More evidence that we forced Auburn into doing something they didn't want to do

[DukeOfPork]

Very interesting read from AL.com:
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2017/12/how_the_alabama_win_changed_ev.html

...Malzahn himself was fully aware of the possibility that the Iron Bowl could be an all-or-nothing proposition. His most insistent demand in the negotiations was that the entire amount of the contract be guaranteed to make it financially prohibitive to fire him in the future...

...Auburn's leaders put their faith in Malzahn. They put together a massive new deal that was essentially in place before the loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Or, as Malzahn skeptics in the Auburn family put it, Auburn got played by Arkansas and Malzahn's agent Jimmy Sexton, and Auburn caved.

Those skeptics fear that Auburn has given Malzahn too much power based on too little production, that it will be financially disastrous and thus impossible to fire him if he goes 8-5, 7-6 and 8-5 the next three years, that he'll have no real boss going forward because there will be a new athletics director learning the territory soon.

Make no mistake, Gus was our first target (and rightfully so).  But I was uncomfortable with us breaking the bank for him because whatever he accomplished at Auburn is more than he could do here (this is just a much more difficult place to win).

I'm happy with how it worked out, and forcing Auburn to guarantee that fat contract for Gus when they really didn't want to will be especially sweet when they are wanting to fire him in a couple of years and realize that it's going to cost too much to do so.

[NuttinItUp]

Good. We trolled them into paying more for a longer contract.

When Morris beats Malzahn's ass and Aubie fans are up-in-arms about it, it will be satisfying.

[SemperHawg]

The second he starts to fall off at all it will get so toxic there for him.  Starting with their bowl game.  He better not slip up and drop one to UCF.  They can't fire him for a little while now, but those crazies will make him miserable if he's not competing for a championship next year.

[a0ashle]

Basically, IMO, we are the only winners. Gus got paid, so its hard to say he was a loser in this, but he will earn every dollar dealing with Auburn garbage, and might likely regret anchoring himself to them, as much as they will regret being anchored to Gus. We'll see how it plays out, but both A&M and Auburn better like their coaches...

[jgphillips3]

As the reported numbers climbed to $7 million a year for him, I no longer wanted him.  He just hasn't done enough to justify that money.  Now, I really, really hope he returns to 8-5 type seasons and the plains burn with anger. 

[Pudgepork]

Very interesting read from AL.com:
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2017/12/how_the_alabama_win_changed_ev.html

Make no mistake, Gus was our first target (and rightfully so).  But I was uncomfortable with us breaking the bank for him because whatever he accomplished at Auburn is more than he could do here (this is just a much more difficult place to win).

I'm happy with how it worked out, and forcing Auburn to guarantee that fat contract for Gus when they really didn't want to will be especially sweet when they are wanting to fire him in a couple of years and realize that it's going to cost too much to do so.

Smart money says next time he goes 7-5 they phot shop him at a gambling establishment
or plant calls to an escort service on his phone and fire him

[NuttinItUp]

Smart money says next time he goes 7-5 they phot shop him at a gambling establishment
or plant calls to an escort service on his phone and fire him

Possible cocaine link with the way he picks his nose.

[The_Bionic_Pig]

Good. We trolled them into paying more for a longer contract.

When Morris beats Malzahn's ass and Aubie fans are up-in-arms about it, it will be satisfying.

This!!

[DukeOfPork]

As the reported numbers climbed to $7 million a year for him, I no longer wanted him.  He just hasn't done enough to justify that money.  Now, I really, really hope he returns to 8-5 type seasons and the plains burn with anger. 

That is exactly how I felt. 

I was excited about the prospect of having a solid coach in Gus, but I did not want us to pay stupid money for him. 

I know his ceiling at Arkansas would be lower than what he has done at Auburn.  But I don't know what Morris' ceiling will be, so I'm eager to see what happens.

I'm happy with how it turned out.

[DukeOfPork]

Basically, IMO, we are the only winners. Gus got paid, so its hard to say he was a loser in this, but he will earn every dollar dealing with Auburn garbage, and might likely regret anchoring himself to them, as much as they will regret being anchored to Gus. We'll see how it plays out, but both A&M and Auburn better like their coaches...

If his focus is to see if he can win a championship and he is willing to endure more stress then he made the right move.

But if you're a coach and you want to moderate your stress, you need to switch jobs every 7-8 years (maximum).  You have to go reset that firing clock every once in awhile.

Gus chose to not do that.

[12247]

There is only 1 or 2 greatest of the great football coaches in college ball right now.  Then Malzahn falls into the next level where there is maybe 6 or 8 coaches.  So Aubbie got a top 10 coach for what could be chicken feed pricing at 7 million annually by the time the 7 years is up.  Aubbie got a good deal but doesn't know that yet.

I could be dead wrong, but I expect Malzahn will bust his butt trying every day of every year of that 7 years.  And if i am correct, Auburn will benefit.  Auburn will not beat Alabama 3 or 4 times every 5 years like their fans would want and the coach doesn't matter, that will not happen unless BAMA goes stupid on their own coach.

[longtimeHogfan]

I reckon a couple of 8-4 seasons with loses to 'Bama ought to just about do it.  And I'll be smiling ear-to-ear.   

[hogsanity]

Aub was not FORCED to do anything. They obviously decided they would rather give into Gus and his agent then go out and try to find another coach. I was extremely glad they did so.

[Hoggish1]

The second he starts to fall off at all it will get so toxic there for him.  Starting with their bowl game.  He better not slip up and drop one to UCF.  They can't fire him for a little while now, but those crazies will make him miserable if he's not competing for a championship next year.

Im going to be the biggest UCF fan anybody ever saw for that bowl!

[oldhog63]

Aub was not FORCED to do anything. They obviously decided they would rather give into Gus and his agent then go out and try to find another coach. I was extremely glad they did so.

I agree with this. Gus is a good coach, but I was glad we avoided the drama that would have followed him here.

[goodguytex]

Auburn didn't get played by Arkansas at all. Everyone.... Arkansas, Auburn, Jeff Long, the Chancellor, the BOT all got played by Malzahn and Sexton.

I don't see what's so complicated about this... Malzahn has no positive motives or vibes toward benefitting Arkansas in any way whatsoever. This was all about himself. He and his "people" by many accounts from all sides of this, let it be known to the BOT and the Chancellor that Malzahn wanted to be HC at Arkansas. But only if Long was gotten rid of.

So they all went ALL IN. Put all their eggs in the malzahn basket and fully committed to getting malzahn. Did absolutely everything he wanted them to do. And pulled the rug out.

Then still let malzahn call the shots by pretty much choosing our new HC. I hope Morris works out, makes Arkansas successful, and beats Auburn every year. But folks really should get over the love for malzahn, thinking he has these sentimental feelings towards wanting to help his home state. He doesn't. He's all about himself. And he'll use auburn, or anyone else, to get what he wants. And if Morris can't get it done, malzahn knows he's got enough support to come take the Arkansas job when or if Morris can't make it work. I hope Morris does though.

But how this all went down was not good at all. It was all messed up. And everyone should understand that and look at malzahn as the SOB he really is.

[longtimeHogfan]

..... malzahn knows he's got enough support to come take the Arkansas job when or if Morris can't make it work.

Any support he had from this fan disappeared like a fart in a whirlwind.  I will never welcome him back.

[Science Fiction Greg]

malzahn knows he's got enough support to come take the Arkansas job when or if Morris can't make it work.

No way.  Not anymore.

[Dropkick]

I'm glad they are stuck with TBE.

[Pudgepork]

Im going to be the biggest UCF fan anybody ever saw for that bowl!

Ucf players are making it difficult to root for them.  All the talk how auburn has never seen speed like ucf is making it tuff

[goodguytex]

Any support he had from this fan disappeared like a fart in a whirlwind.  I will never welcome him back.

I was actually specifically referring to the BOT. He lost a bunch of the support he had in the Arkansas fan base. Still a bunch of it though in NW Arkansas. Springdale bunch wield a lot of power and money. And many love them some Gus. And thats pretty much the truth.

[Calling All Hogs]

Gus is always just one QB injury away from going back to 8-5 or worse.

[Hogarusa]

In no way did Arkansas troll in this spot. Arkansas and Auburn both got played by an agent who is smarter than they are

[Hogarusa]

Ucf players are making it difficult to root for them.  All the talk how auburn has never seen speed like ucf is making it tuff

Why would that bother you? UCF feels disrespected for going undefeated and having to play a 3 loss team in an exhibition game. I hope UCF beats the brakes off of them. Not sure how excited Auburn will be to play.

[Ugly Uncle]

In this climate...Gus better be super clean.

If they start losing people will dig up any dirt they can to fire Gus for/with cause.

He better shave his head and become Mr. Clean, and even then they might plant dirt on him.  Again, in this climate where accusations alone can pull people down, Gus will be in a lot of trouble if he doesn't keep winning 10+ a year.

[elksnort]

In no way did Arkansas troll in this spot. Arkansas and Auburn both got played by an agent who is smarter than they are

Is he really actually smarter or just in the position to manipulate the situation.

Agents are some the parasites of capitalism.

[Rolonhog]

Auburn didn't get played by Arkansas at all. Everyone.... Arkansas, Auburn, Jeff Long, the Chancellor, the BOT all got played by Malzahn and Sexton.

I don't see what's so complicated about this... Malzahn has no positive motives or vibes toward benefitting Arkansas in any way whatsoever. This was all about himself. He and his "people" by many accounts from all sides of this, let it be known to the BOT and the Chancellor that Malzahn wanted to be HC at Arkansas. But only if Long was gotten rid of.

So they all went ALL IN. Put all their eggs in the malzahn basket and fully committed to getting malzahn. Did absolutely everything he wanted them to do. And pulled the rug out.

Then still let malzahn call the shots by pretty much choosing our new HC. I hope Morris works out, makes Arkansas successful, and beats Auburn every year. But folks really should get over the love for malzahn, thinking he has these sentimental feelings towards wanting to help his home state. He doesn't. He's all about himself. And he'll use auburn, or anyone else, to get what he wants. And if Morris can't get it done, malzahn knows he's got enough support to come take the Arkansas job when or if Morris can't make it work. I hope Morris does though.

But how this all went down was not good at all. It was all messed up. And everyone should understand that and look at malzahn as the SOB he really is.

This!

GM has always looked out for himself. I don't know much about his HS career, but since he's been in the collegiate ranks, he has done a lot of job hopping. Seems to me, he has had a knack for answering the door at just the right time when opportunity knocks. I disagree with you about him ever coming here. If all of what you said is true, then he burned  his bridge with fans, boosters, and those who pull the strings.

[The NewEra]

Gus will never have over a 30% approval rate from Razorback Fans to coach here in the future.  That ship has sailed.

[IronHog]

In no way did Arkansas troll in this spot. Arkansas and Auburn both got played by an agent who is smarter than they are

Because no one could see that coming 🙄



Arkansas was going to get their coach or make Auburn pay.  Auburn blinked.

[DeltaBoy]

Good to hear we shafted Aubarn!

[hog of steele]

There is only 1 or 2 greatest of the great football coaches in college ball right now.  Then Malzahn falls into the next level where there is maybe 6 or 8 coaches.  So Aubbie got a top 10 coach for what could be chicken feed pricing at 7 million annually by the time the 7 years is up.  Aubbie got a good deal but doesn't know that yet.

I could be dead wrong, but I expect Malzahn will bust his butt trying every day of every year of that 7 years.  And if i am correct, Auburn will benefit.  Auburn will not beat Alabama 3 or 4 times every 5 years like their fans would want and the coach doesn't matter, that will not happen unless BAMA goes stupid on their own coach.

Top 10 coach?

So Dabbo and Saban must be the two top dogs you are talking about but I think you are forgetting Urban Meyer and coach Peterson. You may have to wiggle Franklin from Penn in there too.

Those are 5 that are clearly head and shoulders better than GM. 5 more that are likely better? Richt, Jimbo, Leach, Dantonio, Patterson, Petrino.

I would have liked Gus at 5.5 million a year. 7 is overpaying for what he has done so far. He is clearly an elite offensive mind but I am not sure he is a top 10 coach.

[hogcards]

Auburn didn't get played by Arkansas at all. Everyone.... Arkansas, Auburn, Jeff Long, the Chancellor, the BOT all got played by Malzahn and Sexton.

I don't see what's so complicated about this... Malzahn has no positive motives or vibes toward benefitting Arkansas in any way whatsoever. This was all about himself. He and his "people" by many accounts from all sides of this, let it be known to the BOT and the Chancellor that Malzahn wanted to be HC at Arkansas. But only if Long was gotten rid of.

So they all went ALL IN. Put all their eggs in the malzahn basket and fully committed to getting malzahn. Did absolutely everything he wanted them to do. And pulled the rug out.

Then still let malzahn call the shots by pretty much choosing our new HC. I hope Morris works out, makes Arkansas successful, and beats Auburn every year. But folks really should get over the love for malzahn, thinking he has these sentimental feelings towards wanting to help his home state. He doesn't. He's all about himself. And he'll use auburn, or anyone else, to get what he wants. And if Morris can't get it done, malzahn knows he's got enough support to come take the Arkansas job when or if Morris can't make it work. I hope Morris does though.

But how this all went down was not good at all. It was all messed up. And everyone should understand that and look at malzahn as the SOB he really is.

^ this

He has a great agent.

[Vantage 8 dude]

Basically, IMO, we are the only winners. Gus got paid, so its hard to say he was a loser in this, but he will earn every dollar dealing with Auburn garbage, and might likely regret anchoring himself to them, as much as they will regret being anchored to Gus. We'll see how it plays out, but both A&M and Auburn better like their coaches...

Yep, just let him start losing a few games to the likes of LSU, TAM, and most especially the Tide. I can guarantee you that how ever fat this new contract is it will be WELL EARNED by GM having to put up with the loonies and idiots down on the Plains.

[longtimeHogfan]

I was actually specifically referring to the BOT. He lost a bunch of the support he had in the Arkansas fan base. Still a bunch of it though in NW Arkansas. Springdale bunch wield a lot of power and money. And many love them some Gus. And thats pretty much the truth.

I gotcha...and you're right about the money in this corner of the state behind St. Gus.  But I would hope the fans would blow off enough steam to counter that if and when the time comes. 

[Vantage 8 dude]

^ this

He has a great agent.

I agree that he has a great agent. And while anything is possible, considering how Gus played the folks who wanted him up on the Hill I wouldn't put too much faith in the idea that he can just come in and take over anytime he wants assuming CGM doesn't work out. There were a LOT of eyes opened and ill feelings toward GM generated by how this whole episode worked out. I think a ton of previous Gus supporters found out that he's NOT particularly interested in coming back to NWA even if the talk claims as much.

[riccoar]

As the reported numbers climbed to $7 million a year for him, I no longer wanted him.  He just hasn't done enough to justify that money.  Now, I really, really hope he returns to 8-5 type seasons and the plains burn with anger. 

Somebody still needs to fish out the truth.  For one, we never offered 50 million.  Two, the people making the deal may not have had the authority to be making it.  It will be nice for someone to finally tell us just how many chefs were operating on the Hill once Long got sent packing.

[OneTuskOverTheLine™]

Basically, IMO, we are the only winners. Gus got paid, so its hard to say he was a loser in this, but he will earn every dollar dealing with Auburn garbage, and might likely regret anchoring himself to them, as much as they will regret being anchored to Gus. We'll see how it plays out, but both A&M and Auburn better like their coaches...

Pride. Pride.. PRIDE... The reason Chad Morris is our coach tonight is pride. Who was going to win the pissing match for Gus? That was the question, and it was perfection. Auburn could have tried to walk off losing him, and try to explain how they LOST a coach to a "lesser" team, or keep Gus and lose TO him in private or in writing... They mulled and chewed and tasted the donuts right up until the time they had to choke on them.
If they had let him go the imaginary appearance of prestige would have been exposed and SEC recruiting leverage; (or lies based off of perception) that has been used by Bama, LSU, Auburn, Florida and Georgia to lure kids "AWAY" from Arkansas; would have been rendered bull-darn. The funniest thing is Arkansas still got a master recruiter and that facade will be falling in short order anyway. It cost Auburn about 30 million to make Arkansas earn it...
Arkansas, Gus and Morris won in the end. The devil finally came to get his pay in Auburn. I bet they would have rather lost to the NCAA than to Arkansas and Gus.!!  LOL.!!

[goodguytex]

This!

GM has always looked out for himself. I don't know much about his HS career, but since he's been in the collegiate ranks, he has done a lot of job hopping. Seems to me, he has had a knack for answering the door at just the right time when opportunity knocks. I disagree with you about him ever coming here. If all of what you said is true, then he burned  his bridge with fans, boosters, and those who pull the strings.

Let me ask you something... And this is a hypothetical future scenario, that I, as a lifelong Hog fan, hope never happens... Let's go 3 years into the future... Auburn made it to the NC game following the 2018 season and barely loses. They follow that season up with 2 more of 9-10 wins each.

They have also beaten Arkansas, by comfortable margins, each year. Arkansas, in the meantime, goes 4-8 in 2018, 5-7 in 2019, 6-6 with a bowl loss in 2020.

Hog fans everywhere judge Morris as not being able to get it done. Gus puts out feelers again that he wants to come home again. If that scenario were to play out, I see no reason why the BOT and a solid portion of the fan base wouldn't be falling all over themselves to try to get Gus.

Again, I hope we beat auburn each year. But people have very short memories.

[hog of steele]

Let me ask you something... And this is a hypothetical future scenario, that I, as a lifelong Hog fan, hope never happens... Let's go 3 years into the future... Auburn made it to the NC game following the 2018 season and barely loses. They follow that season up with 2 more of 9-10 wins each.

They have also beaten Arkansas, by comfortable margins, each year. Arkansas, in the meantime, goes 4-8 in 2018, 5-7 in 2019, 6-6 with a bowl loss in 2020.

Hog fans everywhere judge Morris as not being able to get it done. Gus puts out feelers again that he wants to come home again. If that scenario were to play out, I see no reason why the BOT and a solid portion of the fan base wouldn't be falling all over themselves to try to get Gus.

Again, I hope we beat auburn each year. But people have very short memories.

Winning smooths over lots of feelings.

[HawgTide]

I was actually specifically referring to the BOT. He lost a bunch of the support he had in the Arkansas fan base. Still a bunch of it though in NW Arkansas. Springdale bunch wield a lot of power and money. And many love them some Gus. And thats pretty much the truth.

Gus burned a lot of bridges this go around. This was his last chance to ever be our head coach and instead he played us for a bigger contract and better job security

[DukeOfPork]

But folks really should get over the love for malzahn, thinking he has these sentimental feelings towards wanting to help his home state.

What in the hell are you talking about?

Nothing in this thread is suggesting that Malzahn was doing anything to benefit Arkansas.  Good God.

[Pyotr Tchaikhogsky]

[DukeOfPork]

Winning smooths over lots of feelings.

Louisville gladly took Petrino back.  Tennessee fans wanted Kiffin again.

If you win, anything is possible.

[oldhog63]

Louisville gladly took Petrino back.  Tennessee fans wanted Kiffin again.

If you win, anything is possible.

If he is winning, I doubt Arkansas is on his radar. Arkansas seems to be his safety net when he is losing.

[1highhog]

As I had stated several times during the weeks long search for a head coach at Arkansas, Malzahn was not coming to Arkansas but no one ever even stopped to notice as they were sure he was coming.  I've known Gus for many years and was in constant contact with him all throughout this past season, and also during the rumor mill situation of him coming to the UofA.  Never was Gus coming here, the only way he ever would have considered it was if he got fired, he was not going to quit on his own.  I made this information known on Hogville, but it went to deaf ears, many assumed Gus was coming home.  He loves where he's at now, and he knows how I feel about him coming here.  Regardless of my friendship with him, Gus would be a disasterous hire here and after a few 7-5 seasons sprinkled with maybe a 9 wins season here and there with what the UofA was willing to pay, the fans would have turned ravenous.  I was wanting Norvell, but I've really warmed up to Morris, and the UofA got him at a bargain basement price considering what salaries have now become for coaches.

[hog of steele]

If he is winning, I doubt Arkansas is on his radar. Arkansas seems to be his safety net when he is losing.

This is true. But he would be able to play us for another raise if the timing is right. And if he wins enough, maybe he looks to retire here. I am not happy with that situation but hurt feelings now won't last if there is hope that we can win more games. Winning mends many bridges.

[hog of steele]

As I had stated several times during the weeks long search for a head coach at Arkansas, Malzahn was not coming to Arkansas but no one ever even stopped to notice

A single voice in the wilderness. Like John the Baptist.

[HamGrowsOnTrees]

Make no mistake people. Gus played auburn. He also played the BoT, his friends, GoBN, and the Fans.

I now despise the man and will root for him to lose at everything the rest of his life.

[Tusks]

As I had stated several times during the weeks long search for a head coach at Arkansas, Malzahn was not coming to Arkansas but no one ever even stopped to notice as they were sure he was coming.  I've known Gus for many years and was in constant contact with him all throughout this past season, and also during the rumor mill situation of him coming to the UofA.  Never was Gus coming here, the only way he ever would have considered it was if he got fired, he was not going to quit on his own.  I made this information known on Hogville, but it went to deaf ears, many assumed Gus was coming home.  He loves where he's at now, and he knows how I feel about him coming here.  Regardless of my friendship with him, Gus would be a disasterous hire here and after a few 7-5 seasons sprinkled with maybe a 9 wins season here and there with what the UofA was willing to pay, the fans would have turned ravenous.  I was wanting Norvell, but I've really warmed up to Morris, and the UofA got him at a bargain basement price considering what salaries have now become for coaches.

One man's trailer park is another man's paradise.

[hog of steele]

Make no mistake people. Gus played auburn. He also played the BoT, his friends, GoBN, and the Fans.

I now despise the man and will root for him to lose at everything the rest of his life.

So lets say he did come here in a decade or so. He won all he needed at Auby and he wants to retire close to home. Would you pull for him then?

Which is heavier, hate for gus or love for hogs?