Chizik ‘unbending’ through ‘uncharted waters’

With the 2012 season off to a very poor start and criticism pouring in from all directions, Auburn coach Gene Chizik said part of his job is leading the Tigers (1-5, 0-4 SEC) through the worst start at Auburn since 1998.

“When you get to these situations for young guys, it requires leadership and a lot of an unbending mentality in the direction that you have to head and how to try to get there,” Chizik said. “I am the leader of the team and the leader of the group, and I’m unbending with how I approach every day with our football team.

“There’s no magic. Obviously our players are disappointed. They’re in a place that’s been really uncharted waters for anybody that’s been here, including myself. But as coaches, that’s our job — to lead young men and lead them through the pits and valleys of tough times. There’s no magic formula to it. You have to get up every day, and you have to make a conscious choice to come in and work.”