Report: Auburn president making plans if Chizik is dismissed
Auburn president Jay Gogue has told some of the Board of Trustees members that he is making preparations in case the school decides to replace Tigers head football coach Gene Chizik after the season, 247Sports.com reported.
Sources also told the website that Gogue told some trustees he plans to retain athletic director Jay Jacobs and reassign executive associate athletic director Tim Jackson. Jackson is directly responsible for overseeing football.
According to the 247Sports sources, Gogue said he wants to form a committee to help make a decision regarding Chizek, then be in position to name a new head coach within days after the final game if it is decided that Chizek should be dismissed.
Gogue apparently mentioned Louisville offensive coordinator Shawn Watson as a possibility.
Mike Clardy, Auburn's director of communications, said earlier in the week Gogue would not comment on the football program.
"At this time Dr. Gogue does not plan on commenting on the football program any further than he did in the statement released on 10/25," Clardy said in an email to 247Sports.
Auburn is currently 2-7 overall and 0-6 in the Southeastern Conference.
Chizik is in his fourth season as Auburn's head coach and led the Tigers to the national championship in 2010.
