Auburn Fires Gus Malzahn

AUBURN, AL — The Gus Malzahn era at Auburn University is officially over, as the school announced Sunday it has parted ways with Malzahn, the football team's head coach for the last eight seasons.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will take over interim coaching duties.

"Coach Malzahn led the Auburn football program with honor and integrity," AU president Jay Gogue said in a statement Sunday. "We appreciate his service to Auburn athletics, Auburn University and, kin particular, the student-athletes. We wish him and Kristi all the best."

Malzahn will leave Auburn a wealthy man, however. Malzahn was just three years removed from a seven-year $49 million contract extension, which included a guaranteed 75 percent of the deal’s value. He will receive half of his $21,450,000 buyout within 30 days of his termination and the remainder will be paid in four equal annual installments.

"We will begin a search immediately for a coach that can help the Auburn program consistently compete at the highest level," said AU athletics director Allen Green. "We appreciate everything Gus did for our program the last eight seasons."

Malzahn finishes his Auburn career with a 68-35 record. He won an SEC championship in his first season in 2103, a year he led the Tigers to a berth in the BCS championship game and a 12-2 record, which included dramatic last-minute wins over rivals Alabama and Georgia.

Since that magical season in 2013, however, Malzahn has lost at least four games every year.