Auburn is still Chizik's dream job. He still loves it here. He is probably still on the payroll. He, along with Paul Rhoads, is the best Xs and Os defensive coordinator available. He runs a true 4-3, which is what we are known for historically. Uat, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida will all be battling to get plugger-type noseguards that fit the 3-4 scheme. There are only so many elite ones out there. Chizik's staff could include Secondary Coach Phillip Lolley, who some are listing as a potential candidate for defensive coordinator; Linebackers Coach Tommy Thigpen (trading Lance Thompson for Thigpen with UT), and Defensive line coach Rodney Garner. Or, Chizik could coach the secondary and hire Tracy Rocker to coach defensive ends, leaving Garner to focus on defensive tackles.
Jeremy Pruitt of Georgia is the best all-around candidate available in terms of player evaluation, recruiting, and Xs and Os. He has connections in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, but is also the leading candidate to replace Smart at Uat. Plus, his off-the-field antics with co-eds and bars, particularly while at Florida State, would make the Auburn creed mongers crap their pants and even the most revered of Petrino supporters blush with shame.
The darkhorse candidate is Randy Shannon, recruiting coordinator at Florida. He, in addition to Rhoads and Chizik, was targeted by Tuberville as a potential defensive coordinator at Auburn. Shannon would allow us to help South Florida in-roads in recruiting. However, I suspect Shannon will be offered and accept as position as defensive coordinator at Miami under Mark Richt.