Meet the New Gus, Same as the Old Gus?

Gus Malzahn said he’s becoming himself again after regaining control over calling plays. Will this Gus be the same Gus we saw in 2013?

The last time we saw Malzahn coach he’d just regained control over calling plays after Chip Lindsey left to join Les Miles at Kansas. The Tigers broke numerous offensive records and defeated Purdue 63-14 in the Music City Bowl. It left the fans wondering, “where in the world has this Gus been?”

So far this off-season we’ve learned that Gus Malzahn has started working out again and even listens to rap music. He’s still undefeated in ping pong, is about to become a second time grandfather, and according to SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, he is a connoisseur of Mexican food. He’s earned the nickname of “No Cuss Gus” for not cussing, but will occasionally utter the words “crud” or even “crap” when he gets really angry.

Some critics of Malzahn complain that the coach lacks personality, but that was far from the truth at SEC Media Days. Malzahn arrived early to address the media in Hoover and was easygoing and full of personality. It all centered around Malzahn saying that he felt like he was becoming himself again after regaining control of play-calling.

I attended Malzahn’s press conference and he was very straightforward with every question thrown at him, but this Gus was different than any Gus we’ve seen before. With this Gus comfortable calling plays again, will we see the same assertive and aggressive Gus that we saw in 2013?

Only time will tell…

Malzahn clearly knows the expectations he faces at Auburn. He told the media that at some schools eight wins was something worth celebrating, but not at Auburn. He deals with one of the most passionate fan bases in college football and he knows year in and year out that his seat’s temperature varies between warm and hot. He also faces the challenge of starting a new quarterback supported by a returning offensive line that struggled last season.

Malzahns Seat Hotter Than Ever Ahead of 2019 Season

You wouldn’t detect any worry in his voice if you listened to his press conference. Malzahn has confidence in both Joey Gatewood and Bo Nix and told the media that both quarterbacks will be a run threat and there will be more flexibility on third down. When Malzahn wasn’t answering questions from the media like a champ he was in a cheerful mood especially when addressing the return of Will Hastings.

Malzahn managed to compliment Hastings’s ability to gain separation from defenders and say he looks like a thirteen year old all in one sentence. The entire media room laughed.

The spiciest moment of Malzahn’s presser came when he was asked about his up-tempo offense. He took a shot at Bret Bielema and Nick Saban, who in 2013 wanted a ten second rule for their defenses citing that the fast pace was a “health issue.” Malzahn said “even the ones that had ‘health issues’ are playing fast.” Malzahn said with his return to play calling that he plans for this offense to play more up tempo like his prolific offenses of the past.

https://twitter.com/FlyWarEagle/status/1151902102932860928

You would be hard pressed to find a more confident coach facing higher expectations than Gus. Auburn fans are seeing a different side of him heading into this season and many wonder if the New Gus will be the same as the Old Gus?

I sure do hope so, an old school Gus offense coupled with this current Auburn defense would be an instant contender for the national championship.