Yesterday the Washington Post reported that Gus Malzahn had accepted an offer to become the next head coach at Vanderbilt. The news generally led to three reactions. People either thought it was a great hire for Vanderbilt, wondered what the hell Malzahn was thinking, or, if you were an Auburn fan, will Malzahn be sticking around for the title game?
Well, it seems we all reacted a bit too quickly. Apparently the Post report was a bit premature, because according to Vanderbilt, Malzahn hasn't accepted anything yet. Though the school is crossing its fingers super hard hoping that he does decide to accept it soon.
Vanderbilt denied a report Sunday that it had hired Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn as its next head football coach.
But director of communications Rod Williamson said Vanderbilt hopes the report would be accurate very soon.
Word from Auburn is that Malzahn is still weighing his options.
It is a bit of a tough call for Malzahn to make, as if the reports are true, and Vandy is guaranteeing him $3 million a year, it's hard to turn that money down. On the other hand, what has proven harder over time, is winning at Vanderbilt. Another factor Malzahn may be considering, at least I would be if I were him, is the fact that his star will never shine brighter than it is right now as an offensive coordinator. I think it's safe to say that after everything he's had to deal with this season, Cam Newton will not be coming back next season, and as good a coach as Malzahn is, having Newton makes him look even better.
Should Auburn struggle next season, odds are Malzahn won't get any offer nearly as lucrative as the one Vanderbilt is reportedly offering him.
