Auburn University’s new head football coach said Tuesday the bottom line for him and his staff is doing what is best for the young people.
“I always try to gauge everything — who I hire and what I do — based on, ‘Would I like my son to be around that guy as a role model,’ ” coach Gene Chizik said. “My son is 8. The guy that I hire is a guy I would like to coach my son.”
Chizik, who was Auburn’s defensive coordinator from 2002 to 2004 and helped guide the team a 13-0 season in 2004, was guest speaker at the Tuesday Talk.
Chizik said he always looks for three things when hiring staff:
-- One, they have to be able to recruit,
-- Two, they have to be able to coach, and
-- Three, they have to be the right person to be around 18- to 22-year-olds.
“You have to get all three,” he said. “I am so excited about the staff we have.”
Chizik said spring football with his new coaching staff has been outstanding.
“People say, ‘What do you think for next year?’ and I just say, ‘Hang on with both hands,’” he said. “What I am really excited about is that you can see a change in our existing football team in a lot of ways. Spring practice has been interesting.”
He invited everyone to Jordan-Hare Stadium for the A-Day kickoff at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“We would love for you to come and bring friends.” he said. “Come out Saturday and see.”
The coach and players will be available for autographs after Saturday’s game.
Chizik will also be the guest speaker at Business Over Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.Thursday at The Marriott at Grand National. Call the Opelika Chamber at 745-4861 to reserve a seat.
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