What if Gus Malzahn Had Left Auburn for the NFL After the 2013 Season?
In 2013, Gus Malzahn led the Auburn Tigers to an SEC title and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game, capping off an incredible turnaround from a 3-9 season the year before. Malzahn’s success was not only a testament to his coaching prowess but also to his ability to connect with recruits and their families, a skill honed during his high school coaching days. As the rumors of NFL interest swirled, Malzahn was faced with a crucial decision: stay at Auburn and continue to build a legacy or take the leap to the professional ranks.
The Cleveland Browns were reportedly interested in Malzahn to be their next head coach, following the departure of Rob Chudzinski after just one season. The Browns had been searching for a coach who could bring an up-tempo, run-first spread offense to the NFL, and Malzahn fit the bill. He had already shown his ability to innovate and adapt in college football, and the Browns saw potential for him to do the same in the NFL.
Malzahn’s decision to stay at Auburn was a significant one, as he had just signed a major contract extension and was poised to lead the Tigers to even greater heights. He had become a household name in college football, and his stock was at an all-time high. Despite the allure of the NFL, Malzahn chose to stay at Auburn, citing his love for the university and his desire to continue building a program that could compete at the highest level.
What would have happened if Malzahn had left Auburn for the NFL after the 2013 season? The Browns would have likely gotten a coach who was still learning the ropes of the professional game but had already shown significant promise in college. Malzahn’s high school coaching background would have given him an edge in terms of player development and recruiting, but he would have faced significant challenges in terms of adapting to the NFL’s more complex and fast-paced environment.
One of the primary reasons Malzahn stayed at Auburn was his desire to prove that his offense could work at the highest level of football. He had already achieved significant success in college, but he wanted to take his innovative approach to the NFL and show that it could be effective there as well. By staying at Auburn, Malzahn was able to continue refining his offense and building a program that could compete with the best in the country.
If Malzahn had left Auburn for the NFL, it is likely that the Tigers would have struggled to find a replacement of similar caliber. The program would have had to go through a significant rebuilding process, which could have taken several years. In contrast, Malzahn’s decision to stay at Auburn allowed him to continue building on the momentum he had established and to lead the Tigers to further success.
Malzahn’s decision to stay at Auburn also had significant implications for the NFL. The Browns would have had to continue their search for a coach, potentially settling for someone who was not as well-equipped to lead an up-tempo offense. This could have delayed the Browns’ ability to build a competitive team and may have even led to further struggles in the coming seasons.
In the end, Malzahn’s decision to stay at Auburn was a significant one that had far-reaching implications for both the college and professional ranks. By choosing to remain at Auburn, Malzahn was able to continue building a program that could compete at the highest level and to prove that his innovative approach to offense could be effective in both college and the NFL.