Gus Malzahn is embracing a new role within his football program. Rather than be a real hands-on, micro-manager type coach, the Auburn Tigers head coach says he is now trying to transition into a role of more of a CEO overseeing things.
And so far, Malzahn says he feels a lot better since making the move.
Malzahn said after Auburn beat LSU 18-13 on Saturday that he was coaching in a less angry and negative way because he was not getting frustrated from play-to-play since he was no longer calling offensive plays. These are only recent changes he’s made.
“It hit me pretty hard after the first game (against Clemson),” Malzahn said Tuesday via the Montgomery Advertiser. “That’s how we got to this point. It was very refreshing last week during practice, during preparations. I wasn’t coaching angry out there Saturday and I think that was very big. It was very refreshing for me and that’s what I’m going to do moving forward.”
Auburn dropped its season opener to Clemson, rebounded to beat Arkansas State, then lost to Texas A&M before pulling out a victory over LSU. This week, he’s taking the CEO approach again, and players have noticed that he is joking around more and feeling more relaxed.
Will Malzahn’s new attitude continue to produce success? We shall see. The Tigers will face ULM, Mississippi State, and then they’ll have a rough two-game stretch against Arkansas and Ole Miss.
