Tony Barnhart of the AJC spins a cautionary tale for Auburn fans, writing that getting the program “to another level” might wind up meaning a level that is “down, not up.”

True enough.  But I do find it interesting that all three of the SEC’s dismissals this year are being painted with the same brush, when that’s not actually the case.



Auburn

Tommy Tuberville has won about 80% of his games in the four years prior to this season.  He went undefeated in 2004, and if not for the stupidity of the bowl system, he might have a national championship ring on top of that.  He had owned his biggest rival until this year.  His record against other top SEC coaches is as good as it gets.  And he’s run a clean program with very few off-field incidents.  Yes, he’s cold-shouldered a bunch of boosters who tried to stab him in the back (who wouldn’t?), but this has all come about due to ONE bad year.

So… bad move.



Tennessee

Phillip Fulmer has won almost 75% of his games, but that worked out to about 85% in the 90s, just about 65% in the 2000s.  Key rivals crushed the Vols easily this year and last.  Fulmer’s record at home, against ranked opponents and against the SEC’s top coaches have all been in steep decline since 2002.  He’s had two losing seasons in the last four.  Everyone also admits that the new coach will have to rebuild.  Oh, and fans stopped attending games.

So… necessary move.



Mississippi State

Sylvester Croom inherited the toughest job in the West Division and it was compounded by probation.  He cleaned up the program, established more discipline and represented MSU with class.  He also was the SEC’s Coach of the Year last year when he led State to a Liberty Bowl victory.  But his offenses, even last year, have been HORRIBLE.  When given the chance to save himself by showing some of his offensive assistants to the door, he did the honorable thing and refused.  But his first allegiance should have been to the school that was writing his checks.  Changes had to be made on the offensive side of the ball or else State would be looking at another 4-win season next year. 

So… necessary move.



Look, I agree with Barnhart and everyone else who’s is writing that Auburn just tossed a darn good coach.  But that situation is not the same as the other two SEC dismissals made this Fall.  Not according to the track records.

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