NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 5: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops talks on the field before the game against the Akron Zips September 5, 2015 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Akron 41-3.(Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)Monday night, Josh Moon of the Alabama Political Reporter reported that a number of “high-powered” officials at Auburn are looking to move on from head football coach Gus Malzahn. Moon also reported those officials have identified Malzahn’s potential “replacement.”
Football Scoop later reported that former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops had met with people representing Auburn.
Stoops has since issued a statement on the report, telling USA Today there is no truth to it.
Bob Stoops emphatically denies to @usatodaysports reports Auburn representatives have reached out (or will):
“I haven’t talked to anybody from Auburn. I haven’t met with anybody…nor am I set to talk to anybody. It’s just foolish speculation…that has no basis to it." pic.twitter.com/DkhHRZcGOg— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) November 27, 2018
Regardless, Moon is reporting details of the supposed meeting – and the result of it. He says it was “unexpectedly well.”
Here's what I can tell you re: Bob Stoops/Auburn. A meeting took place a few weeks ago. It involved Stoops and at least two AU powerbrokers. It went unexpectedly well. /1
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 27, 2018
From there, the task has been building support for dumping serious cash to fire Malzahn. Those running this show do NOT believe they will have to pay the entire buyout. Remember, I reported a few weeks ago of a plan to have the contract invalidated. That's still on the table /2
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 27, 2018
After seeing the gap between AU and UGA and UA, there is now much more momentum behind this effort. And really, it all hinges on Stoops agreeing to terms that AU can afford. If so, bye bye Gus.
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 27, 2018
From what I have been told, the AU people present at that meeting expected to be placated and nothing more. But they were hopeful of setting up a relationship for the future. https://t.co/rCzJFV0YPG
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 27, 2018
It’s unclear how this saga is going to end. Auburn has yet to comment on any of the reports.
