Jay Jacobs says he will begin search immediately/Phillip Marshall
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“The last 10 years have been a great time in my life, both professionally and personally. It’s been a great place to coach and live, and we’ve had a lot of success along the way. I’m going to remain in Auburn and help the Auburn family however I can. I’m very appreciative of the coaches, players, staff and Auburn fans over the last decade.” - Tommy Tuberville
After 10 seasons, Tommy Tuberville's time as Auburn football coach has ended. The decision came after Tuberville met for most of the afternoon with athletics director Jay Jacobs. They left Tuberville's office together and returned together.
Officially, Tuberville resigned. He said he planned to remain in Auburn and "help the Auburn family however I can."
Auburn players gathered for an emotional team meeting at 6 p.m.
According to one who was there, Tuberville had to twice stop and regain his composure while talking to the players. He told them "We are all Auburn," and told them they were not to blame and that they would get through it together.
Players left without comment. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 a.m CT.
Tuberville and Jacobs issued prepared statements.
“The last 10 years have been a great time in my life, both professionally and personally,” Tuberville said. “It’s been a great place to coach and live, and we’ve had a lot of success along the way. I’m going to remain in Auburn and help the Auburn family however I can. I’m very appreciative of the coaches, players, staff and Auburn fans over the last decade.”
Said Jacobs: "Tommy and I have had the opportunity to discuss the direction
of the program. “Through those discussions, Tommy felt it would be in his and the program’s best interest to step aside as Auburn’s head football coach.
“We appreciate everything Tommy has done for this program, this university and the Auburn community over the last 10 years. He has established a strong foundation to build upon and we thank him for the standard he set. We wish Tommy and his family - wife Suzanne, and sons Tucker and Troy - nothing but the best.”
The decision ended a saga that started when it became clear that, after finishing no lower than No. 15 in the final polls the previous four seasons, Auburn would not live up to its role as favorite in the Southeastern Conference West.
Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who was hired last December to install his version of the spread, was fired in October after disappointing results and tumultuous relationships.
Eventually, Auburn lost seven of its last nine games and finished with a 5-7 record, his worst since going 5-6 in 1999, his first season.
Last Saturday, the Tigers were blown out 36-0 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, ending six-game Iron Bowl winning streak.
It appeared Tuberville would survive even that, but the situation seemed to deteriorate. He met with Jacobs and president Jay Gogue on Monday morning, with Jacobs on Tuesday morning and again Wednesday afternoon.
Sometime Wednesday, the decision was made that Tuberville would not return.
Other than running backs coach Eddie Gran and defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads, other coaches were on the road recruiting. Some heard about it from news reports.
Tuberville finished his 10th Auburn season with a 5-7 record, his worst at Auburn. Overall, 10-year record was 85-40. He coached his 2004 team to a 13-0 record and the Southeastern Conference championship.
In 14 seasons as a head coach, including four at Ole Miss, Tuberville's record was 110-59.
Jacobs said he would immediately begin a search for Auburn's next coach.
"We will move as quickly and efficiently as we possibly can, but we're going to be thorough and strategic with our search to find the best fit for Auburn."