Gus Malzahn: Difference between revisions

From Bhamwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(1st scrub)
No edit summary
Line 9: Line 9:
In 2001, Malzahn took over for legendary coach Jarrell Williams at Springdale High School. He led the program to two state championship game appearances in his last four years, winning the 5A title with a 54-20 victory over West Memphis in [[2005]].  
In 2001, Malzahn took over for legendary coach Jarrell Williams at Springdale High School. He led the program to two state championship game appearances in his last four years, winning the 5A title with a 54-20 victory over West Memphis in [[2005]].  


Included on the championship team were prize recruits Mitch Mustain, Ben Cleveland, Andrew Norman, and Damian Williams who all eventually joined their coach at the University of Arkansas.
Included on the championship team were prize recruits who all eventually joined their coach at the University of Arkansas.


=== College coaching career ===
Malzahn joined Houston Nutt's staff at the University of Arkansas on [[December 9]], [[2005]], as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Four of his former Springdale stars; quarterback Mitch Mustain, tight end Ben Cleveland, and wide receivers Andrew Norman and Damian Williams, signed with the Razorbacks.
==== University of Arkansas ====
Malzahn joined Houston Nutt's staff on [[December 9]], [[2005]], as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, following an impressive five-year run at Springdale High School capped by one of the most dominant seasons by any high school in 2005. Given that much of Springdale High's football talent decided to follow Mr. Malzahn to Arkansas and the fact that Mr. Malzahn had never coached in college, many questioned what Houston Nutt's motives were. Malzahn was part of the Razorbacks 2006 season in which they won the SEC Western Division championship. However, their season ended with three straight losses to LSU, Florida in the SEC Championship Game, and Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl to finish with a 10-4 record.


There was a widely reported tension between Houston Nutt's reliance on the ground game (which turned out to be one of the best running games in the nation in 2006) and Malzahn's philosophy of spreading the field with a no-huddle offense. The poor ending of the season only added stress to the already tense coaching relationship. Malzahn was named the National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals.com.
The [[2006]] Razorbacks won the [[Southeastern Conference]]'s western division championship, but finished the season with back-to-back losses to LSU and Florida, then lost to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl to finish with a 10-4 record. Malzahn was named National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals.com. However his relationship with Nutt was strained and when new Tulsa Golden Hurricanes head coach Todd Graham offered him a job at the University of Tulsa, Malzahn accepted. Mustain and Williams followed him to Tulsa.


In January [[2007]], Malzahn received an offer from the University of Tulsa and his friend, new head coach Todd Graham. Malzahn took the Tulsa job to be offensive coordinator and Assistant Head Coach. Damian Williams and Mitch Mustain, prize recruits and Malzahn's former players, also left the Razorback program. Shortly afterward, both Mustain and Williams decided to transfer to the University of Southern California.
During the [[2007]] season, Malzahn's offense ranked first in the nation in total yards and third in passing. At the end of the season, he interviewed for the vacancy at Arkansas left by Houston Nutt's resignation, but was passed over in favor of Bobby Petrino.


==== University of Tulsa ====
Malzahn's [[2008]] Hurricanes offense again led the nation with 7,980 yards. On [[December 28]], [[2008]] Malzahn was hired as offensive coordinator under [[Gene Chizik]] for the [[2009 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn Tigers]]. Over the next three years the Tigers enjoyed greatly improved offensive production, increasing average scoring from 20 to 33 points per game. Senior quarterback [[Chris Todd]] set Auburn's single-season touchdown record with 22 scores.  In Malzahn's second year with the offense, the [[2010 Auburn Tigers football team]] went undefeated and won a BCS National Championship with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback [[Cam Newton]]. Malzahn won that year's Frank Broyles Award for the nation's top assistant coach. He was also recognized for his recruiting successes by ESPN.
During the 2007 season Malzahn emerged as one of the premier offensive coordinators in the nation, as Tulsa ranked 1st in the nation in total yards per game, ahead of Texas Tech and Hawaiʻi, and with a more balanced attack than both teams. The Golden Hurricane also ranked 3rd in the nation is passing and led their conference in scoring. Tulsa became the first team in NCAA history to have a 5,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and three 1,000-yard receivers in a single season.


After the regular season, Malzahn interviewed for the open position at Arkansas once Nutt resigned in November 2007.
Malzahn accepted the head coaching position at Arkansas State after the [[2011]] season. He led the Red Wolves to a Sun Belt Conference championship during his one-year tenure. On [[December 4]], [[2012]] Malzahn was announced as Auburn's head coach, replacing Chizik after a 3-9 season. He brought [[Ellis Johnson]] and [[Rhett Lashlee]] with him as defensive and offensive coordinators.


In 2008, Tulsa was again the nation's most prolific attack, leading with nearly 7,980 total yards of offense averaging 570 yards per game. The Golden Hurricane were ranked 2nd in the nation in scoring behind Oklahoma, scoring over 47 points per game. The offense was also the nation's most balanced attack, ranking 5th in the nation in rushing and 9th in passing.  The Tulsa quarterbacks finished 3rd in the nation in passing efficiency, behind only Oklahoma and Texas.
The [[2013 Auburn Tigers football team|2013 Tigers]] offense, led by quarterback [[Nick Marshall]], accomplished an unprecedented turnaround, tying the [[2013 Alabama Crimson Tide]] for the SEC's western division, and breaking the tie with a last-second comeback in the [[2013 Iron Bowl]], then winning the [[SEC Championship Game]] against the Missouri Tigers. The Tigers ultimately fell to the Florida State Seminoles and Heisman-winning quarterback [[Jameis Winstin]] in the BCS Championship Game, 34-31, in Pasadena, California.


==== Auburn University ====
Malzahn won six "Coach of the Year" awards. He edged out Duke's [[David Cutcliffe]] for the Associated Press honor and was also given the [[Paul "Bear" Bryant Award]] and the [[Bobby Bowden Collegiate Coach of the Year Award]] by Birmingham's [[Over the Mountain Touchdown Club]].
Malzahn was named the offensive coordinator at [[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn University]] on December 28, 2008.  He coached 3 years under head coach [[Gene Chizik]] including the 2010 National Championship season  when he won the 2010 Frank Broyles Award (given to the nation's top assistant coach).


==College head coaching career==
Malzahn's [[2014 Auburn Tigers football team|2014 team]] began the season 5-0 with wins of then #20 Kansas State and then #15 LSU, but lost 38-23 at #3-ranked Mississippi State on [[October 11]]. After two more victories, including a road win against #7 Ole Miss, Auburn finished out the regular season 1-3, including a 55-44 loss in the high-scoring [[2014 Iron Bowl]] in [[Tuscaloosa]].
===Arkansas State University===
Malzahn accepted the head coaching position at Arkansas State after the 2011 season. He led the Red Wolves to a Sun Belt Conference championship during his one-year tenure.  


===Auburn University===
As of December 2014, Malzahn's Division I college coaching record stands at 29-9.
On [[December 4]], [[2012]] Malzahn was announced as Auburn's head coach, replacing Chizik after a 3-9 season.  


== Offensive Philosophy ==
Malzahn is married to Kristi Otwell Malzahn and together they have two daughters, Kylie and Kenzie.
Coach Malzahn is known for his no-huddle offensive philosophy. In January 2003, he published a book and instructional video titled ''Hurry Up No Huddle — An Offensive Philosophy'' (ISBN 9781585186549), that became the blueprint for the offensive wave engulfing the state of Arkansas.  Several NFL teams adopted some of Malzahn's offensive strategies.  Malzahn is perhaps best known for his formation, the "[[Wildcat offense|Wildcat]]", which became famous during his year at the Razorbacks, but is actually a variation on the Single Wing, a play that dates to Pop Warner.


Malzahn has been involved as a guest speaker and instructor at numerous coaching clinics around the nation.
==Publications==
* Malzahn, Gus (January 2003) ''Hurry Up No Huddle — An Offensive Philosophy''. ISBN 9781585186549


==Personal==
{{start box}}
He is married to Kristi Otwell Malzahn and together they have two daughters, Kylie and Kenzie Malzahn.
{{succession box | title=[[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn Tigers Offensive Coordinator]]| before=[[Tony Franklin]] | years=2009-2011 | after= [[Scott Loeffler]]}}
{{succession box | title=[[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn University Head Coach]] | before=[[Gene Chizik]] | years=2013– | after=Current}}
{{end box}} 


== References ==
== References ==
* Gus Malzahn. (2009, December 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:05, December 12, 2009 [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gus_Malzahn&oldid=330818162]
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gus_Malzahn Gus Malzahn]" (December 1, 2014) Wikipedia - accessed December 5, 2014


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/malzahn_gus00.html Official Auburn bio]
* [http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/coach_malzahn.html Gus Malzahn] at auburntigers.com
*[http://tulsahurricane.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/malzahn_gus00.html Official Tulsa bio]
*[http://www.hogwired.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=30722&SPID=2419&DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=530220&Q_SEASON=2006 Official Arkansas bio]
*[http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=20081031_94_B1_Univer345434 TulsaWorld Profile]
 
{{start box}}
 
{{succession box | title=[[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn Tigers Offensive Coordinator]]| before=[[Tony Franklin]] | years=2009–2011 | after= [[Scott Loeffler]]}}
{{succession box | title=[[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn University Head Coach]] | before=[[Gene Chizik]] | years=2013– | after=Current}}
{{end box}}                     


{{DEFAULTSORT:Malzahn, Gus}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Malzahn, Gus}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Football players]]
[[Category:Football coaches]]
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Auburn Tigers football coaches]]
[[Category:Auburn Tigers football coaches]]

Revision as of 11:32, 5 December 2014

Arthur Gustav Malzahn III (born October 28, 1965 in Irvine, Texas) is the current head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team. He is respected as an offensive innovator and credited with helping develop the "wildcat" and "hurry up no huddle" offenses.

Malzahn graduated from Fort Smith Christian High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1984 and was a walk-on receiver for the Arkansas Razorbacks under then-head coach Ken Hatfield. After one season he transferred to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he was a two-year letterman and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1990.

Malzahn got his first coaching job as a defensive coordinator at Hughes High School in 1991. He became head coach in 1992 and, two years later, reached the state championship game with an upset of Pine Bluff Dollarway. Hughes fell just short in the title game, losing to Lonoke on an interception in the final minute.

His success at Hughes and his wide-open attack landed Malzahn a head coaching position at Shiloh Christian in 1996. Over the next four years, Malzahn transformed Saints into one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation. In 1998, Shiloh Christian quarterback Josh Floyd racked up 5,878 total yards and 66 passing touchdowns. Malzahn guided the Saints to back-to-back state championships in 1998 and 1999.

In 2001, Malzahn took over for legendary coach Jarrell Williams at Springdale High School. He led the program to two state championship game appearances in his last four years, winning the 5A title with a 54-20 victory over West Memphis in 2005.

Included on the championship team were prize recruits who all eventually joined their coach at the University of Arkansas.

Malzahn joined Houston Nutt's staff at the University of Arkansas on December 9, 2005, as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Four of his former Springdale stars; quarterback Mitch Mustain, tight end Ben Cleveland, and wide receivers Andrew Norman and Damian Williams, signed with the Razorbacks.

The 2006 Razorbacks won the Southeastern Conference's western division championship, but finished the season with back-to-back losses to LSU and Florida, then lost to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl to finish with a 10-4 record. Malzahn was named National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals.com. However his relationship with Nutt was strained and when new Tulsa Golden Hurricanes head coach Todd Graham offered him a job at the University of Tulsa, Malzahn accepted. Mustain and Williams followed him to Tulsa.

During the 2007 season, Malzahn's offense ranked first in the nation in total yards and third in passing. At the end of the season, he interviewed for the vacancy at Arkansas left by Houston Nutt's resignation, but was passed over in favor of Bobby Petrino.

Malzahn's 2008 Hurricanes offense again led the nation with 7,980 yards. On December 28, 2008 Malzahn was hired as offensive coordinator under Gene Chizik for the Auburn Tigers. Over the next three years the Tigers enjoyed greatly improved offensive production, increasing average scoring from 20 to 33 points per game. Senior quarterback Chris Todd set Auburn's single-season touchdown record with 22 scores. In Malzahn's second year with the offense, the 2010 Auburn Tigers football team went undefeated and won a BCS National Championship with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton. Malzahn won that year's Frank Broyles Award for the nation's top assistant coach. He was also recognized for his recruiting successes by ESPN.

Malzahn accepted the head coaching position at Arkansas State after the 2011 season. He led the Red Wolves to a Sun Belt Conference championship during his one-year tenure. On December 4, 2012 Malzahn was announced as Auburn's head coach, replacing Chizik after a 3-9 season. He brought Ellis Johnson and Rhett Lashlee with him as defensive and offensive coordinators.

The 2013 Tigers offense, led by quarterback Nick Marshall, accomplished an unprecedented turnaround, tying the 2013 Alabama Crimson Tide for the SEC's western division, and breaking the tie with a last-second comeback in the 2013 Iron Bowl, then winning the SEC Championship Game against the Missouri Tigers. The Tigers ultimately fell to the Florida State Seminoles and Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winstin in the BCS Championship Game, 34-31, in Pasadena, California.

Malzahn won six "Coach of the Year" awards. He edged out Duke's David Cutcliffe for the Associated Press honor and was also given the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award and the Bobby Bowden Collegiate Coach of the Year Award by Birmingham's Over the Mountain Touchdown Club.

Malzahn's 2014 team began the season 5-0 with wins of then #20 Kansas State and then #15 LSU, but lost 38-23 at #3-ranked Mississippi State on October 11. After two more victories, including a road win against #7 Ole Miss, Auburn finished out the regular season 1-3, including a 55-44 loss in the high-scoring 2014 Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.

As of December 2014, Malzahn's Division I college coaching record stands at 29-9.

Malzahn is married to Kristi Otwell Malzahn and together they have two daughters, Kylie and Kenzie.

Publications

  • Malzahn, Gus (January 2003) Hurry Up No Huddle — An Offensive Philosophy. ISBN 9781585186549
Preceded by:
Tony Franklin 		Auburn Tigers Offensive Coordinator
2009-2011 		Succeeded by:
Scott Loeffler
Preceded by:
Gene Chizik 		Auburn University Head Coach
2013– 		Succeeded by:
Current

References

  • "Gus Malzahn" (December 1, 2014) Wikipedia - accessed December 5, 2014

External links

Retrieved from "http://bhamwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Gus_Malzahn&oldid=110331"