Gus Malzahn: Auburn's Offensive Coordinator Would Be Dumb to Take UNC Job

It’s almost every coach's dream to be the head coach of a football program. In fact, being a head coach at a division one school sometimes is better than being a head coach in the NFL. 

However, when a job like North Carolina opens up you should say thanks but no thanks. 

This is the case for the Auburn University's highly respected offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who is a leading candidate for the UNC job.  According to a tweet from Football Rumor Mill, there is a strong sense that Malzahn is the front runner for the position that opened up when Butch Davis was fired. 

Now, it’s one thing for Malzahn to leave the Auburn program. He directed the Tigers offense to a National Title last year with quarterback Cam Newton. He has been one of head coach, Gene Chizik’s top assistants. And he has done a good job this year with the Tigers offense. 

If Malzahn were to leave Auburn for a head coaching job it should be at a school that will appreciate all that he can bring. Not a school that will ignore him, like North Carolina. 

Let’s say Malzahn is offered the job and accepts, but on the same day the Men’s basketball team wins a thrilling overtime game. Guess what makes front page news on the sports section in the paper? It will not be the hiring of Malzahn. Nope, instead it will be how the Tar Heels basketball team, led by coach Roy Williams, pulled off a thrilling win. 

Malzahn goes to a school like Ole Miss and he may get a parade in his honor welcoming him to the team. 

Not to mention that UNC’s football program is facing a long list of NCAA violations from the Butch Davis era. The program faces charges of academic fraud, unethical dealings between assistant coaches and NFL player agents, and failure to monitor players’ off-field activities highlight the allegations. 

The NCAA impending penalties are still forth coming. So even if Malzahn is offered and does accept the job say in the next month or so, he could get hit with loss of scholarships and loss of bowl games.  

Plus, with this being regarded as one of the biggest scandals in NCAA history, it could set this Tar Heels program back a decade.  

So to Coach Malzahn, I have to say this. Please, whatever you do stay away from this North Carolina coaching job. There will be other spots that open up once the season ends.  

Politely decline their offer when and if they make you one. While waiting for something else to come your way. You would do great at Ole Miss. Or maybe you’ll be a contender if the Ohio State or Penn State jobs open. 

North Carolina is not where you belong. In fact no head coach in their sane mind would go take over the North Carolina program right now; especially one as good as Malzahn. 

Follow @tjmcaloon