Porn-stache starts calling shots

Saniflush · « **on:** February 16, 2012, 01:44:27 PM »

Quote

Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder may change coaches' duties; wants bigger linebackers

AUBURN, Alabama -- New Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder could change the coaching assignments of some of his assistants and said he's looking for bigger linebackers and players up the middle in a philosophical change for the Tigers as they move forward.

A linebacker coach by trade, VanGorder said Wednesday he's "evaluating coaches" and that he may not coach a specific position as the Tigers move toward spring practice.

VanGorder didn't acknowledge that Auburn has hired Willie Martinez to be the new secondary coach, though the former Oklahoma and Georgia assistant has been in staff meetings all week. Martinez is set to replace Phillip Lolley and will apparently take a larger role coaching defensive backs. Auburn's other defensive coaching assignments last season included Tommy Thigpen, who coached the safeties; Mike Pelton, who coached the defensive line; and the departed Ted Roof, who coached the linebackers. Without giving specifics, VanGorder discussed possible changes in an informal meeting with the media today.

As far as staff assignments this year, VanGorder said "still discussing" possible changes.

VanGorder said there's a possibility he'll coach linebackers, but left the door open to roam around the practice field to get a broader perspective of the defense.

"I'm finding out where we are," he said.

**VanGorder said "we're in the process" of hiring a coach. That would be Martinez. "Hopefully, that will happen quickly."

The only thing missing is the announcement.

**On wanting bigger linebackers -- starting with middle linebackers -- VanGorder said "bigger is better" though he added he's not a "profile coach."

VanGorder acknowledged that newcomer 6-foot-3, 233-pounder Cassanova McKinzy would fit that mold.

**VanGorder knows he's inheriting a young defense. The good thing, he can still mold them into his new system.

"What you don't know is the ability to take on a new system," he said.

Still, it'll be a 4-3 defense, just what Auburn has run in the past, but perhaps with more pressure and being more multiple.

He smiled at the thought of blitzing more, because that's what fans always want.

"I like to pressure. I'm built that way," he said.

But, he said, "you have to use it efficiently and intelligently."

**He said he hasn't decided to move players to new positions.

"The real art of coaches is to find out what players do well, and take advantage of that from a system standpoint," he said. "That could lead to some position changes." But, as far as specifics, "nothing comes to mind."

Buzz Killington · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2012, 01:52:19 PM »

Like a shot of Vitamin E

GH2001 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:17:14 PM »

Uh oh....more trouble at the Barn. There's something fishy about all of this with the DC making his own decisions.

The Six · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:22:57 PM »

Quote from: GH2001 on February 16, 2012, 02:17:14 PM

Uh oh....more trouble at the Barn. There's something fishy about all of this with the DC making his own decisions.

Pfft...nothing new with that. We all know Malzhan really ran this team that one year it was successful.*

*Source: Every Bammer Everywhere

JR4AU · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:42:52 PM »

Quote from: J. Newcastle on February 16, 2012, 02:22:57 PM

Pfft...nothing new with that. We all know Malzhan really ran this team that one year it was successful.*

*Source: Every Bammer Everywhere

^^^This guy knows.

Godfather · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:43:18 PM »

I need a cigarette

JR4AU · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2012, 02:50:37 PM »

Be curious to see the moves he makes personnel wise. Bates back to Safety? Couple of the smaller faster DEs to LB maybe?

Tells me BVG is running the Def, because that's contrary to the way Chiz runs his. If you've ever heard him talk about his defense, he says he doesn't care if the LBs weigh 200lbs, as long as they can run.

Maybe the delay in announcing Martinez is due to who will be coaching what, and they'll announce it all at the same time.