‘This one hurts’: Auburn players react to news of Gus Malzahn’s firing

During Gus Malzahn’s eight seasons as Auburn head coach, some talented players have come through the Tigers’ program, including on the 2020 team. They helped Auburn have a winning record in each of the years that Malzahn was at the helm.

So, it wasn’t surprising to see some current and former Tigers take to social media on Sunday after the school announced that it had fired Malzahn, who went 68-35 during his time at Auburn and will now receive a buyout of his contract.

The Tigers will now look for a new head coach. Will it end up being the right decision? It appears some players may not think this should have happened, based on Twitter reaction on Sunday following the news.

Here’s what some current and former Auburn players were saying about Malzahn’s firing:

Smoke Monday with a heartfelt message on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/Bk5eRBJl2Q

— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) December 13, 2020

Trying to tell you, fans don’t know nothing. https://t.co/iLfu794jSL

— Kj Britt (@K_Britt10) December 13, 2020

In 2020, l found out something most of these coaches don’t care about their players, just the money. Find another college coach to care about their players as much as @CoachGusMalzahn did for us and ill be a fan. Its bigger than a record, its more in a locker-room than a record.

— Kj Britt (@K_Britt10) December 13, 2020

Man This One Hurts? The Opportunity Presented Before Me Given By Coach Malzahn Is Amazing. Don’t Know How This Will Turn Out But Coach Malzahn I Appreciate You‼️ You Will Always Be My Coach

WAR EAGLE?

— Derick Hall II (@derick_hall9) December 13, 2020

Current players, former players and 2021 commits react to Gus Malzahn's firing: pic.twitter.com/Fy9FPBEcUG

— Josh Vitale (@JoshVitale) December 13, 2020

Smh.

— © (@keiondrejones) December 13, 2020

Jake Rill

Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.