Gus Malzahn to reportedly accept reduced buyout to remain at Auburn

Auburn is coming off a disappointing 7-5 season that began with College Football Playoff aspirations, and there has been come talk since last weekend’s blowout loss to Alabama that head coach Gus Malzahn could be in danger of losing his job. However, it sounds like he will return for a 7th season with the Tigers in 2019.

Phillip Marshall of Auburn Undercover reported on Tuesday that Malzahn is on the verge of agreeing to a reworked contract that will likely see his massive buyout reduced. The changes also state that any coaching staff changes Malzahn makes would have to be revenue neutral, meaning Malzahn cannot bring in new assistant coaches if the current ones would need to be bought out. That likely blocks Malzahn from firing offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.

After Auburn’s huge wins over Alabama and Georgia last year when both teams were ranked No. 1 at the time, Malzahn was signed to a new seven-year, $49 million contract. He is said to have a massive buyout of around $32 million remaining.

Auburn entered the season ranked in the top 10 in the polls, but they ended up going 3-5 in the SEC. The season was a huge letdown and the fourth time in Malzahn’s six years with the program that the Tigers have won eight or less games. One SEC coach ripped Auburn for giving Malzahn so much money several months ago, but it sounds like the coach’s deal will now be more employer-friendly.