November 29, 2007
Tuberville hired at Arkansas?
KNWA-TV in Fayetteville is citing "multiple sources" saying that Auburn HC Tommy Tuberville has accepted the head coaching position at Arkansas. (Watch the TV report)
The station gives the standard disclaimers ("no contract has been signed"), but broke into evening programming to report the development.
No word yet on terms and no confirmations from Arkansas or Auburn. More to follow.
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Update: 11-29-07 10:30p
ArkansasSports360 says that an announcement is expected by Saturday.
The official annoucement [SIC] may not come until Saturday. Negotiations continue for some of Tuberville's wishes concerning assistant coaches pay and other details about football operations.
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UPDATE 11-30-07 8:00a
University of Arkansas Trustee Mike Akin says he is not aware of any "final committment" regarding Tuberville. Interesting choice of words.
Jay Jacobs, AD at Auburn, says that he has not been contacted by Arkansas officials regarding a possible interview for Tuberville.
Of course, if the Tubs -> Arky rumors turn out to be correct, this would not be a monumental shock. After all, the way these things tend to work these days is that UofA folks would contact Tubs' folks in the backchannel, iron out several details, and get everything nice & tidy. That way, when Arkansas "officially" interviews Tuberville, all that would be left would be to have a spot of tea and take home a sack of sweaty Jerry Jones money. So... this does have all the indications that back-channel negotiations are under way. Again, IF the rumors and reports turn out to be correct.
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UPDATE 11/30/07 4:00p
Tracking the Tigers reports that Tommy Tuberville took a call on his deer stand (what kind of hunter does that?!) and flatly denied reports that he or his agents are talking with Arkansas.
Tuberville, who will be back in Auburn around lunchtime today, said he was incredulous when he learned after emerging from the woods Thursday night of the reports flooding out of Arkansas that he was on the verge of agreeing to become the Razorbacks' coach.Tuberville didn't want to be quoted, but he had some strong words for those responsible for those reports. Neither he nor his agent, Jimmy Sexton, Tuberville said, has had any contact at all with Arkansas officials about the job vacated by Houston Nutt.
Meanwhile, some Arkansas media types are backing away from the "Done Deal! Schedule the Parade!" reports to a more mixed bag.
I still contend that there is an awful lot of smoke here, but... Jimmy Sexton has pulled some rabbits out of his hat over the years. We may all be pawns in his chess set.
Comments:
jbnole64
posted on November 29, 2007 9:32 PM — 66.32.234.17 — link — abuse?
said:
No contract is signed, but Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville appears prepared to accept Arkansas's offer to become the Ra zorbacks' next football coach, multiple sources tell ArkansasSports360.com.
The official annoucement may not come until Saturday. Negotiations continue for some of Tuberville's wishes concerning assistant coaches pay and other details about football operations.
Other organizations are also now reporting it, including KNWA-TV in Fayetteville.College Pigskin Fan said:
posted on November 29, 2007 11:30 PM — 4.244.3.1 — link — abuse?
Who would have thought that when Ed Orgeron was fired at Ole Miss, it would lead to Tuberville being hired at Arkansas? Crazy isn't it?
Will Auburn break the bank to buy out, and then pay Petrino, or will they just promote Def Cord Will Muschamp?
And what about Les Miles, will he leave LSU?
Tune in tomorrow for another episode for "As the SEC Turns".
College Pigskin Fan said:
posted on November 29, 2007 11:45 PM — 4.244.3.1 — link — abuse?
If the above link expired, get this shocker of the story.
Sources say Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones has been a major player in the brokerage of a deal. Jones is reportedly not only agreeing to cough up money to get Tuberville but to pay his assistants top money as well.
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on November 29, 2007 11:54 PM — 72.146.46.177 — link — abuse?
One of my cousin's best friends,his uncle's boss stepson's roomates nanny, said that she heard Saban was on his way to Auburn.
Anyone else hear the same rumor; or are all of those guys pulling my chain??
I would normally consider these people reliable sources. However, this seems a little far fetched. Ya think?????
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 12:09 AM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
This would be like if Saban had left an SEC West team and began coaching at another school in the SEC West. Oh wait, he did that. Of course he did stop off in the NFL first.
I wonder if Tuberville will be subject to the same criticism. Somehow I seriously doubt it.
11/19/07
AUBURN - Tommy Tuberville, whose name has been linked to a possible coaching change at Texas A&M, said Monday he has no plans to leave Auburn for another school.
"We're going to be at Auburn as long as they want us here," he said Monday in his most definitive statement so far after weeks of news reports that Texas A&M might make a play for him.Don’t want to diss Tubs because I think that he is a nice guy and a good coach but can someone explain how this differs from the Saban move to BAMA?
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 12:12 AM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
#15 I am hearing the same rumors from a brother-in-law of a 3rd cousin twice removed (on my mother's side of the family). Call me a fool but I put a lot of stock in news that comes from scources this reliable.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 12:19 AM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
Bobby Petrino would be an excellent HC for Auburn. I feel sure that the wheels are already turning.
I can't remember ever seeing this much musical chairs in the college coaching ranks before. Looks like it may end up that the long list is coaches leaving and the short list is which coaches are staying put.
College Pigskin Fan said:
posted on November 30, 2007 12:41 AM — 4.245.79.185 — link — abuse?
I wouldn't put anything past Jerry Jones being involved in this. He was behind getting Arkansas to play Texas A&M in his new big stadium.
http://www.fanblogs.com/arkansas/007330.php
I'm sure he would help Arkansas land a high profile SEC Coach.
posted on November 30, 2007 8:13 AM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue
said:
University of Arkansas Trustee Mike Akin says he is not aware of any "final committment" regarding Tuberville. Interesting choice of words.
Jay Jacobs, AD at Auburn, says that he has not been contacted by Arkansas officials regarding a possible interview for Tuberville.
Of course, if the Tubs -> Arky rumors turn out to be correct, this would not be a monumental shock. After all, the way these things tend to work these days is that UofA folks would contact Tubs' folks in the backchannel, iron out several details, and get everything nice & tidy. That way, when Arkansas "officially" interviews Tuberville, all that would be left would be to have a spot of tea and take home a sack of sweaty Jerry Jones money. So... this does have all the indications that back-channel negotiations are under way. Again, IF the rumors and reports turn out to be correct.
TampaGator said:
posted on November 30, 2007 8:26 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Autigerman/#21:
It may very well be a hoax, but at least this one seems rather plausible. Ark'y has huge shoes to fill, the resources to fill it, they are motivated (if not desparate), and T'ville fits the bill.
From AU/T'ville's perspective, trust was broken during the whole Petrino fiasco, so nothing can seem as surprising as the two staying together as long as they have.
This one at least makes sense; could be something to it.
My $.02.
GO GATORS!!Autigerman said:
posted on November 30, 2007 9:47 AM — 129.61.46.16 — link — abuse?
Well the person i spoke of earlier post 21 that talked to Tubbs last night is a media man in addition to being a personel friend of Tubbs, so i suppose that if they are trying to keep this quite he could have been lied to.
Interesting stuff, seems Auburn has been in the news alot lately. Hard to hold on to a good coach anymore.
Spartacus
posted on November 30, 2007 10:29 AM — 72.25.84.228 — link — abuse? said:
I just got to say as a PAC guy - I can't imagine what it would be like if all the coaches in this conference just changed to other PAC teams constantly. It's amazing! But, the SEC is the premier conference and probably pays the most greenbacks for their coaches. Come to think of it: we do have two guys (Ty W. at Washington and Dennis Ericksen at ASU) who used to coach Stanford and Wazzou respectively. But, there was a few years between each of these stints. I don't think anybody has ever coached one team one year and then another within a year or the very next year. It seems as if there is no loyalty in the south anymore - and I thought California was going to the dogs, er make that Hogs.
Tommie Trojan
AU03 said:
posted on November 30, 2007 10:47 AM — 63.113.128.5 — link — abuse?
"Don’t want to diss Tubs because I think that he is a nice guy and a good coach but can someone explain how this differs from the Saban move to BAMA?"
Tuberville said he would be there "as long as (Auburn) wants (him) there." That means if one of the "powers that be" at Auburn (read:Bobby Lowder) wants him gone, then he will be gone.
If he does go, I hope we can get Petrino or (GASP!) Spurrier.
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on November 30, 2007 11:05 AM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
AU03 #30
"Tuberville said he would be there "as long as (Auburn) wants (him) there." That means if one of the "powers that be" at Auburn (read:Bobby Lowder) wants him gone, then he will be gone."
I'm gonna have to call BS on that one.
That's TT way out, IF he takes another job. By saying that, he puts himself in a win/win situation. If he stays--"The fine folks at Au want me to stay, so I will." If he goes somewhere else--"The fine folks at AU forced me out. I had no choice, but to take another job"
It's actually pretty smart, the way he has set all of this up.
Now he won't be branded a liar (i.e. Nick Saban)
BigWarEagle said:
posted on November 30, 2007 11:12 AM — 68.209.249.179 — link — abuse?
Here is a report from Phillip Marshall of The Hunstville Times -
Reports from Arkansas shock Tuberville
Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times November 30, 2007 8:43 AM
Categories: Football
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville was sitting on a deer stand in rural Arkansas early this morning. Cell phones, of course, work even in deer stands if they're not too far out in the sticks.Tuberville, who will be back in Auburn around lunchtime today, said he was incredulous when he learned after emerging from the woods Thursday night of the reports flooding out of Arkansas that he was on the verge of agreeing to become the Razorbacks' coach.
Tuberville didn't want to be quoted, but he had some strong words for those responsible for those reports. Neither he nor his agent, Jimmy Sexton, Tuberville said, has had any contact at all with Arkansas officials about the job vacated by Houston Nutt.
By the way, he and assistants Eddie Gran and Steve Ensminger were planning to hunt ducks but ended up hunting deer. Gran bagged a deer. The other two have struck out so far.
posted on November 30, 2007 11:17 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Boy, we thought the season was really strange, what about the coaching sweepestakes? Maybe it's a last second ploy because negotiations on the new contract weren't as good for the assistants as he wanted. Ho-hum. Somebody wake me when we have some news.
A lot of buzz coming out of Flowery Branch with Petrino being quoted as being 'happy' in the NFL. Must mean anything but... I'd love to have him, but only if he promises to run the ball.
dapipcook said:
posted on November 30, 2007 11:18 AM — 69.154.61.246 — link — abuse?
The buzz is that Tubs wants more money.. since Saban is making so much right across the state.. if he can hash out a deal with Auburn for more money he will stay.. if not he'll go to Arkansas since that is his home state (he grew up in Camden) and the job is open.
posted on November 30, 2007 11:23 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
Big War Eagle: What are we to infer about the fact that they hunted deer, rather than ducks? Could parallels be drawn between the two programs, Auburn's and Arkansas'? Auburn is the deer, which Tubs prefers to hunt, rather than the Arkansas duck? Let's get a camera crew out to that deer stand now!!!
All of a sudden Tuberville is Britney Spears with the media? Okay, who's Lindsay Lohan?
posted on November 30, 2007 11:47 AM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
No, BWE, I wasn't criticizing you, I appreciate the info. I was just making a statement about sensationalist journalism in general. All these news organizations want the scoop so bad they'll go to press on just about anything.
dapipcock: If it's all about money, why is Arkansas in the equation?
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on November 30, 2007 12:52 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
SHA #41
I agree... (Not trying to be a prick, but what's your point?)
I'm just not buying this innocent, play dumb crap, which TT is using.
TT is doing 1 of 2 things here: 1) He’s seriously contemplating leaving Auburn for Arkansas. 2) He's pulling a Rich Rod. Using Arkansas as leverage.
Or, maybe he is an innocent bystander in this coaching fiasco.
If that's the case, I'll guarantee you his agent is the one out there throwing all of these malitaf cocktails. I wouldn't put anything past that guy.BTW- I hope he stays. (See post #11)
AU03 said:
posted on November 30, 2007 1:22 PM — 63.113.128.5 — link — abuse?
The difference, RJ, is that Saban said that he wasn't leaving Miami before he went to T-town, whereas Tuberville hasn't said anything either way, exceot hinting that if he does leave, it will be because someone at Auburn whose opinion matters doesn't want him there.
Saban lied about leaving Miami; Tuberville hasn't lied about leaving Auburn (although he did lie about leaving Ole Miss).
posted on November 30, 2007 2:00 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
You know, I still believe Saban was telling the truth about not leaving Miami for most of that period. It was only after the stakes were raised so high that he came around--and then he said as much.
Sure, there might have been some time when he was considering it that he was still saying the same thing, but what else do you do when there's that much media attention? Anyone would do it. You don't change your story until you're absolutely sure that you're going to make the change.
Tubs likes the media attention, no doubt. And as I've said before, Auburn deserves to twist in the wind about him. The ATM rumours weren't quite enough twisting. We can twist some more and be alright.
But just in case, I've already put together my Santa wish list:
1) Bobby Petrino
2) Dennis Erikson
3) Bobby Johnson
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on November 30, 2007 2:14 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
AU03
Go back and read post #31. That's exactly what I said, in a nut shell.
The only difference is I called BS on the part about people at AU not wanting him. That's just his way out IF he takes the job at Arkansas, so that when it is all said and done, he doesn't look like the bad guy.
TE
posted on November 30, 2007 2:29 PM — 204.68.245.11 — link — abuse? said:
Petrino at Auburn would be an outstanding thing for Alabama...Look at the absolute mess left at Louisville after Petrino left...
I'm hearing a lot of rumors of a huge level of disarray that program was in by the time Petrino got through with it.
Obviously, Bertman hired the right man when he looked over Petrino to get Miles...
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 2:39 PM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
AU03 Don't piss down our backs and tell us that it's raining. Tuberville is giving the impression that he will be at Auburn for the long haul. He will lie like any other coach. As a matter of fact he said that he would only leave Ole Miss in a pine box.
If he leaves this is exactly the same thing. Giving the impression that you are staying when you are working on a deal to go is the same as lying about it. There is no such thing as a white lie and a black lie.
BTW, I think that Tubs is a good coach and I hope that he stays. My issue is with the fact that he is doing the same thing that Saban has been trashed for during the past 10 months.
Rammer Jammer with help from your mom or your kids you can figure out the comments.
AU03 said:
posted on November 30, 2007 3:15 PM — 63.113.128.5 — link — abuse?
Oh, I see. ButI never said that I wanted him gone, but you're only kidding yourself if you think that some powerful people at Auburn don't want him gone- Lowder has wanted him gone for awhile, and even the success Auburn's had since Jetgate hasn't changed that (and yes, it was Lowder's jet).
Autigerman said:
posted on November 30, 2007 3:30 PM — 129.61.46.16 — link — abuse?
Well im glad all of you have this figured out.I still think it could be media hype by KNWA tv which happens to be known for some of their hype.
All in the name of boasting ratings.
On the other hand im sort of tired of the whole thing and will be glad when its over either he goes or stays lets get on with it.
AU03 said:
posted on November 30, 2007 3:32 PM — 63.113.128.5 — link — abuse?
"If he leaves this is exactly the same thing. Giving the impression that you are staying when you are working on a deal to go is the same as lying about it. There is no such thing as a white lie and a black lie."
There's a big difference. Assume he leaves- Can you honestly say that not getting along with the Auburn BOT had NOTHING to do with him leaving? What he is saying right now doesn't give me the impression he's staying (although in the end, I think he will stay), because I know how much the powers that be at Auburn dislike him. Saban flat out said that he wasn't coming to Alabama while he was at Miami. Until Tuberville says he isn't coming to Arkansas, but then does, they remain two different things.
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on November 30, 2007 4:05 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
SHA #47
I was going to take your advice, but I decided against it. Rather than enlisting the help of my mom and son; I decided to summon your wife out of her cozy little home under my desk. I figured if any one would be able to decipher one of your ridiculous statements; it would be her. Well, I was wrong. She said she doesn't have a clue, and then she began scolding me because I interrupted her.
So, thanks for pissing off your wife. I'll definitely make sure she is home on time tonight. She's in a very bad mood now. Good luck when she gets home.
-Rammer Jammer
posted on November 30, 2007 4:45 PM — link — abuse? said:
Tracking the Tigers reports that Tommy Tuberville took a call on his deer stand (what kind of hunter does that?!) and flatly denied reports that he or his agents are talking with Arkansas.
Tuberville, who will be back in Auburn around lunchtime today, said he was incredulous when he learned after emerging from the woods Thursday night of the reports flooding out of Arkansas that he was on the verge of agreeing to become the Razorbacks' coach.
Tuberville didn't want to be quoted, but he had some strong words for those responsible for those reports. Neither he nor his agent, Jimmy Sexton, Tuberville said, has had any contact at all with Arkansas officials about the job vacated by Houston Nutt.
Meanwhile, some Arkansas media types are backing away from the "Done Deal! Schedule the Parade!" reports to a more mixed bag.
I still contend that there is an awful lot of smoke here, but... Jimmy Sexton has pulled some rabbits out of his hat over the years. We may all be pawns in his chess set.
OU-Ron
posted on November 30, 2007 5:13 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
Auburn has lost Tuberville to ATM and now Arkansas, next should be SC after Spurrier lands at LSU, give it another week and his name can be added to Nebraska as well. Auburn fans, bet you didn't know that you had such a popular Coach..or maybe you did...
posted on November 30, 2007 6:24 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse? said:
I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I think that there's a good chance that Auburn is getting played here. Perhaps someone is orchestrating the rumour mill so that Auburn gets so worked up about losing Tuberville that they agree to cough up Saban-like money in order to keep him.
Who could that person be? The first suspect would be none other than uber-agent Jimmy Sexton, who currently represents Tuberville, Saban, Nutt, Spurrier, et al. However, why would he pull such a stunt for a client when discovery of it would permanently damage his reputation when it comes to dealing with these schools? It would be way too risky for him and his other clients.
What evidence do we have of such a plan? Well, the whole Texas A+M thing has been sort of strange. Everyone was thinking he was going there, but once Franchione exited, they didn't even look his way. How could there be all that smoke, but not so much as a spark? Is the sports media becoming like the entertainment media, staking out the personalities and sliding every crumb under the microscope, in some cases letting the reporting of the news actually become the news?
My gut thought? Nothing to this Arkansas thing. It just doesn't make sense. Overnight, Tuberville would become the whipping boy of the southeast. Mississippi fans would rekindle their dislike of him because he's now at the place where their new coach just left, Auburn fans would hate him for leaving for a perceived lessor school, and Alabama fans would mock him for running away from Saban. If you're going to leave, then leave, but at least get out of the neighborhood.
Where's Tomcat to analyze all this? He usually sees some angles that everyone else misses...
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 8:48 PM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
If Tubs leaves Auburn and goes to Arkansas, it's his own business. If he were to state that he will not go and then goes, it's still his business. If Jerry Jones kicks in money and makes his salary up to 6 million a year, it's still his own damn business.
If the AD is down on Tubby after what he has done for the school, I would flatly deny that I am leaving. I would then take a dump in the middle of Jordan Hare stadium and take whatever job came open first.
If everyone at Auburn isn't delighted with Tuberville they WILL NEVER be happy with any coach.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 8:55 PM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
#53 Rammer Jammer is a part time fan. The rest of the time he is buddies with you, remember?
#51 if Saban is the lying S.O.B. that you are saying he is, why are all these LSU fans posting rumors about him coming back?
You can't have it both ways bro. Either he is the scum of the earth or he is the man that you would like to have back. Try to make up your mind.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 9:00 PM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
"Saban flat out said that he wasn't coming to Alabama while he was at Miami. Until Tuberville says he isn't coming to Arkansas, but then does, they remain two different things."
Maybe Saban was in the same position at Miami. Maybe some of the powers that be wanted him gone. That would clear him just as it does Tuberville.
BTW, when the owner tells you to follow your heart there are no hard feelings when you leave. The hard feelings came from fans of schools that Saban will coach against.
T-Mac
posted on November 30, 2007 9:14 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse? said:
65. SHA. Great point brother.
Nobody can argue that point.
The Dolphins owner gave Saban his blessing and told him to follow his heart.
His heart is CFB.
Here LSU is in the SEC Champ Game, but the Saban haters are still out in force.
It's really funny!
T-Mac will post when he can.
*T-Mac approved this message.
Sweet Home Alabama said:
posted on November 30, 2007 9:30 PM — 75.120.225.240 — link — abuse?
T-Mac the really funny thing is, now they can't decide if they love Saban or hate him. Guess when he's at BAMA he's pond scum but if he should go back to LSU he would become a halo wearing angelic figure overnight.
What a dilemma!!
TampaTiger said:
posted on December 1, 2007 10:29 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
My $.02.......Tuberville is already gone to Arkansas, the players know it, he knows it and Auburn knows it. How else do you explain the terms of that weak ass contract extension that Auburn has now offered him?!?!? The wheels are already turning, Lowder (Auburns' biggest board of trustee) is probably stoking the hand of Petrino in Atlanta. Petrino as HC, Muschamp as DC.....could be magic!!!
AU03 said:
posted on December 4, 2007 11:06 AM — 63.113.128.5 — link — abuse?
"Maybe Saban was in the same position at Miami. Maybe some of the powers that be wanted him gone. That would clear him just as it does Tuberville."
But Tuberville has still not said that he wasn't leaving (and he hasn't left). Saban said he wasn't leaving Miami and he did.
OU-Ron
said:
posted on November 29, 2007 9:20 PM — 72.198.24.199 — link — abuse?WOW, I know there has been rumors, but WOW, I guess anything can happen, this really surprises me...