Auburn Fires Chizik
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Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images(AUBURN, Ala.) — Less than two years after leading Auburn to a national championship, Auburn has fired head coach Gene Chizik.
“After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our football program, I have recommended that Coach Chizik not be retained,” Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. “President (Jay) Gogue has accepted my recommendation. Earlier this morning, I informed Gene that he will not return as head coach.”
Auburn finished this season 3-9, including 0-8 in SEC play.
“It was a rough day for everybody,” running back Tre Mason said. “It was tough…there is going to be a lot of tears today because you know there’s a lot of relationships that are going to be put on hold or come to an end.”
Chizik signed a contract with Auburn just 17 months ago that was to pay him $3.5 million annually until 2015.
Auburn says Chizik’s buyout will total $7.5 million.
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