BREAKING: Maryland Plans To Offer Malzahn Job

Gus Malzahn/Courtesy: uspresswire-file

OSG Sports has learned that much to our surprise, the University of Maryland is set to offer Gus Malzahn their head coaching job.

Several sources close to the program indicate that Malzahn is the schools choice, though an official announcement hasn't been made. If he takes it, that announcement will be shortly thereafter. We thought Malzahn was set to take the Vanderbilt job just a couple of weeks ago, so him getting offered the job and accepting it may be two different things.

Obviously, Maryland would be a step above what Vanderbilt would have been and if Malzahn can be successful in College Park, he can be successful anywhere. We are all familiar with his success as an offensive coordinator and that made him one of the "Hot" coaching candidates on this years coaching carousel.

Maryland AD Kevin Anderson had been looking to make a "Splash" hire, and Malzahn would certainly fit that bill. We had speculated and thought Mike Leach would be his guy due to their previous associations, but he wouldn't quite be the "Splash" hire that Malzahn would.

Sure, we know Gus just got a big renewal deal at Auburn, but as we all know, in College Football deals like that don't mean much. We suspect if he is going to take the job, which we think he will, Auburn will not stand in his way.

When we find out about when the official announcement will be, we will be sure to let you know.

Leach To Interview At Maryland

[HT: Baltimore Sun]

Time for a shameless plug. If your a passionate Maryland Terrapin fan then Jeff Barker's blog in the Baltimore Sun is assignment reading. Barker's latest blog says that former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach is interviewing as soon as today for the Maryland job.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/maryland_terps/blog/2010/12/notes_on_friedgen_leach_and_the_coaching_search.html
Leach was the only name confirmed that was on the list of candidates of Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson. Anderson revealed that card in the press conference announcing the firing of Ralph Friedgen.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Leach was on the College Park campus on Sunday.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-maryland-coach-search-20101229,0,6906670.story

It is OSG's opinion that Leach originally was the guy all along Anderson wanted however Gus Malzahn is gaining momentum as well. ESPN.com reported that Malzahn interviewed for the position last Wednesday and an announcement could be within 48 hours.

As long as Malzahn is in the mix his stock will rise. Malzahn is young, has a highly successful offensive system and would have an impact with all that young talent in the Terps staple. Malzahn would be a breakout star in the ACC.

Photos Courtesy: AP

Who Wants The Maryland Job?

It appears their were three candidates for the University of Maryland head coaching job and all with innovative offenses.

First it appears SMU head coach June Jones was interviewed for the gig. The Dallas Morning News reporter that such conversation took place but according to Jones' agent Leigh Steinberg he has removed himself from consideration.

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/smus-jones-removes-himself-from-maryland.html

Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn appears to be in Maryland's crosshairs. Tuesday Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said he is not aware of any contact between Malzahn and Maryland.

(Thanks AlabamaLive.com)



Malzahn should be on Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson's list and should get strong consideration.

Mike Leach's name has been the most prominant connection to Maryland even before Ralph Friedgen's firing was official. During the news conference announcing the coaching change Anderson admitted publically that Leach was on the list.

Maryland definately wants to make a big splash on the college football scene with this hire. Going after coaches with proven and high powered offensive systems is what the powers that be at Maryland want.

We will keep you posted.

Malzahn to Vandy...makes sense once you think about it... UPDATE: or not...

Gus Malzahn/Courtesy: Hal Yeager/Birmingham news

Well, it must have been the money. We are still scratching our heads over the reports now coming out that Auburn offensive coordinator and hot assistant coach of the year Gus Malzahn is going to take the Vanderbilt coaching job.

A quick mention from the Washington Post RIGHT HERE

Fox Sports says it's done...though they just quote a single source. Read more RIGHT HERE

Our friends at Al.com say that it's his if he wants it, but he hasn't decided as of last night. MORE HERE

While we think Malzahn would be a great hire, we still don't get this one. He should be a top choice for Vanderbilt...or any other mid-level program looking for a "Splash" hire. We just don't think this is a great fit. We think he can do better.

However, with Will Muschamp heading to Florida and Al Golden going to Miami, there aren't a whole lot of significant Southern College Football jobs left out there. Well, really there aren't a whole lot period. We are pretty sure Malzahn won't be after Golden's former job at Temple and aside from that, really, what's left.

Heck, I think I just explained why he will take the Vandy job. Wow, I guess there are more reasons than I thought.

Really, Malzahn couldn't hurt Vandy. His offense and creativity would make up for the lack of depth that the Commodores have. It's a lot easier to find kids who are fast and can fit his system. Vandy won't...and hasn't beaten anyone trying to grind it out with them. We suppose that if Gus has some success in Nashvegas with the Commodore's, well, then his next step would be to a major program.

Good luck, Gus, you'll need it. But if it's any consolation. Nashville really is a nice place to live.

For what it's worth, here's a Vanderbilt Football commercial for the 2009 season....



PM UPDATE: Malzahn is staying...
Erik Kuselius, The Bachelor, and Ed Cunningham discuss...
((HT: ESPN))


It's back to Maryland OC James Franklin as the Number One...

Gus Malzahn offered $3 million to coach Vandy....SEC stunned...

Gus Malzahn/courtesy: bloguin.com

$3 Million to coach at Vanderbilt? Surely, that was somebody making a joke.....right? According to a report in the Tennessean, Vanderbilt...yes, perennial SEC doormat Vanderbilt has offered Auburn Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn $3 million a year to be their new head coach.

Read Jeff Lockridge's story from the Tennessean RIGHT HERE

Okay. Now that we picked our chins up off the floor, let's analyze this a bit. Sure, Malzahn is the "Hot" assistant coach these days. We get that. And we certainly understand why Vandy would be interested in hiring him. But $3 million a year?

No, that wouldn't make Malzahn the highest paid coach in the SEC, but it would put him in the Top 4. And it would dwarf what his current boss, Gene Chizik is making. The  1st and most obvious question is "Where did Vandy get that kind of money?" They've been to one bowl game in the past 10 or so years, they don't draw at their antiquated and small stadium...face it, the job is a killer to most.

But we do admire the chutzpah. It's a bold move. But it's one we don't think will happen. Malzahn is smart enough to know that it's a Head Coaching death sentence to head to Nashville. He'll wait for a better opportunity. With the departure of Urban Meyer at Florida, the SEC coaching carousel will be full of riders this year. If he's patient, Malzahn could end up with a much better job.

Here's a video of Malzahn on the job at Auburn. Thanks Auburn Athletics:

Get On The Bus, Gus...

Well, if this don't beat all...

It looks like the Postal Service will be receiving a package from the Malzahn clan in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the near future.

The mastermind behind the number one and number two-ranked offenses in colege football is headed to the Plains to work alongside The Chizik.

Gus Malzahn ((pictured, thanks Shane Bevel/Tulsa World)), Offensive Coordinator at ((this year)) the University of Tulsa, is taking over the same position at Auburn- effective after the Golden Hurricane appearance in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile on January 4.

Here is your standard press release quote from Auburn itself...

"This is an exciting opportunity to coach at Auburn, get involved
with the Auburn family and work for Coach Chizik," Malzahn said. "I can't wait to get to Auburn and get started."

"Gus is one of the great offensive minds in college football and we
are very excited to having him join the Auburn staff," Chizik said.
"His track record at all levels of coaching is remarkable and his
offenses have been extremely successful both running and passing the
ball. It's truly impressive that he oversees an offense that is in
the top 10 nationally in all five major offensive statistical
categories. We're looking forward to having Gus on board."

Tulsa is averaging a little over 47 points-per game this season and is more than happy to take their pass-happy offense and run up the score on anyone. But the defense hasn't stopped many people, either.

The last few seasons have seen Malzahn go from high school coaching ((with Mitch Mustain at QB)) to the University of Arkansas ((with Mitch Mustain at QB)) to the University of Tulsa ((without Mitch Mustain at QB)).

Our biggest question with this hire is...
Didn't Auburn try this last season with Tony Franklin and Tommy Tuberville...?

Welcome Tulsa To The Top 25

We were somewhat conflicted as to whether or not to post this...

Those of us here at OSG HQ are not the biggest Todd Graham fans for his contract shenanigans...

Brother Wilkie knows full-well what a Gus Malzahn offense is capable of doing if given the time...
Here's your proof... and proof that Mike Price may be on an unemployment line near you very soon... the most points for Tulsa in, almost, 40 years...

((HT: KVIA-TV))