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Fired former Auburn football HC viewed as much worse hire now than when he started

By Andrew Hughes

Gus Malzahn is no longer viewed as the slam dunk hire he once was at UCF
Gus Malzahn is no longer viewed as the slam dunk hire he once was at UCF / Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd views Gus Malzahn as a C hire for UCF in year four after grading his hire an A+ back in 2021. Dodd believes the fired former Auburn football head coach not bringing over the "dynamic" offense from the Plains to Orlando was what undid his Knights tenure.

"Back then, we said the change in lifestyle would fit Malzahn perfectly," Dodd admitted. "No more living in Alabama's shadow. No more aggravation from Auburn boosters. UCF welcomed him with open arms. This was a comeback at a program that would eventually transition to the Power Four in the Big 12. After some early promise at UCF, the program has leveled out in Year 4. The offense that was so dynamic at Auburn and carried the Knights to the AAC Championship Game in 2022 has slowed. Malzahn is 9-14 in his 23 games and hasn't made a dent yet in the Big 12. He has company; that's the same record as Auburn's Hugh Freeze over that span. There must be something about Auburn. Malzahn's quarterbacks have included Dillon Gabriel, John Rhys Plumlee and KJ Jefferson. Not a bad group. Still, the Knights are only 27-21 in his four seasons."

Many Tiger fans would be surprised by the "dynamic" label. Auburn did well offensively under Malzahn when there was a pro-caliber QB under center. Nick Marshall, Jarrett Stidham, and Bo Nix did well carrying Malzahn's best years. Otherwise the offense was bland.

Still, that level of recruiting isn't present at UCF. It seemed like there was potential for it to be at the beginning of his tenure, but the Knights haven't become the perennial winner, nor the elite donor-funded football team, it was expected to be by now.

Gus Malzahn may not be long for UCF

UCF fans are turning on Malzahn quickly. Their unhappiness with him is in headlines. This thing could get ugly quickly.

There's no signs of the Knights making moves in the Big 12. They were supposed to be an immediate contender but look due for another losing season. This year, it may not even have a bowl game attached.

UCF needs someone who can get the Knights on the level of FSU, Florida, and Miami. Malzahn just might not be that guy.

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