Auburn Tigers Look to Replace Offensive Coordinator Al Borges

Borges Resigns After Four Seasons

Auburn's offensive performance this season was sub-par to say the least and after four years as the offensive coordinator for the Tigers, Al Borges has resigned. This move means Borges will not coach in the upcoming Chic-fil-A Bowl on December 31 in Atlanta, Ga.

Borges had been the offensive coordinator for several schools, including perennial PAC-10 powers Oregon, California, and UCLA. He brought with him the west-coast offense and it initially seemed to be the answer in the defensive minded SEC. Borges' career at Auburn reached its pinnacle in just his first year as coordinator in 2004. He commanded three future NFL stars in his offensive backfield with Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins), Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins), and Cadillac Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) in Auburn's 13-0 season. However, as his career at Auburn progressed, his offenses deteriorated. During the 2007 season, Borges' offense was anemic under senior quarterback Brandon Cox. Statistically, the Tiger's offensive ranks declined each year under
Borges and currently ranks 101st in the nation in total offense leading into the bowl game with Clemson. After talking with head coach Tommy Tuberville, the two agreed that Borges' resignation was the best course of action for a floundering Auburn offense.

"After speaking with coach Tuberville for the better part of 20 minutes, it became increasingly clear that Auburn needed a new offensive coordinator," Borges said in a statement Tuesday.

There are positives for the Auburn Tigers and their fans, but they are far outweighed by the negatives here. The best that Auburn fans can hope for is a seamless transition by promoting from within the current staff on an interim basis for the bowl game, because this would allow for some continuity. The fragility of this offense will be on display for the nation on New Year's Eve and a change in offensive philosophy could push the offense to the breaking point.