Auburn Hires Gus Malzahn as Offensive Coordinator

Gus Malzahn and his high-powered offense is coming to Auburn.  According to Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News, Auburn has hired Gus Malzahn as it's new offensive coordinator under new head coach Gene Chizik.  This is an exceptional hire for Auburn's football team and for Chizik's staff.  This should help in solidifying Auburn's recruiting class, as well as helping add some new names as possible recruit's.

Auburn will announce later today that Malzahn has been hired as its offensive coordinator. It's fair to say it's an attention-grabbing hire for new coach Gene Chizik.

Malzahn, 43, is leaving Tulsa as its assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator after posting the second-best offense in the NCAA this season. Tulsa is No. 2 in total offense and No. 2 in scoring offense. Tulsa is averaging 565 yards and 47.3 points per game this season. Tulsa led the nation in total offense last year, all of which is a far cry from Auburn's offensive struggles the last three seasons.

To get an idea of what to expect, Malzahn wrote a book several years ago entitled: The Hurry-Up, No-Huddle: An Offensive Philosophy. The book description claims "An exciting, `fast and furious' offensive system that allows coaches at any level to speed up the game and lengthen the amount of actual playing time, while mentally and physically wearing down the opponent.'' Think a variation of the spread.

Malzahn has been at Tulsa for two years. Malzahn spent the 2006 season as offensive coordinator and receivers coach at Arkansas.

Tulsa concludes its season Jan. 6 at the GMAC Bowl against Ball State.

Before his move to Arkansas, Malzahn was the head coach at Springdale High School in Arkansas for five years. He led the Bulldogs to two state championship game appearances, 2002 and 2005. His 2005 team posted a 14-0 record, won the state's Class 5A championship, outscored its opponents 664-118 and was ranked among the top-10 teams in the country.

Auburn re-hired linebackers coach James Willis on Friday.

Gus Malzahn File

Alma Mater: Henderson State `90

Birth date: October 28, 1965

Hometown: Fort Smith, Ark.

College Coaching Experience:3 years (2006-08). Arkansas, 2006. Tulsa, 2007-08.

Playing Experience: Played two years at Arkansas (1984-85). Was a two-year Letterman as a receiver and punter and started one year at Henderson State (1988-89).