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Reports: Gus Malzahn’s job not safe, big-name head coach has met with Auburn
By Jake Rill
Published:
Auburn has publicly made it clear that it plans to have coach Gus Malzahn back in 2019. But recent reports make it seem that may not necessarily be the case.
Josh Moon, a political reporter for the Alabama Reporter, sent a series of tweets on Monday indicating that there are several top officials at Auburn who want the school to fire Malzahn. Moon also reported that those officials want a “top-level” coach to replace Malzahn, and that conversations with a potential candidate began two weeks ago.
Moon later clarified that he isn’t reporting that Malzahn is definitely being fired, but rather there are some officials who want that to happen. Moon, who covers politics, said he got the info because a lot of the people who support political candidates are the same ones who support athletic programs.
In regard to a potential candidate to replace Malzahn in that scenario, Football Scoop reported that Auburn representatives met with former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops several weeks ago. It is unclear if that is tied to Moon’s report.
Malzahn has been Auburn’s coach since 2013.
Below are the series of tweets that Moon sent regarding the Malzahn rumors:
Turns out, Gus Malzahn's job at Auburn isn't nearly as safe as once thought. There is a serious movement among high-powered officials at AU to fire him. To the point that a replacement has been identified and initial meetings held to gauge interest. Happy, Monday.
— Josh Moon ?? (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
To add more details re: AU/Malzahn: What I have been told comes from sources who have participated in these conversations. The buyout can be covered. But to front that sort of money, those involved want a "top-level" coach locked in place. /1
— Josh Moon ?? (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
Those conversations with such a candidate began at least two weeks ago. The candidate in question was at the top of the list. He was surprisingly receptive to AU's inquiries and made it clear he would be interested in coming to AU for the right, Jimbo Fisher-type offer. /2
— Josh Moon ?? (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
At that point, work began in earnest behind the scenes to build support for the change and get university officials on board. Or to at least make them shut up. So, now we wait to see if a deal gets ironed out. But the right people are involved and motivated. /F
— Josh Moon ?? (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
Let me be clear to the radio dudes sending me DMs: I appreciate y'all checking w/me, but I am NOT reporting that Malzahn is being fired. I'm reporting some serious AU people are trying really hard to fire him & they've built support for the movement. Still a long way to go tho.
— Josh Moon ?? (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
I came across the info bc the line between sports/university leadership/politics is a blurry one and lots of the same people who support athletic programs also support political candidates. Read into that what you want.
— Josh Moon ?? (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
