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The Auburn coaching search, which came down to Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, has settled on former Tigers offensive coordinator Malzahn, SB Nation has been told. The news was first reported by the Scout.com ASU site.
I think Malzahn is the right choice, and certainly better for Auburn's immediate future than Smart would've been. His offenses were successful in 2009 and 2010, and VERY successful with Cam Newton at the helm, but fell off somewhat in 2011 as turmoil built up around the Plains. He took a pay cut to leave for Arkansas State, where he ran the No. 17 total offense in the country and won the Sun Belt title.
The move signals a break from the 2012 Auburn decision, to build up defense and pro-style offense, and means an up-tempo, spread attack is coming back to Jordan-Hare. It probably also means Auburn is going to give up points more often from now on. Much more to come.
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