And the beat goes on in Lee County...

malzhan named new auburn head coach...
same old same old for the Tigers...

Coach Malzhan was the unanimous choice
to lead the Auburn Tigers next season

             And some Alabama fans were worried about who the next head coach might be. Gene Chizik = Gus Malzhan = the same old song, just a new verse for Auburn. Let me be the first to say how happy I am that Kirby Smart is not going to Auburn. He may go somewhere but not to the Plains. 

 

           In a somewhat shocking statement Auburn named Gus Malazhan as the "unanimous" selection for their next head coach. I'm sorry that just isn't the truth. It is more likely that Malzhan was the only unanimous choice the board could agree on after the Petrio blood letting had coagulated. However, it is not unusual for a group to come together in a show of unity after a bitter fight on a candidate. Let me say this - I think Malzhan was the "peoples choice" for the job. Perhaps this will bring some happiness for the Auburn fans who have genuinely suffered after at 3-9 season. All this makes me wonder why the Tigers didn't select Malzan in the beginning. Gene Chizik brought a national title to the Plains, but the Board of Trustees hope that Gus can bring something needed even more - peace of mind.

 

        Malzhan was the offensive coordinator behind the 2010 Auburn BCS National Championship. Behind the multi-talented Cam Newton, the Tigers used the Malzahn offense with great success. Whether it will work with the same success with someone like Jonathon Wallace. Wallace ran a similiar offense in high school. So did Keihl Frazier, who was given the opportunity to win the AU starting job this season. Frazier didn't win, neither did Clint Mosely.

 

           Malzhan was head coach at Arkansas State this past season where the school enjoyed a 9-3  record.  No immediate details regarding his salary or future of current assistants has been released at this time. Reactions to his hiring were mixed, but many AU fans are happy to see him named as head coach. More as details are available.