Malzahn Safe for Now, Future Status Remains Unknown
The recent win for the Auburn Tigers against Georgia helped Gus Malzahn in tremendous fashion, as his job status appears safe at the moment. However, the head coach will be forced to undergo the annual Iron Bowl against Alabama in less than two weeks from now. This game may be the defining moment for Malzahn, as well as for the Tigers.
Auburn still has a shot at a playoff spot, even though they have two losses on their season. With a current standing of 8-2 in the 2017 campaign, Auburn has an opportunity at making a play for the SEC West Division. Although there is hope, Malzahn has lost his last three games to Alabama since his historic loss at the 2013 Iron Bowl.
Previous to the Georgia game, there were Auburn fans already visioning Malzahn being let go after the current season. While Jay Jacobs (current Athletic Director until June 2018) appears to be leaving in the near future, the university is essentially forced to keep Malzahn at this stage.
Personally, I wouldn’t wait for a new athletic director to come in order to make a move. It is not unusual to make a coaching decision through the summer period at the NCAA level. For example, take a look at Ole Miss and what has resulted in 2017 for them, as the university let go of Hugh Freeze due to moral issues.
Auburn has a difficult decision ahead of them, and this offseason will be an interesting one to say the least. I sincerely hope Auburn will give Malzahn a chance in the 2018 season in order to show them that he is the long-term solution for Auburn Tigers Football.
