Auburn Rivals reporter on Will Muschamp

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AUBURN | Will Muschamp is gone now, his introductory press conference at South Carolina ended a few hours ago, and there are reasons for Auburn supporters to be upset.

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This is how it works now. Nobody stays put. Guys like Frank Beamer, the Virginia Tech coach who spent 29 seasons as the Hokies' leader, don't exist any longer. Georgia coach Mark Richt was called on the carpet a few weeks back after finishing 9-3 with wins over rivals Auburn and Georgia Tech. This is how it works now. Coaches must find the money, earn the money, gain security and hope for the best.

That's exactly what Muschamp did. He found the money: $3 million per year at South Carolina. Good for him. He's a good person who did good things for the players he coached at Auburn

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Muschamp was surprised by the defensive mode of operation he observed upon arrival last winter. He saw very little toughness. It's reasonable to blame Ellis Johnson, Muschamp's predecessor, for that loss of toughness. Most people do. I've always been skeptical there because Gus Malzahn intentionally throttled back the physicality of practices in an effort to avoid injuries during the 2014 season.

Every coach will tell you that you play the way you practice. Even Ellis Johnson will tell you that. He was behind the 8-ball during his final season because of Malzahn's edict and, well, that muddles things when it comes to placing blame.

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Muschamp was cut-throat with his evaluations. If he liked a player and later decided that he didn't engage, the player's scholarship offer was cut. He did this a few times on the spot, simply cutting all ties with a prospect based solely on footage from a spring scrimmage or practice. He trusts his eyes. He wants disruptors. He wants hell-raisers.

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Yet there was a critical difference on the field. Auburn's defense went after people and made an effort to impose their will on the opponent. Pads always were popping. Crowds ooh'd and aah'd as the Tigers lined up graphic hits in space. Teams that played Auburn, by and large, needed a day off after playing Muschamp's defense. Does that have value? A mathematician would say no; a football coach could argue a better approach is worth more than statistics.

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The defense also was affected by Auburn's protracted troubles at quarterback, which led to fewer points, shortened drives and a serious disadvantage in time of possession. In short, the offense relied far too often on the defense and offered too little in return. The relationship was far from symbiotic.

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Auburn benefited as well. It's objectively better off for having Muschamp inside its walls for nearly one full year. He was able to sign several high-caliber players the Tigers wouldn't have been able to sign without him. He also created an environment where toughness isn't a goal; it's a requisite behavior expected to be shown during every drill and every snap. The work ethic is better. Accountability means more. There is more self-motivation.

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