Though the Auburn Tigers have stumbled to a 2-2 record so far this season, head coach Gus Malzahn’s job does not appear to be in jeopardy. ESPN Senior Writer Ivan Maisel further elaborated.
“Auburn (2-2) lost its fifth consecutive SEC game. There are eerie parallels between this Tigers slide and the one that cost head coach Gene Chizik his job three years ago. In 2011, the year after Auburn won the BCS title, the Tigers slumped late, and kept sliding in 2012. In 2014, the year after Auburn played for the BCS title, the Tigers slumped late and have kept sliding this year. That’s where the parallels stop. Head coach Gus Malzahn’s job is not remotely in danger. Auburn has San Jose State this week, followed by a week off. The timing for both couldn’t be better.”
Faisel is right. San Jose State is 2-2 on the year, but plays in the Mountain West Conference, whose competition is a far cry from the SEC. If Auburn is unable to beat the Spartans, then perhaps Malzahn’s job security can become a topic of conversation.
But it should also be noted that Auburn’s defense has been without top player Carl Lawson for all but one game this season, as the former five-star recruit is dealing with a hip injury. Thus, with the way the defense has performed, perhaps first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is more to blame than Malzahn.
Either way, Auburn fans will be watching on Saturday as the Tigers look to get back in the win column before their bye week. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
