VanGorder still at a loss for words

MOBILE – Late in the 2012 season, Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said he felt “awful” about the team’s performance, he called the record 671 yards allowed against Texas A&M “embarrassing” but following the Tigers’ 49-0 loss to eventual BCS National Champion Alabama in the Iron Bowl, he was either at a loss for words or did not want to face the questions which awaited him after another putrid outing.

He forced his players, some who barely played in the game, to answer for all of the team’s shortcomings.

VanGorder’s silence continued Tuesday, as he was spotted among the mass of NFL coach and scouting personnel, agents and others in attendance at Senior Bowl practice in Mobile. Dressed in a crimson sweater and seated next to an acquaintance in an Alabama jacket, VanGorder twice refused to speak to reporters.

“I can’t talk right now,” he said while briskly blowing off the first attempt to inquire as to what he has been doing since being fired.

VanGorder preached accountability for his players, though they failed him at historic levels in a miserable 2012 season which was the worst in 60 years on the Plains and ended with the firing of coach Gene Chizik, VanGorder and eight other assistant coaches. Only Chizik, wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor – believed to be a subject of a reported NCAA investigation into Auburn’s recruiting – and VanGorder have yet to find new jobs.

VanGorder, who is owed $850,000 by Auburn through June 2014 minus any offsetting compensation he may earn during that time, is said to be interviewing to be in consideration for the Carolina Panthers linebackers coach position, according to the Charlotte Observer. Panthers coach Ron Rivera and a large contingent from the club was also in attendance.

Rivera would not answer questions when he first arrived to the South team practice Tuesday afternoon.

When practice was over VanGorder, who defense ranked 79th nationally in total defense and 97th in rush defense, was asked a second time to speak to reporters and pretended not to hear.

“Huh?” he said as he kept walking.