http://auburnundercover.com/news/articles/2010/1/15/would-moving-to-louisiana-tech-make-sense-for-malzahnWould moving to Louisiana Tech make sense for Malzahn?
By Phillip Marshall, Senior Writer
First a disclaimer: Other than to say "what's up" when I saw him at the football offices today, I have not talked to Gus Malzahn recently. I have not asked him or anyone close to him if he has any interest in being the next head coach at Louisiana Tech.
That being said, while he might be curious enough to see what if anything they have to offer, would it really be wise for Malzahn to leave his job as Auburn's offensive coordinator to be the head coach at Louisiana Tech?
Will Muschamp was the defensive coordinator at Auburn when the job came open the last time. It was offered to him before it was offered to Derek Dooley. The money was very low, relatively speaking, and he turned it down to stay at Auburn.
The bottom line: Malzahn would have to want a head coaching job really, really bad to leave for Louisiana Tech.
Don't get me wrong. I can see why Malzahn is an attractive candidate. He's had outstanding offenses everywhere he's been. He's a terrific recruiter. And he is a good man.
And that's why, with a little patience, he can do better.
With Louisiana Tech's pay scale, I don't believe money would be the driving force. I'm fairly certain Auburn would make it worth his while to stay put. And with another good year or two for Auburn's offense, Malzahn could get a far better job than Louisiana Tech.
Dooley has made a quantum leap by going from Louisiana Tech to Tennessee. But that's more about Tennessee's desperation than about Louisiana Tech suddenly becoming a place that big-time schools go to look for coaches. I mean, Dooley was at best the fifth choice. That doesn't mean he won't be successful. It just means this was an unusual situation.
I am told that Malzahn is one of 4-5 coaches in whom Louisiana Tech has interest. Where he stands in that group, I don't have a clue.
But unless I miss my guess, Malzahn will be calling plays on the Auburn sideline when the Tigers open the 2010 season against Arkansas State.