Reactions mixed from fans on new Auburn head coach

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - It's no secret that Auburn didn't have their best football season with a 3-9 record.

Still some football fans say they didn't want to see former Auburn Coach Gene Chizik go, and don't think it's wise to hire new hands. Chizik was fired after the 2012 season, and Auburn officials announced on Tuesday that former Arkansas State head coach and Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will replace him.

“[Chizik] did win a championship, so me, personally, I feel like they didn't give Gene Chizik a chance to prove himself,” said Nicole Caulton.

Related: Chizik: "I apologize to the Auburn family and our team for what they have had to endure."

There are those however, who said they're ready for a change and believe the newly-hired head coach can bring Auburn back.

“I was actually looking at his numbers today, and he did great at Arkansas State, and when he was at Auburn, he broke all these records even before Cam Newton. So, it looks like we'll give it a shot,” said a local Auburn fan.

He doesn’t believe Chizik was a bad coach, but said there was something missing, like chemistry. He believes next year is going to be a building year, but hopes Auburn can get to a bowl game.

“I’m hoping he can turn the offense around.”

Some call Malzahn an offensive genius and believe he was a big part of Auburn's second national championship.

“I’m for it. He did a really good job when he was at Auburn for offense. He got them pumped up and they were doing good things and you know, they have kind of slacked off. I think its because he took the head coaching job at Arkansas State,” said Ryan Wright.

Of course, Malzahn isn't everyone's first pick.

Some said they would like to see a professional football coach on the staff, or someone with more years under their belt as a head coach.

“I’ve heard a lot of people talk about it and how they don't like him,” said Dakota Cantrell.

Despite the differing opinions, there is one thing Auburn fans can agree on, they don’t want another season like 2012’s.