Gus Malzahn Accepts Arkansas State Job, According To Reports

Arkansas State has concluded their head coaching search with the hiring of Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, according to a report by AStateNation.com:

AStateNation.com's report has been confirmed by columnist and SI.com contributor George Schroeder. A press conference introducing Malzahn will reportedly occur Wednesday.

Malzahn had been rumored to be a candidate for the position, but many did not think he would accept it. Malzahn is from Arkansas, however, so there might have been something sentimental about rebuilding the program. As James Bryant of AStateNation.com notes, Malzahn spent 14 years coaching high school football in his home state.

Malzahn has been the offensive coordinator at Auburn University since the 2009 season. He helped call the nearly unstoppable Aurburn offense that was quarterbacked by now Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Malzahn originally hit the college ranks in 2005 as a wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator at Arkansas, when he came as a package deal with a group of prized recuits whom he coached in high school. After two years, left to become the offensive coordinator at Tulane, where he directed one of the nation's top offenses.

For more on the Arkansas State coaching job, stick the the 2011 Coaching Carousel Tracker.