Gus Malzahn honors Steve Spurrier by going sans visor

Gus Malzahn patrolling the sideline wearing a visor has become a customary sight for Auburn fans. For Thursday’s game against Kentucky, the Tigers coach was without his usual headwear as a way to honor a recently retired head coach.

Steve Spurrier stepped down this week as head coach of South Carolina, but his influence on other coaches was felt across the country. Among those reached by Spurrier is Malzahn, who began wearing a visor while coaching high school football. Choosing to not wear one on Thurday, Malzahn said, is a way to show his appreciation.

“Coach Spurrier is one of the all-time greats, and his influence on me and my coaching style goes back to my days as a high school coach, when I started wearing a visor,” Malzahn said via ESPN. “I’m very appreciative for everything he’s done for me and the game of football. He’s played a large role in making Southeastern Conference football what it is today and will be missed.

“Going visor-free for tonight’s game is a small way to pay respect to Coach Spurrier and help raise money and awareness for a great cause,” Malzahn said.

The visor Malzahn normally would have worn was autographed and auctioned, with proceeds going to relief efforts in South Carolina and the American Red Cross.