SZVETITZ COLUMN: Chizik’s plan coming together

Looks like Gene Chizik wasn’t lying when he said he had a plan. Or was it a blueprint?

Looks like Auburn’s head coach wasn’t just giving lip service when he said he’d rather take his time and find the “right fit” for Auburn than just hire any old assistant coach.

Looks like the General (as many have started calling him) is sticking to his guns.

And Chizik Nation is marching in step.

And loving it.

Check the date. It’s Jan. 8, 2009 — 26 days since Chizik was hired at Auburn. It’s also been that long since fans lost their minds about it … in a bad way.

Now? Well, there’s been a Knight Rider-esque, 180-degree turnaround.

Chizik went from a 5-19 punch line to an undefeated knockout artist in less than a month.

Chizik came in with a plan. And to hear a lot of fans tell it, they never doubted it for a minute. Well, someone’s lying. Who do you think it is?

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs took the most heat for the hire. After all, it was his decision. At times, it no doubt got really, really hot in the AD’s kitchen in the hours and days following the announcement.

But now? It’s cool as tile floor.

Almost overnight, the Auburn Family recalled the divorce papers and committed itself to making this thing work. And by the way most of them are acting, it’ll be for better, not worse.

Never mind the fact not one game has been played. That isn’t fazing anyone. Neither is Chizik’s Iowa State record.

Jacobs said all along that Chizik’s two-year, 5-19 record at ISU wasn’t a sticking point. The more Jacobs and Chizik talked, the more Jacobs (and his team of advisors who were part of the interviewing process) felt comfortable with the record. Yes, even Chizik’s 10-game losing streak.

They were more focused on Chizik’s success. His years and years of success as a defensive coordinator and recruiter in two of the toughest conferences in the country — the SEC and Big 12.

There was substance there. There was proof.

And if they didn’t believe him, Chizik also said he had a plan to turn it around at Iowa State. And, now, we might actually believe him.

So what exactly is the plan … er, blueprint? What kind of house is Auburn’s football program going to end up looking like? A one-story, ranch-style home? A two-story Colonial? A mansion? A studio apartment?

Well, football season is still eight months away. It’s still way too early to tell. But from the looks of the foundation, I don’t think anyone has to worry about flood damage.

It’s looking pretty solid. And spacious.

That’s just Chizik’s style. Why go for a half a bath, when you can have a full … with garden tub?

Just look at the assistants he’s hired — an offensive guru, an experienced, battle-tested defensive leader, tireless recruiters. All with the same goals: Outwork the other guy and win.

Pretty simple. But hard to pull off.

But it looks like Chizik’s doing it. And with little difficulty.

Never a doubt? (Cough.) Right?

All part of the plan.

MIKE SZVETITZ is sports editor of the Opelika-Auburn News. He may be reached at or 737-2513.