AUBURN, Ala. -- A six-person committee has completed its review of Auburn's athletic department, and expressed confidence that athletic director Jay Jacobs can make needed fixes.
University President Jay Gogue said Jacobs will release more details of the resulting plans for change and noted that there's "room for substantial improvement." Jacobs is scheduled to address the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday with an update on the athletic department, which finished last in the Southeastern Conference in both football and men's basketball.
"Our review shows that overall, the athletics department is in good shape, but there are some areas where improvements can be made and our committee believes Jay Jacobs knows how to make those improvements," committee member Mac Crawford said Monday in a statement released through the university. "Now it's time to move forward, get to work, and become even more successful. Dr. Gogue has listened to our recommendations and I think that's good news for Auburn and for Auburn athletics."
Gogue said the review focused on academic and support services for student-athletes, financial management, customer service, competition and management structure.
"Athletics Director Jay Jacobs and I have talked in length about their recommendations," Gogue said in a statement posted on the university's website. "In general, they center on steps to improve overall operations of the Department, upgrade how we interact and communicate with fans and alumni, and enhance the game-day experience, on and off the field.
"There's much to celebrate about Auburn Athletics, but there's also room for substantial improvement. I look forward to Jay providing the leadership needed to make the necessary improvements."
Gogue's committee included former Mississippi athletic director Pete Boone, former California-Berkeley AD Dave Maggard, ex-LSU administrator Judy Southard and business executives Crawford and John Irwin, along with former Auburn football player Quentin Riggins.
