-Paul Rhoads-New Auburn DC? We should know by the end of the day. His Pitt defense ranked higher than Auburn's this year. Should be interesting.
-Major Applewhite-Back to Texas-and the Bama fans thought it was funny when an Auburn coordinator made a lateral move, I think it is hilarious that he will simply be an offensive assistant. Now word is creeping from Tuscaloosa that he didn't have control over the offense anyways...that program is a joke and they treat people horribly.
-Tigernation-Happy Birthday to the eldest member of the DFF. Many more.
-Recruiting-I am starting to love all the speed that is being recruited by CTT and CTF to reinvigorate a stale Tiger offense. Speed kills and Auburn has more of it than Alabama.
-Atlanta Falcons-Can't find a head coach to save their lives. Here is hoping it happens soon as I have turned to the Hawks and Thrashers for my winter doldrums. Went to the Hawks game Friday and Thrasher Saturday. One of the best things I have seen in a while is sudden death shootout in hockey. Thrashers beat the Penguins in sudden death and we didn't see Jean Claude Van Dam anywhere.
Out, Wilbur
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Although not officially confirmed by Auburn, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that University of Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads has been offered and accepted the same position at Auburn. Auburn's head coach, Tommy Tuberville has not released a statement, and although Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt did not release an official statement, he has stated as of late yesterday afternoon said he expected Rhoads to take the job with Auburn. We believe this is an exciting hire for Auburn, and as with the offensive coordinator hiring of Tony Franklin, Coach Tuberville has again hit the proverbial home run.
Rhoads has been known as a hard worker and has a reputation as an outstanding recruiter. He has fielded some of the best defenses in the nation since he has been at Pitt. This year, the Pitt defense finished the year ranked in the top 10 nationally in a number of categories, including No. 5 in total defense (297.67 yards per game), which was slightly ahead of Auburn's defensive ranking. They also ranked No. 1 in the Big East in total defense and held West Virginia to only one touchdown in a 13 to 9 upset win by the Panthers. Rhoads's defenses have always been exciting for the players and fans, and stingy for opposing offenses.
Although Pitt had a disappointing season his year, it must be noted that the Pitt offense was ranked 108th in the nation (out of 115 teams).
Ironically, Rhoads has been offered this position before. He was courted by Tuberville and offered the job in 2002, but turned it down because Pitt made a strong counteroffer that included a hefty pay raise and a contract extension. Rhoads newest offer by Auburn is reportedly worth approximately $400,000 a year, while his position at Pitt was worth approximately $185,000 a year.
For defensive comparisons:
Pitt allowed just 297.7 YPG Total Offense
130.4 Rushing YPG
167.2 Passing YPG
Auburn allowed just under 297.9 YPG Total Offense
124.7 Rushing YPG
173.2 Passing YPG
Rhoads Bio: http://p209.ezboard.com/fauburnfootballfanforumfrm7.showMessage?topicID=15393.topic (if the link doesn't work, go to the AuburnFootball.com message boards and look in the Football Forum)
Auburn A-Day Game Slated For March 29
(from the University Press Release)
AUBURN -- Auburn's annual spring football game, A-Day, will be held Saturday, March 29 at 1 p.m. (CT) at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Auburn will tentatively begin spring practice on February 28.
The Auburn softball, baseball and men's tennis teams will all be in action at home A-Day weekend.
The baseball team will host Tennessee for a three-game series on Friday (6 p.m.), Saturday (3 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.). The Tigers softball team also hosts Tennessee with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. and plays the final game of the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. The men's tennis team hosts Georgia on Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m.
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