quote:
We have talked about a select group of individuals who hold the majority of control over decisions made within the athletics department—the "Good Ol Boy" group (GOB). I've only closely followed Auburn athletics since 2003, so I'm not completely aware of the GOB's history within Auburn athletics. Can anyone with a longer knowledge inform me on how long the GOB's have been influential?

A lot longer than 2003. 2003 was around the time when Tubs got Jetgated and was probably the most public demonstration of the GOB's influence. Tubs also got YellaFella'd when Jimmy Rane came down onto the sideline DURING a game and chewed Tubs out. It was the most amazing (and sickening) thing I've ever seen at a CFB program. Bobby Lowder was responsible for Jetgate and he was forced off the BoT. Jimmy Rane I haven't seen around in years.

Since Jetgate, things haven't been as bad, but their influence is still there.

AU has had a hard time hiring a coach and giving him full control. The last coach with real power was Pat Dye (he was AD and HFC at the same time). Dye himself is now one of the GOB's. However, I don't know how powerful Dye is since he made it clear he wanted Kirby hired over Gus. Obviously he didn't get his wish.

Some of us have been saying for years that we need a dictator as HC, but the PTB at AU just don't want to give up their control.

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Posted by GenesChin

The Promise Land

Member since Feb 2012

37706 posts

Posted on 9/17/17 at 7:13 pm to AUstar

quote:
Jimmy Rane I haven't seen around in years.

quote:
Since Jetgate, things haven't been as bad, but their influence is still there.

It is "since Colonial's collapse" during financial crisis after Jetgate. A lot of big donors had axes to grind against Lowder/Rane. When the dynamic duo lost one guy, they lost their influence quickly. Rane now is also dealing with the fallout of the Mike Hubbard situaction.

quote:
GOB's influence

I'll start this by saying I don't like Jacobs and prefer a new AD. I know the reaction it will get

So I have it on pretty good authority, that Jacobs contrary to popular belief is not some big GOB. All I'll say is that a ton of major hires in the AD were clearly anti GOB / not GOB candidates

Jacobs is very very far from being a puppet AD for the good ol boys. He has an incredible amount of power compared to say Housel to make moves

Jacobs has a base of power be is beholden to, it just isn't the GOBs people think of like Pat Dye/Lowder/Rane