AUBURN - During the Chik-fil-A bowl press conference at the Auburn Athletic complex, Chizik made clear he will coach the defense on New Year’s Eve. 

Chizik did not rule out hiring or announcing a new defensive coordinator before the bowl game, but he believes it would be difficult for a new coordinator to be entirely involved in bowl preps in that short of a time.

The Gus Malzahn to Kansas rumor received some attention from Auburn’s head coach. 

Chizik said he always has a short list in case any coaches on his staff are hired away.