*Update* – Tommy Tuberville has named Steve Ensminger (inside receivers/tight ends coach) the interim Offensive Coordinator for the rest of the season. At least it’s not Nallsminger. Article here.
ITAT says,
“From what we can piece together, there was a disagreement on offensive philosophy/game plan with the head coach and the offensive coordinator during or after a staff lunch meeting today. CTT made the decision to fire Franklin. I don’t think there was anything pre-planned in this area because the coaching staff are trying to figure out how they are going to proceed in the short term (practice this evening), the game plan for Saturday and what they will do offensively the rest of the season with details of who will call the plays and coach the QBs.”
And this may be the disagreement:
“Franklin on Monday told people close to him that he expected to be fired next Sunday no matter the result of the Arkansas game and that he was going to coach this weekend his style and his way.”
*Update* – Tuberville has officially confirmed that Tony Franklin has been fired.
“After evaluating where we are at this point of the season offensively, I felt it was in the best interest of the Auburn football program to make this change,” Tuberville said. “I’m not satisfied
with where we are and I am personally going to take a larger role with the offense the remainder of the season. We are going to work harder than ever to make sure we consistently improve as we move forward.”
It’s all rumor and “sources close to the program” stuff but apparently lots of people have heard that Tony Franklin has been fired from Auburn, but even Finebaum is saying that it’s rumor and asking people to not jump the gun, so you never know. I thought things were fine. Anyway, we’ll see. Here’s the OA article.
The story is now on al.com as well. Finebaum has heard that Tuberville is meeting with the team in around 3:30 CDT. Maybe we’ll know something soon.
ITAT as well.
7 comments
I don’t believe it. I was critical of the play calling and the use of his QB (who I doubt will play much more this year) but I really don’t agree with this move.
This has turned into a PR nightmare. Imagine what this does for recruiting and think of how this makes Tuberville look! I’m truly disappointed.
I am very surprised that they did this mid year. I would have at least thought that would get rid of him at the end of the year if still at all. I agree with trigger on the idea of recruiting but i also think that it leaves a lot of upcoming players in question of what next for auburn and its offense. Ultimately i think this was a good call for the long haul.
I honestly don’t see that much negativity in terms of PR. I’ve probably talked to about 15 Bama fans who would definitely look for any reason for negativity and they all say it was good or that they were proud of Tubby for stepping up and doing something.
Also in terms of recruits, Tubby said today that they are sticking to the spread somewhat, so all of our recruits will more than likely stay…but lets not go all Bammer now…
As a Bama friend said to me today…”You have to be glad this happened.”
As of tonight Ray Cotton still committed. Said he wants to play for Auburn not for a coach.
I’ve been told by a very reliable source who works in an athletic department (sporting goods at wal-mart) that Tubs wants to bring someone in that runs more of an OU style of the spread.
I just saw Fred Talley running down Hwy 280. Then I saw Tony Franklin pass him in a Hyundai.
i’m skeptical about him calling plays due to what happened in 03 but from everything being reported all the offensive coaches will have input
lets just hope we don’t get a revamped Nallsminger 2.0