James Willis is switching sides. The only Auburn assistant coach retained from Tommy Tuberville’s staff has been hired by Willis, an Auburn alum, coached linebackers for the Tigers last season and was instrumental in holding together their 2009 recruiting class in the wake of Tuberville’s resignation.
He was retained as an assistant by new
It'll be interesting to see what affect this has on Auburn's efforts to recruit the Mobile area. Seven of the Tigers' 19 commits for 2009 had Willis as their primary recruiter, according to AuburnSports.com.
Plus, he replaces Lance Thompson, who used to recruit the Mobile area before he left last week for an assistant job with Tennessee.
Official statements from Alabama:
Alabama coach Nick Saban:
"I'm extremely pleased and happy to have James join our staff. We tried to go out and hire the best possible coaches when this process started and I'm confident we've done that. James has everything you would want in terms of finding an outstanding coach and an outstanding recruiter with a lot of enthusiasm and intensity. He's played in the SEC and the NFL, and grew up and coached in the state of Alabama so he will be able to contribute in many areas and make a positive impact as we continue to build a championship program here at Alabama. We're glad to have the Willis family here with us at the University of Alabama."Willis:
"I'm excited about the opportunity to come and work with Coach Saban at the University of Alabama. He is one of the best defensive coaches in the game and this is a chance to gain some great experience and learn from the best. You don't get many chances like that in the coaching business. When you combine that opportunity with the history and tradition at Alabama, it was a decision that was best for me personally as well as professionally. I know my wife and the kids are as excited as I am to join Coach Saban's staff."
10 comments:
Can you really say he was retained? I mean, he was let go and then brought back--presumably because he'd done so much work to keep recruits here and now they were starting to waiver. The guy never had a position to coach on the team. I can't say I blame him really. Reminds me of the Malzhan/Nutt/Mustain deal...
I would say he was retained ... briefly.
Another move of Alabama to best improve its coaching staff.. Willis' records show that he is really fit for the job.. Hope he is.. This may be a step towards more of his success..
What may i ask is on willis' record that makes him so fit for the job?
And so the last remnant of the BBQ Mafia is purged from Auburn. I guess when Nick $aban throw$ the dollar$ around it really get$ a lot of attention.
I though out linebacker play had dropped off anyways after Joe Whitt left. I wonder if he'd like to come out of retirement?
Bama can have the traitor. Coach Chizik has done a good job of hiring coaches so far, this gives him the chance to hire somebody that wants to be at Auburn.
Who is he going to hire? I don't think Willis had a real position... The only place Harvey is running fast is away from the cops.
Come on Andy. A post gets deleted for saying a bad word (referring to a person's posterior), and one guy says Auburn can s*ck it, and it stays...
Knowing who Harvey Glance is might help...
(hint: Another notorious turncoat who bled Orange and Blue until the big money from Tuscaloosa came calling)
Just a hunch, but I'm guessing it's a bit of internet sarcasm...
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