johnson has accepted the defensive coordinator job at Auburn. 

Cal: We have learned that Sonny Dykes will be named head coach at Cal. We're told to look for an announcement "within 24 hours". 

Colorado: The Denver Post is reporting that Butch Jones has accepted the Colorado job. We have not confirmed. Sources tell us Colorado broke out the big guns last night.  Update> Sources close to the situation tell us that the agreement is currently being finalized. Not done; but headed that way... 7pm Update> Both Colorado and Cincinnati have made it expressly clear that no deal has been executed at this time. 

Northwest Mississippi (CC): We have learned that head coach Ricky Woods has decided to step down after five seasons with the program.

John Carroll (D-III - OH): Tom Arth has been promoted to head coach. Arth previously served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Weber State (UT): Former offensive coordinator Matt Hammer has accepted the head coaching job at Weber HS (UT).

Boston College: Ryan Day will join Steve Addazio and serve as offensive coordinator. 

Hamline University (D-III - MN): Sources tell us that Bucknell (FCS) offensive line coach Chad Rogosheske will be named the new head coach at Hamline.

      D.J. Durkin - 2012 Special Teams Coordinator of the Year 

Auburn: Phillip Marshall is reporting that Ellis Johnson has been offered the defensive coordinator job at Auburn. Will update...

Kentucky: Sources tell us that Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown has been offered the same position at Kentucky; but plans to interview for a head coaching vacancy in the south later this week before making his decsion. 

McKendree (NAIA - IL): We have learned that CSU Pueblo (D-II) quarterbacks coach Mike Babcock will be named head coach at McKendree. 

The 4-2-5 Defense Study: X&O Labs has just released the largest, most in-depth study on the 4-2-5 defense ever conducted. This study took over six-months to compile the research data, conduct interviews with coaches like Bud Foster, DC at Virginia Tech, and watch hundreds-of-hours of game film from schools like Virginia Tech, TCU, James Madison and some of the top high school programs in the country. To see what new trends X&O Labs' researchers uncovered in this powerful study, click here!

Dordt College (NAIA - IA): Dordt is currently seeking a special teams coordinator. This is a full time position which includes instructional duties within the Health and Human Performance Department as well as the strength and conditioning coach for all sports. Applicants for this position must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree. A Master’s degree and teaching experience at the high school or college level is preferred. Employment is set to begin in the Spring of 2013. A review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates can send their resume and letter of interest to Susan Droog at hr@dordt.edu.

University of Mary (D-II - ND): The University of Mary is a member of the NCAA Division II institution and is part of a very competitive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.The University of Mary Football Program is seeking an applicant for Graduate Assistant Offensive Football Coach (QB, RB, or WR). Responsibilities would include, but are not limited to coaching, recruiting by DII rules, scouting opponents, breaking down film, assisting and planning daily practice sessions, game preparation, assisting and organizing camps and clinics and assisting the Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator with other duties as assigned. This is a two year position that requires a bachelor’s degree, admission to the graduate program and preferred playing experience at a DI or DII level. Start date will be immediately. Compensation includes an annual stipend and graduate school tuition. Please send e-mail with a cover letter, resume, and three references to Offensive Coordinator Andy Koteinicki at aekotelnicki@umary.edu.

San Bernardino Valley (CC): We hear former New Mexico Highlands receiver coach Artie Allen has accepted the special teams coordinator / receiver coach position.

Carleton College (D-III - MN): Bob Pagel has had the interim tag lifted and been named head coach at Carleton College. 

Louisville: Brett McMurphy of ESPN reports that Louisville is working on an extension for Charlie Strong. McMurphy asserts that he had an offer from Tennessee. 

Arkansas: Bret Bielema's agreement at Arkansas is 6 years at $3.2 million per. Buyout (if they want to get rid of him) begins at $12.8 million and steps down to $3.2 million over time. If he wants to leave, he would owe them $3 million initially...stepping down to $500,000 in the last year. Arkansas is also effectively making the $1 million buyout payment to Wisconsin called for in Bielema's agreement with Wisconsin. 

Tennessee: Bruce Feldman just tweeted that Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy has been offered the head job at Tennessee. Update> Sources close to Gundy tell us they do not expect him to leave Oklahoma State. 

Idaho: Bryce Erickson (head coach at South Albany HS in Oregon) will be joining Paul Petrino's staff as well we're told.

FIU: In shocking news, we have learned that head coach Mario Cristobal has been let go. Under Cristobal, FIU went from 1 win in 2007 all the way up to 8 wins in 2011 and went to two bowl games. Unfortunately, this season they finished 3-9 and the administration decided to make a change. More to come...

Purdue: Purdue has officially named Darrell Hazell their head coach. 

SUNY Brockport (D-III - NY): Sources tell us the defensive coordinator Rashaan Jordan has resigned. 

Concordia (NAIA - Ann Arbor, MI): Lonnie Pries, head coach at Concordia - Chicago (D-III), will be named head coach and athletic director at Concordia - Ann Arbor. 

University of Alberta (Canada): Chris Morris has been named head coach at the University of Alberta. Morris spent the past four seasons with the Harry Ainlay Titans football program.

South Florida: Several outlets and sources are relaying that Western Kentucky head coach Willie Taggart met with South Florida officials yesterday in New York. 

Idaho: We have learned that former Idaho linebacker, and Washington grad assistant, Mike Anderson is joining the staff as the linebackers coach.

USC: Lane Kiffin said earlier today that Ed Orgeron's new title will be assistant head coach / recruiting coordinator / defensive line. 

Auburn: Jay Jacobs (AD) says Gus Malzahn will have a five year agreement at $2.3 million per year. 

Georgia State: Trent Miles will have four Indiana State coaches join him on the staff at Georgia State (reported in the AJC and confirmed by us). Jesse Minter (defensive coordinator), PJ Volker (linebackers), Shannon Jackson (defensive line) and Harold Etheridge (offensive line). Sources tell us there is a good possibility that Jeff Jagodzinski joins the staff as offensive coordinator but that has not been finalized at this time. 

Tulsa: Athletic director Ross Parmley has been fired. 

Sioux Falls (D-II - SD): Sources tell us head coach Jed Stugart plans to fill the defensive coordinator position internally. 

Alabama: Sources tell us Kirby Smart agreed to a new agreement today with Alabama after receiving an offer from Auburn. Will update with details once they are made public. 

Purdue: Sources close to the situation tell us that Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell is expected to be the next head coach at Purdue. The deal is expected to be finalized tonight. Update> We've seen a report that the deal has stalled. We have not confirmed. Further Update> Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports is now confirming our original report that Hazell is expected to be named head coach. 

Boston College: SI just reported that Temple head coach Steve Addazio will be named head coach at Boston College. We have now confirmed the hire. Team meetings ongoing now. Here's what you need to know.

Excellent news: Apple has pushed "The Coach Tracker" app into iTunes. It's available now! Every coach needs this.

West Virginia State (D-II): West Virginia State has hired Sioux Falls (S.D.) defensive coordinator Jon Anderson as its head coach. 

Auburn: AStateNation is reporting that Gus Malzahn has now accepted the head coaching job at Auburn. We have confirmed. Here's what you need to know.

Arkansas: Yahoo Sports has broken news that Bret Bielema has accepted the head job at Arkansas. We have confirmed the hire. Bielema told his staff about one hour ago and we are told he did not make any promises about going down to Arkansas with him. Here's what you need to know.

UConn: Athletic director Warde Manuel said today that Paul Pasqualoni will return; but added that changes will be made. We'll keep you posted. 

Baylor: Multiple sources are reporting that Art Briles has agreed to an extension at Baylor. ESPN has confirmed. 

Pretty good day for Bob Diaco. This morning he was announced as FootballScoop Defensive Coordinator of the Year, this afternoon he won the Broyles Award. 

Auburn: Sources close to the situation tell us Auburn's interest in Kirby Smart is very sincere. This one could play very soon. Update> Multiple sources tell us Auburn is working on an agreement with Kirby. Will update...

Boston College: Mark Blaudschun reports that BC is down to three finalists: Bob Diaco, New Orleans Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and Ball State head coach Pete Lembo. We have not confirmed this report. Update> Sources tell us Pete Lembo should not be considered a finalist. 

Oakland Raiders: Head coach Dennis Allen's father has passed away. Please keep their famiy in your prayers. 

Kentucky: Mark Stoops will meet with Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown today. 

UCLA: FoxSports has reported what we've been telling you guys all along...that Jim Mora isn't leaving UCLA. Fox says he declined interview requests from both Tennessee and Auburn. 

West Viriginia State (D-II): Look for West Virginia State to announce their new head coach later today. We will update once it's public. 

Colorado: Sources tell us Colorado's offer to Butch Jones was six years, $15 million...fully guaranteed! 

Very proud to report that yesterday was the largest day the site has ever had! Thank you.

Every coach needs this> The Coach Tracker app for Android and iPhones provides immediate access to the cell phone, office phone, email, twitter handle, etc...of over 15,000 high school coaches. Click here to see the power of the app! 

Butch Jones: Sources close to the situation tell us that Jones was very impressed with the visit he had with Colorado yesterday. However, he remains undecided at this point. Jones will meet with the media for the Belk Bowl press conference at 1pm ET. We believe that it is very possible that Jones could announce his decision at that time.  Update> We are told no "job discussion" at the Bowl presser. Look for a decision later tonight...or possibly tomorrow.

South Florida: Fox Sports is reporting that Houston Nutt will interview for the head coaching job. Sources tell us that there is tremendous interest in this job.

Langston University (NAIA - OK): Langston University is looking to fill 4 football Graduate Assistant positions (receivers, linebackers, defensive backs and film specialist) for the 2013 football season.  Head Coach Dwone Sanders is seeking disciplined and knowledgeable candidates with coaching aspirations.  Those selected for these positions will be working under a dedicated staff with Division I-Football coaching experience.  Included in the Graduate Assistant package are tuition costs, as well as room and board.   Please have a copy of GRE test results, as well as official undergraduate transcripts ready to submit to Coach Sanders. Please email resumes to Sports Information Director Daniel Garrett at: danielmgarrett@gmail.com.  Coach Sanders will contact qualified applicants as resumes are submitted.

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Mass Maritime Academy (D-III): Mass Maritime, located on Cape Cod, is looking for a scrimmage for the upcoming 2013 season. They have a week 1 bye so dates are flexible and are willing to play a D2 or D3 program. If interested, please contact Head Football Coach Jeremy Cameron via email, jcameron@maritime.edu or phone, 508-830-5072.

Important lesson from last night...coaches should tell their AD before interviewing for another job. Puts you in a bind if you want to accept a new offer; but your existing contract requires that you give notice before interviewing elsewhere. 

Eastern Michigan: Sources telling us that offensive coordinator Ken Karcher will not return. 

NC State: Multiple sources are reporting that Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris interviewed with NC State today. 

Auburn: A report from AL.com states that Auburn has already interviewed Charlie Strong. Update> 

Just spoke to Charlie Strong. He's angry. He says he did not interview at Auburn and has not spoken to them. "It's not true."

— Pete Thamel(@SIPeteThamel) November 29, 2012

Colorado: Sources close to Utah State head coach Gary Andersen tell us that he should not be considered a candidate for the Colorado job. 

Iowa: Sources tell us that although Greg Davis will return, there is chatter in the profession that Kirk Ferentz might look to bring in a new position coach or two should someone on the staff decide that they might be a better fit somewhere else...

Montreal Alouettes: Noel Thorpe has been hired as defensive coordinator. Thorpe was coaching college ball in Canada at the University of Montreal as the defensive coordinator this past season. 

Georgia State: Sources close to the program tell us interviews have begun and to expect more next week. Coaches we've been told Georgia State would like to  meet with (or has met with) include Ted Roof, Shane Beamer, Willie Fritz and two other "up and coming stars of the profession". Yep, that's what we're told. A viewer alerted us to the fact that the AJC reported this AM that Willie Fritz has not yet been contacted.  

Tennessee: A whole bunch to relay here. A short while ago Jimmy Hyams reported that UT plans to interview several candidates over the next week. Hyams also "reported" that Jon Gruden called off a scheduled meeting with Tennessee that was to be held today. Then, just to keep things interesting, Luther Campbell, yes Uncle Luke, tweeted "Golden to UT". So that's out there. Never a dull day this time of year.

If you aren't yet following us on Twitter, you really should. Another great source for real time info.

LSU: As we told you yesterday, and multiple sources are confirming today, Les isn't leaving Baton Rouge. Can't wait to hear what he has to say about all this...

Colorado: Jeff Tedford is not interested in the job according to a report from Kyle Ringo in Colorado. 

Iowa: Kirk Ferentz confirmed today at his press conference what we have been hearing all along, that offensive coordinator Greg Davis will return next season.

East Texas Baptist (D-III): Head coach Mark Sartain has resigned. 

Colorado: We hear that communication between Colorado and Mark Mangino has been "early stage". Also just saw a note from Bruce Feldman saying that he hears there has been some dialogue with Gary Andersen from Utah State. We'll keep you updated. 

Newberry College (D-II - SC): Newberry is seeking to fill an empty date for the 2013 season (September 14th). Looking to play a division II or III opponent, home or away. Those interested please contact associate athletic director Mike Hold at Mike.Hold@Newberry.edu or 803.944.0522. 

Langston (NAIA - OK): We hear the situation is fluid. Some of the staff have been let go. We will update...

Montreal Alouettes: Defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold has been fired. 

Colorado: Tom Dienhart is reporting that talks between Colorado and Mark Mangino will continue. 

     2012 Offensive Line Coach of the Year Finalists

Augustana (D-II - SD): Sources close to the process tell us that both Kalen Deboer and Ed Meierkort are candidates for the head job at Augustana. 

Virginia: Running backs coach Mike Faragalli has been let go. 

Abilene Christian (FCS - TX): Abilene Christian is looking to fill the following dates for the 2013 football schedule: August 31, September 14, September 21 and  November 2. Abilene Christian is in the first year of its transition to Division 1 at the FCS level in the fall of 2013. Please contact Assistant AD John Houser at jxh10c@acu.edu or Athletic Director Jared Mosley at jared.mosley@acu.edu if you are interested

Coach Jack Yelton has passed away. Jack coached for many years in the profession and will be missed by many. Please keep his family in your thoughts. 

Arkansas: Richard Davenport reported tonight that Jeff Long met with the players at a 9pm meeting and told them his timetable to have a new coach in place is "10-14 days". 

Colorado: Bruce Feldman just reported that Jon Embree has been let go. Update> We have confirmed. 

Olivet Nazarenne (NAIA - IL): Olivet Nazarene University is seeking to fill the position of Defensive Coordinator.  Qualified candidates will have experience in developing and implementing a weekly defensive game plan, possess communication and organizational skills that will allow for effective recruiting of student athletes and will display an active and growing faith in Jesus Christ with a desire to mentor and lead spiritual development through athletics.  Those interested can email a letter of interest with resume to head coach Brian Fish at befish@olivet.edu.  No phone calls please.

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Boston College: Frank Spaziani has been let go. More to come...

UTEP: We have learned that both defensive coordinator Andre Patterson and Sam Houston State head coach Willie Fritz plan to interview this week for the head coaching position at UTEP. 

Purdue: The local Rivals site for Purdue is reporting that Danny Hope has been let go. We have not confirmed. Will update. Update> We have confirmed this information. Danny Hope will receive a $600,000 buyout. Receivers coach Patrick Higgins will serve as interim head coach for the bowl game and the rest of the assistants will remain in place through the bowl game. 

NC State: We have confirmed that representatives from from NC State have spoken with Mike Leach about their head coaching position. Further, multiple sources tell us the search is focused (at least initially) on sitting (or former) head coaches. Will update... 

Albany State (D-II - GA): Sad news to share. Longtime sports information director Edythe Bradley passed away last night at the age of 47. Please keep her extended family in your thoughts. 

Auburn: Gene Chizik has been informed that he will not return. Here's what you need to know. According to John Zenor of the AP, the total buyout for Chizik and the staff (who are all being released as well) will cost Auburn $11 million. 

NC State: We have confirmed that Tom O'Brien has been let go. More to come... Update> The University has now announced the same. AD Debbie Yow will speak at 5pm ET. OC Dana Bible will serve as interim head coach for their bowl game and all of the assistants have been retained through the bowl game as well.

Auburn: An internet report sparked a bunch of talk of Chizik being let go. To be clear, Chizik has not been let go at this time. You can read a summary of the report here. 

Southern Utah (FCS): Southern Utah is looking to fill their open dates for the 2013 season with FCS or FBS opponents. The dates that they have open at this point are August 31, September 7th, and November 2nd. If interested, or if you have questions, please email assistant coach Aaron Fernandez at aaronfernandez@suumail.net.

Hamline (D-III - MN): Head coach John Pate has stepped down and the university has announced the "search" will begin immediately. 

Arkansas: Here's an update on the search at Arkansas.

Alderson-Broaddus College (D-II - WV): Alderson-Broaddus College has an immediate opening for a running back coach. Alderson-Broaddus is a new Division 2 program and will compete at the varsity level for the first time in 2013. The position is a graduate intern position, pays a salary, meals, and includes an individual health insurance benefit. This person will be the varsity running back coach and will have his own recruiting area. The successful candidate must have either played running back or coached running backs at the college level. Interested candidates should email resumes to Coach Guido Falbo at falbog@ab.edu. No phone calls please.

Gus Malzahn's first words as the head coach at Auburn were the only words they could be, "War Eagle!"

Malzahn came across confident and ready to take the reins of the Auburn press conference on Tuesday night, gripping the podium like he was watching a 3rd-and-goal. Malzahn leaves behind a 9-3 Arkansas State team headed to the GoDaddy.com Bowl. He said he had not yet spoken with the Arkansas State adminstration but added, "I'm 100 percent committed to Auburn and getting this thing going as soon as possible."

The credentials Malzahn brings to the job are unique. On one hand, he had a very successful run as the offensive coordinator at Auburn that ended less than 365 days ago. On the other hand, he takes over a BCS program just seven years after breaking into college football for the first time.

Malzahn thinks he is ready for the high stakes that come with the Auburn job, saying that his time at the high school level prepared him for the task of being a head coach on game day. "For college football, it's the off the field that you've got to get used to," said Malzahn. "Being a head football coach is very natural to me."

Malzhan very quickly laid out his vision for how Auburn will be constructed under his watch. "We will have a up tempo, fast-paced offense," he said. "We will run the ball, that will be our staple. We will be attacking in all areas. We will be multiple up front. I think you've got to do both, odd and even. That's what gives offenses trouble."

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs stated that Malzahn will receive a five-year, $11.5 million contract. 

It strikes me that $2.3 M salary for Gus allows a good bit of room for assistants...

— FootballScoop Staff (@footballscoop) December 5, 2012

Who exactly will assist him is an issue Malzahn will be patient on. "I'm going to take my time find the right person, wherever he is," Malzahn explained. "I'm going to get the best fit for Auburn. No matter if it's guys that are here, guys that were (at Arkansas State), or guys elsewhere."

Malzahn's familiarity with the roster, he recruited all of the upperclassmen, will certainly allow him to hit the ground running. "I think it's a huge advantage," Malzahn said of his working knowledge with the roster. "Not only the offensive guys but the defensive guys, I'm very familiar with them."

Malzahn is very familiar with Auburn, its resources and, most importantly, its expectations. Like everything else he does in coaching, Malzahn attacked those expectations aggressively, stating, "My goal is to get Auburn back to a championship level." 

Within minutes of each other, we learned that Bret Bielema will leave Wisconsin for Arkansas and Gus Malzahn will depart Arkansas State and return to Auburn. Bielema's move to Arkansas is widely considered the most stunning news of the coaching change season, and Malzahn to Auburn is the least stunning.

Beilema went 68-24 in seven seasons in Madison, leading the Badgers to an unprecedented three straight Rose Bowls. Beilema's teams are known for a thunderous, straight ahead running game which figures to be in lock-step with he dominant teams of the SEC but in conflict with the team built by former Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino. 

Lest we forget, however, that Bielema rose through the ranks as a defensive coach, coaching linebackers at Iowa and as a defensive coordinator at Kansas State and Wisconsin before his promotion to head coach. The Badgers ranked 13th nationally in total defense and 19th in scoring defense, allowing just 19.1 points per game. Wisconsin was eighth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense during its 11-2 season in 2011. Even if the offensive transition goes through some growing pains, Bielema figures to improve an Arkansas defense that ranked 12th in the SEC in total defense and scoring defense this fall. 

Meanwhile, SEC West foe Auburn is bringing Gus Malzahn back to the Plains. Malzahn famously served as the Tigers' offensive coordinator from 2009-11, where his work with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton brought Auburn the 2010 national title. Malzahn spent the 2012 season as the head coach at Arkansas State, where he led the Red Wolves to a 9-3 record and Sun Belt championship. 

Malzahn's return to Auburn figures to be a boon for Auburn quarterback Kiehl Frazier. Recruited to be Newton's successor, Frazier struggled in Malzahn's absence, completing just 62-of-116 passes for 753 yards with 2 TDs and 8 INTs. The TIgers were ranked 115th in total offense and 112th in scoring offense this fall, while Arkansas State placed 17th in total offense and 21st in scoring offense. 

Love the attitude of Gus' staff up at A-State. They are happy; but all business. Keep recruiting, focus on the players, etc…Good guys

— FootballScoop Staff (@footballscoop) December 4, 2012

We will update with more details as they become available. 

After four seasons on the Plains, Auburn head coach Gene Chizik was fired on Sunday. The Tigers lost to Alabama 49-0 on Saturday, concluding their 2012 season with a 3-9 overall mark and an 0-8 SEC record, a first in school history. 

According to the Associated Press, Auburn will pay in excess of $11 million to buyout the contracts of Chizik and his assistants. Chizik's buyout states that he will be paid more than $156,000 per month through the life of his contract, which runs through 2015-16. The rest of the staff will be paid through June 2013, except for Scot Loeffler, Brian VanGorder and Trooper Taylor, who will be paid through June 2014. 

Auburn AD Jay Jacobs announced in his official statement that he, Mac Crawford, Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan will serve as the search committee for finding the next head coach. 

As always, we'll keep you posted on The Scoop with anything you need to know. 

Chizik released this statement following the announcement. 

"I am very grateful for the opportunity that I had during the last four seasons to serve as the head football coach at Auburn University," he said. I’m extremely disappointed with the way this season turned out and I apologize to the Auburn family and our team for what they have had to endure.

"In my 27 years of coaching, I have gained an understanding of the high expectations in this profession. When expectations are not met, I understand changes must be made.

"While we experienced a tremendous low in 2012, I will always be proud of the incredible highs that we achieved, including three bowl victories, an SEC championship and a national championship.

"I want to thank Dr. Gogue and Jay Jacobs for the great opportunity they gave me. I’m confident in their leadership ability to continue to move this football program forward.

"I feel blessed to have been surrounded with so many great coaches, players and administrators that have worked relentlessly and dedicated themselves to this institution. I will miss not being able to continue to mentor these players on a daily basis. I’m confident these young men will continue to excel both on and off the field. They are a great group and I wish them nothing but the best.

"I’ve been fortunate to spend seven years of my coaching career at Auburn, which is an incredible place to work and live. My family and I have been blessed to call Auburn home and look forward to remaining in the Auburn community. "I have said this many times, but the Auburn fans are the best in college football. They have an incredible passion and love for their school and I want to thank them for their support in good times and in bad times.

"As I said four years ago when I arrived, Auburn was great way before we got here and it will remain great long after we leave. My sentiments about Auburn have not and will not change. I wish the next football coach all the best and I anticipate a smooth transition.

"I encourage the Auburn family to continue to be ‘All In’ and support this great university and its athletics programs. War Eagle!"

After a meeting with the board of trustees today, Auburn president Jay Gogue offered up his first public statements on the state of the Auburn football program, and overall athletic department in quite a while.

Here are a few relevant nuggets from his comments to reporters.

Throughout the interview, Gogue remained firm on his stance to not make a decision until after the season, and reiterated time and time again that the team had not performed up to expectations all season long. 

Gogue stated that he will address any potential changes to the football program at the end of the season (no surprise there) and that the decision will ultimately come down to him, not the board, and he will certainly listen to recommendations from athletic director Jay Jacobs.

Word has also been recently circulating that Jacobs will be evaluated at seasons end. Gogue said that they'll look at five key areas when assessing the performance of the athletic director.

"We look at how well our kids are doing academically, graduation rates, APR numbers, graduation success rates. If you look at those data, Auburn athletes only have five out of 580 that have below a 2.0. You have to feel very good about the academic performance of the kids. The average GPA of all athletes is a little over 3.0 So we look at the academic part. That’s critical."

"No. 2, we look at how well we’re complying with the rules of the SEC and the NCAA. Do we have major violations? Have we had any? Those are the areas you look at. The third area we look at, and it relates to some of the questions you asked earlier, how is the gameday experience? That means parking, that means concessions, that means a whole host of things.

"How well does the band do on that day, does the eagle fly good, a variety of things go into that gameday situation. We look at whether you’re living within your budget. We look in the financial aspects of that."

"Finally, we look at how well you play competitively. Those are the five values we look at." Gogue added.

Auburn hosts Alabama A&M (SWAC) this weekend and then closes it out at Alabama a week from Saturday. Alabama A&M has lost 3 of its last 4. Conventional wisdom would say that Auburn should win this one handily. For the staff's sake, let's hope that's the case.