I’m sure getting fired was the last thing on Gus Malzahn’s mind while he was dancing in the locker room after Auburn’s win against Mississppi State.
Well that’s exactly what happened shortly after.
After going 6 – 4 this season the Auburn Tigers decided it was time to make a change at head coach, firing Gus Malzahn. Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele will serve as interem for AU’s bowl game. Malzahn’s buyout will net him $21.7 million, 50% of which is due in the first 30 days.
This will conclude his 8 year tenure on the Plains which including some classic moments.
There was the “Kick Six” in the Iron Bowl
Lets not forget the “Prayer at Jordan-Hare” against UGA that same year.
Gus Malzahn led the Tigers to the 2013 BCS National Championship game along with 2 New Years Six bowls. He was brought back to Auburn after being the architect of the uptempo offense that brought the Tigers a championship in 2010.
This firing a came with a sudden shock but maybe not a surprise. So why was Malzahn let go?
You can point to the fact that he never could recruit and groom the right quarterback. The two most productive QBs during his time were both transfer products in Nick Marshall and Jarrett Stidham.
I personally think that the reason behind this move was Gus’ inability to beat any of his real rivals on the road. Since taking over in 2013 Auburn is 0-12 on the road against LSU, UGA and Alabama.
So whats next for Auburn Football? The coaching search is said to begin immediately.
A few names that could garner some interest are current DC Kevin Steele, Indiana’s Tom Allen, Liberty’s Hugh Freeze, Oregon’s Mario Cristobal, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, Carolina Panther OC Joe Brady, Louisiana’s Billy Napier, Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and Current Alabama Analyst Charlie Strong.
Another wild card worth mentioning is current Penn State Head Coach James Franklin. Keep an eye out for him since he has ties to the SEC and this could be his next challenge given how bad PSU looks this year.
The SEC Carousel is picking up!!
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