Gene Chizik Out at Auburn

Coach Gene Chizik has his walking papers. Auburn announced yesterday it dismissed Chizik after a 49-0 loss to No. 2 Alabama. It was the second-most lopsided Iron Bowl game ever and the worst since 1948. Auburn has had a dismal 3-9 season, without any Southeastern Conference wins. The Tigers were outscored 150-21 in their final three SEC games. Just two years ago, Chizik led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957. Chizik had three years left on a contract worth $3.5 million annually.

Forbes.com reports that Auburn’s total buyout for Chizik and his assistant coaches is $11.09 million. Chizik’s buyout amounts to monthly installments of $208,334 for the next 36 months. Forbes says Chizik should thank Cam Ward for the largesse.

Here’s a link to a transcript of Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs’ press conference yesterday announcing the firing. Last week it was announced that the NCAA is investigating recruiting violations at Auburn’s football program.