Gus Malzhan Accepts Offer: New Era at Vanderbilt and Auburn Begin Simultaneously

So much for the successful implementation of the spread offense at the University of Auburn, as it has been called by some of it's recent recruits. The brain trust of the Auburn offense has reportedly accepted an offer to become head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Gene Chizik will now have to scramble and replace the talented offensive coordinator in whom much, if not all of the success attained by Auburn football in 2010 is attributed. Of course, the National Championship game in Glendale, AZ has yet to be played.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/terrapins-insider/2010/12/gus_malzahn_accepts_vanderbilt.html

http://college-football.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/26394736

In addition to the passing of Malzahn through the hallowed halls on the plains, it is unimaginable that Cameron Newton will stay for a senior year, particularly with a new offensive coordinator on the horizon.

With 100 percent of what made Auburn a successful offense in 2010 moving on to new challenges, the task to replace the talented offensive coordinator and quarterback is on the table for head coach Gene Chizik. The rebuilding for 2011 begins before the final game of the season has been played. That final game is the chance to become a national champion.

This explains, to some degree, why Newton failed to acknowledge Coach Malzahn for his role in Newton's success during the 2010 season. His acceptance of the award and accolades to those around him failed to mention the offensive coordinator, other than in the laundry list of AU coaches.

And it also explains why the head coach and chief assistant, who sat side-by-side, seemed as if they were not on speaking terms during the prime time television event. Newton came down from the podium and hugged Chizik while never making eye contact with the coordinator who was in the chair immediately to the left of the head coach.

Reportedly, the Vanderbilt offer is in excess of $3 million. Terms have yet to be revealed to the general public. Malzahn is the recipient of the 2010 Broyles Award, an honor bestowed on the most valuable assistant coach in college football.