Auburn Shake-Up Could Impact Shoals Player and Future Roster

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) – Relationships between coaches and players form early on during the recruitment process.

Many times, coaches start scouting players as underclassmen.  So a major change to the coaching staff, could provide some uncertainty for players looking for a place to play at the collegiate level.

The firing Gene Chizik from Auburn University could change commitments for potential players.

The Florence football head coach, Jamey DuBose says every time a coach leaves, a few players choose to go somewhere else too.

One of the Shoals’ most sought after players, Muscle Shoals senior, Dee Liner, made a verbal commitment to Auburn nearly a year and a half ago.  With six offers on the table, there’s no word yet, whether Liner will re-consider his future in football.

“I think for the most part, most of the players are going to hold steady to find out who`s hired and then will go from there,” said Coach DuBose.

Coach DuBose tells his players if they commit to a team, to stay committed in order to protect the integrity of the process.  Players do not have to make their intentions known, until signing day in February.

“Don`t look who the coach is, coaching is a business now,” said DuBose.  “It`s a year by year thing,  coaches may leave by firings or for better jobs.”

 DuBose expects a new coach to be named quickly at Auburn to allow players plenty of time to make a decision on whether they will stay with the program or consider other options.

According to DuBose, the new coach doesn’t have to honor the offers already extended to players-possibly shaking up the future roster even more.