Auburn fires coach Chizik

Just two years after winning the national title, Auburn fired coach Gene Chizik.

The school made the announcement Sunday, a day after the Tigers were blanked 49-0 by Alabama. It was the most lopsided Iron Bowl game since 1948 and second-worst ever.

Auburn finished the year 3-9 and failed to win an SEC game. It was the Tigers' worst season in terms of number of losses since 1950 when they finished 0-10.

Auburn was outscored 150-21 in their final three SEC games.

The Tigers went 33-19, including 15-17 in SEC games, under Chizik.

"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," Chizik said in a statement.

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said a search committee that includes alumni Mac Crawford, Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson will assist in finding a new coach.

"We will be thorough and thoughtful as we look for someone with a track record as a proven winner, a commitment to playing within the rules and a focus on student-athlete academic success," Jacobs said in a statement. "We're privileged to have such a distinguished group put in the time and effort to lead this search."

Chizik will be paid $3.5 million annually for the next three years when he contract ends.