History of Gus Malzahn in Timeline

Gus Malzahn is a highly successful American football coach, best known for his tenure at Auburn University. As head coach from 2013 to 2020, he led Auburn to a SEC Championship and the 2014 National Championship game. He also served as the offensive coordinator for Auburn's 2010 National Championship team. Malzahn is recognized for his offensive prowess, having coached Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and two Heisman finalists, Nick Marshall and Tre Mason. He has also coached 14 All-American players. Malzahn's success at Auburn makes him one of the few coaches with a winning record against legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban.

October 28, 1965: Birth of Gus Malzahn

Gus Malzahn was born on October 28, 1965.

1984: Graduation and Walk-On at Arkansas

Gus Malzahn graduated from Fort Smith Christian High School in 1984 and briefly played as a walk-on receiver at the University of Arkansas in the same year.

1985: Walk-On at Arkansas

Gus Malzahn continued as a walk-on receiver at the University of Arkansas in 1985.

1988: Transfer to Henderson State University

Gus Malzahn transferred to Henderson State University in 1988, marking the start of his two-year tenure as a letterman for their football team.

1989: Letterman at Henderson State University

Gus Malzahn concluded his time as a letterman for the Henderson State University football team in 1989.

1990: Graduation from Henderson State University

Gus Malzahn earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Henderson State University in 1990.

1991: Start of Coaching Career at Hughes High School

Gus Malzahn began his coaching journey in 1991 as the Offensive Coordinator at Hughes High School in Arkansas.

1992: Promotion to Head Coach at Hughes High School

Gus Malzahn's dedication and coaching prowess earned him a promotion to the position of head coach at Hughes High School in 1992.

1994: Hughes High School Reaches State Championship Game

Under Gus Malzahn's leadership, Hughes High School achieved a remarkable feat in 1994 by reaching the state championship game. Despite a close defeat, Malzahn's coaching acumen and the team's performance garnered significant recognition.

1996: Head Coach at Shiloh Christian School

Gus Malzahn was appointed as the head coach at Shiloh Christian School in 1996, embarking on a new chapter in his coaching career.

1998: Shiloh Christian Sets National Record and State Championship

Gus Malzahn's offensive strategies led Shiloh Christian to set a national record with 66 passing touchdowns in 1998. The team's exceptional performance culminated in winning the state championship.

1999: Shiloh Christian Wins Back-to-Back State Championships

Building on their previous success, Gus Malzahn guided Shiloh Christian to secure consecutive state championships in 1999, solidifying their dominance in the state.

2000: End of Tenure at Shiloh Christian School

Gus Malzahn concluded his successful tenure as head coach at Shiloh Christian School in 2000.

2001: Head Coach at Springdale High School

Gus Malzahn took on the role of head coach at Springdale High School in 2001, continuing his journey of leading and shaping young athletes.

2002: Springdale High School's State Championship Appearance

In just his second season as head coach, Gus Malzahn led Springdale High School to the state championship game in 2002, demonstrating his ability to quickly build competitive teams. Despite the loss, Malzahn's impact on the program was undeniable.

January 2003: Publication of "Hurry Up No Huddle"

In January 2003, Malzahn published his book and instructional video, "Hurry Up No Huddle – An Offensive Philosophy," introducing his innovative no-huddle offense approach that influenced college and NFL teams.

2004: Auburn's Single Season Total Offense Record

In 2004, Auburn set a single-season total offense record.

2004: Springdale High School's Semifinal Run

Springdale High School, under Gus Malzahn's leadership, made an impressive run in the state playoffs in 2004, ultimately reaching the semifinals before their season ended.

December 9, 2005: Joining the University of Arkansas Coaching Staff

Gus Malzahn joined the University of Arkansas coaching staff as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach on December 9, 2005, marking his transition from successful high school coach to the collegiate level.

2005: Springdale High School's Dominant Championship Season

Gus Malzahn led Springdale High School to an undefeated season in 2005, culminating in a dominant state championship victory. Their exceptional performance earned them national recognition and cemented their place as one of the top high school football teams in the country.

2005: Springdale High School Wins State Championship

Gus Malzahn's coaching prowess was evident in 2005 when he led Springdale High School to a triumphant victory in the state championship game.

2006: National Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award

Gus Malzahn received the National Offensive Coordinator of the Year award from Rivals.com in 2006, recognizing his innovative offensive strategies and the success of the Arkansas Razorbacks' offense.

2006: SEC Western Division Championship and SEC Championship Game Appearance

In 2006, Gus Malzahn, as offensive coordinator, helped lead the Arkansas Razorbacks to win the SEC Western Division championship. They went on to play in the SEC Championship Game but fell short of victory.

2006: Breakout Season for Arkansas Running Backs

The 2006 season witnessed a remarkable breakout performance by Arkansas Razorbacks running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Their exceptional rushing yards and touchdowns reflected the effectiveness of Gus Malzahn's offensive schemes.

January 2007: Joining the University of Tulsa Coaching Staff

Gus Malzahn accepted the position of assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Tulsa in January 2007, joining his friend and new head coach, Todd Graham.

January 2007: Offensive Coordinator at the University of Tulsa

Gus Malzahn officially began his role as the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach at the University of Tulsa in January 2007.

November 2007: Interview for Head Coach Position at Arkansas

Following the resignation of Houston Nutt as head coach at the University of Arkansas, Gus Malzahn interviewed for the vacant position in November 2007.

December 28, 2008: Malzahn Joins Auburn as Offensive Coordinator

On December 28, 2008, Gus Malzahn was appointed as the offensive coordinator at Auburn University under new head coach Gene Chizik.

2008: Tulsa's Record-Breaking Offense

In 2008, Gus Malzahn's Tulsa offense led the nation in total yards and was ranked second in scoring, setting a record for the second-highest scoring offense in major college football history.

2009: Start of First Stint at Auburn University

Gus Malzahn's initial period as part of the coaching staff at Auburn University began in 2009.

2009: Auburn's Offense Improves Under Malzahn

In 2009, Malzahn's offensive strategies significantly boosted Auburn's performance, leading to a substantial increase in total offense and points scored compared to the previous season.

2010: Auburn Tigers Win National Championship

Gus Malzahn served as the offensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers when they secured the National Championship in 2010.

2010: Malzahn Becomes Assistant Head Coach and Guides Auburn to Undefeated Season

In 2010, Malzahn was promoted to assistant head coach and played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing Cam Newton, leading Auburn to an undefeated season and a BCS Championship game appearance.

January 10, 2011: Auburn Wins BCS Championship Game

On January 10, 2011, Auburn, led by Malzahn's offense and Cam Newton, won the BCS National Championship Game.

December 13, 2011: Malzahn Accepts Head Coach Position at Arkansas State

On December 13, 2011, Malzahn took on the role of head football coach at Arkansas State University.

2011: Malzahn Leaves Auburn

Gus Malzahn departed from Auburn in 2011.

2011: Conclusion of First Stint at Auburn University

Gus Malzahn's initial period as a coach at Auburn University concluded in 2011.

December 4, 2012: Malzahn Returns to Auburn as Head Coach

On December 4, 2012, Gus Malzahn returned to Auburn University, this time as the head football coach, succeeding Gene Chizik.

2012: Sun Belt Champions with Arkansas State

In 2012, Gus Malzahn achieved a significant milestone by guiding the Arkansas State Red Wolves to victory in the Sun Belt Conference championship.

2012: Malzahn's Success at Arkansas State and NFL Draft Picks

In 2012, Malzahn led Arkansas State to a successful season, culminating in a Conference Championship and a bowl game victory. Notably, several players under his guidance, including Demario Davis, James Bradberry, and Kelcie McCray, were drafted into the NFL and achieved significant success.

2012: Auburn's Struggles After Malzahn's Departure

In 2012, following Malzahn's exit, Auburn experienced a disappointing season, finishing with a 3-9 record and facing criticism directed at coach Chizik for the team's decline.

November 16, 2013: "The Prayer at Jordan–Hare"

On November 16, 2013, Malzahn's play call, "Little Rock," resulted in a memorable 73-yard Hail Mary pass from Nick Marshall to Ricardo Louis, securing a dramatic victory for Auburn against Georgia.

December 8, 2013: Auburn Secures Spot in BCS Championship Game

On December 8, 2013, it was confirmed that Auburn would face off against the Florida State Seminoles in the upcoming 2014 BCS Championship Game.

December 10, 2013: Malzahn Receives Inaugural Premier Coach of College Football Award

On December 10, 2013, Gus Malzahn was honored with the first-ever Premier Coach of College Football Award, as determined by fan voting.

December 23, 2013: Malzahn Wins AP National Coach of the Year

On December 23, 2013, Malzahn received the prestigious Associated Press National Coach of the Year award, making him only the second coach to achieve this honor in their debut season with a new team.

2013: Gus Malzahn Becomes Head Coach at Auburn University

Gus Malzahn was appointed as the head football coach at Auburn University in 2013.

2013: Induction into Arkansas High School Coaches Association's Hall of Fame

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to high school football, Gus Malzahn was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association's Hall of Fame in 2013, a testament to his lasting impact on the sport.

January 2014: Malzahn Collects Multiple Coach of the Year Awards

Following the national championship game in January 2014, Malzahn's accolades continued to accumulate as he received the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award and the Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year Award, bringing his total count of national coach of the year awards to an impressive six for the 2013–14 season.

2014: Auburn's Loss in the BCS Championship Game

In the 2014 BCS Championship game, despite leading by a significant margin in the second quarter, Auburn was unable to maintain its advantage and ultimately lost to the Florida State Seminoles, led by Jameis Winston's remarkable comeback.

2014: Auburn Tigers in the National Championship

Under the leadership of head coach Gus Malzahn, the Auburn Tigers reached the National Championship game in 2014, ultimately finishing as runners-up.

2016: Auburn's Challenging Season and Sugar Bowl Appearance

In 2016, despite having the fourth-toughest schedule and numerous team injuries, Malzahn steered Auburn to the Sugar Bowl where they faced Oklahoma. Notably, Kamryn Pettway, under Malzahn's guidance, became a Doak Walker Award semifinalist.

2017: SEC Championship Game and Contract Extension

2017 saw Malzahn lead the Tigers to victory against top-ranked Georgia and Alabama, culminating in an SEC Championship appearance where they lost to Georgia. Despite losing the Peach Bowl to UCF, Malzahn secured a lucrative seven-year contract extension.

2018: Music City Bowl Victory

Auburn, under Malzahn, achieved a 7-5 record in 2018, concluding their season with a dominant win against Purdue in the Music City Bowl.

2019: Successful NFL Draft Classes

Malzahn had a successful run of NFL Draft classes while at Auburn, including back-to-back years with six players drafted in 2019 and 2020.

2019: Victories over Ranked Teams and Outback Bowl Loss

Malzahn led Auburn to a successful 9-3 season in 2019, including wins against ranked opponents like Oregon, Texas A&M, and Alabama. However, their season ended with a loss to Minnesota in the Outback Bowl.

December 13, 2020: Departure from Auburn

Despite achieving a winning eighth season, Malzahn was released from his position as head coach at Auburn on December 13, 2020. His tenure ended with a 68-35 record, and the university bought out the remaining amount of his contract.

2020: End of Tenure at Auburn University

Gus Malzahn's time as head coach at Auburn University came to an end in 2020.

2020: Successful NFL Draft Classes

Malzahn had a successful run of NFL Draft classes while at Auburn, including back-to-back years with six players drafted in 2019 and 2020.

February 15, 2021: New Beginnings at UCF

On February 15, 2021, Malzahn took on the head coach position at UCF, marking a reunion with former Arkansas State athletic director Terry Mohajir.

2021: Demario Davis Wins NFL Bart Starr Award

In 2021, Demario Davis, who played under Malzahn at Arkansas State, received the NFL Bart Starr Award.

2021: UCF's Transition to the Big 12 Conference

Under Malzahn's leadership, UCF entered the Big 12 Conference in 2021 as part of the NCAA conference realignment. They started strong with a 3-0 record but faced challenges, including a losing streak and a narrow defeat by Oklahoma. Despite this, their victory over Oklahoma State helped them secure a bowl-eligible season for the eighth consecutive year.