Gus Malzahn's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 19, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Gus Malzahn. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Gus Malzahn is an American college football coach, currently the offensive coordinator at Florida State. Previously, he was the head coach at UCF (2021-2024), Auburn (2013-2020), and Arkansas State (2012). He served as Auburn's offensive coordinator (2009-2011), contributing to their 2010 national championship. As Auburn's head coach, he won an SEC Championship and reached the 2014 National Championship. Malzahn has coached Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and two Heisman candidates. During his time at Auburn, he was the second-longest tenured head coach in the SEC, after Nick Saban, solidifying his presence in college football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Tension with Nutt

In 2006, there was a widely reported tension between Houston Nutt's reliance on the ground game and Gus Malzahn's philosophy of spreading the field with a no-huddle offense. Malzahn was named the National Offensive Coordinator of the Year by Rivals.com.

2010: Highest-Paid Assistant Coach

In 2010, Gus Malzahn was given a raise, making him the highest-paid assistant coach in the country. Auburn, led by Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, achieved an undefeated record.

2010: National Championship Victory

In 2010, Gus Malzahn, as offensive coordinator, helped lead the Auburn Tigers to a national championship victory.

January 10, 2011: BCS Championship

On January 10, 2011, Auburn won the BCS National Championship Game against Oregon.

November 16, 2013: The Prayer at Jordan–Hare

On November 16, 2013, with Auburn trailing Georgia, Gus Malzahn called the play "Little Rock" for quarterback Nick Marshall on 4th-and-18 with 36 seconds left. Marshall connected with Ricardo Louis on a tipped 73-yard Hail Mary pass, resulting in a game-winning touchdown and an Auburn victory. The play became known as "The Prayer at Jordan–Hare".

2013: Awards Received in 2013

In 2013, Gus Malzahn received the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award, Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year Award, SEC Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, AP College Football Coach of the Year, Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, and Woody Hayes Trophy Coach of the Year.

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

In 2013, Gus Malzahn was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association's Hall of Fame.

2013: Malzahn Wins Coach of the Year Awards

In 2013, Gus Malzahn won multiple Coach of the Year awards, including Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year, Home Depot Coach of the Year, SEC Coach of the Year, and Associated Press National Coach of the Year.

2013: SEC Championship

In 2013, Gus Malzahn's team won 1 SEC championship and 2 SEC Western Division championships.

January 2014: Malzahn Wins Paul "Bear" Bryant Award and Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year Award

In January 2014, after the national championship game, Malzahn was awarded the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award and the Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year Award, adding to his awards from the 2013-14 season.