ghost

December 4th, 2012 at 4:17 PM ^

Malzahn has had success in the SEC at Auburn (some of it was because of Newton) and Arkansas (despite Huston Nutt being the coach).  He has experience recruiting in the south and runs and offense that is similar to the one Arkansas, which at least in the short term matters (especially considering now days if you don't have short term success your gone).  I've always thought Bielema was overrated.  This seems like a school who struck out on their top choices and grabbed the biggest name they could get without thinking about whether is was a fit.

Joined: 09/02/2011

MGoPoints: 4140

M-Wolverine

December 4th, 2012 at 3:58 PM ^

He's not coaching at a major program and you're not throwing $$$ at him to steal him away?

Actually, I agree with you. But the front page idea that SEC is stealing great coaches left and right rather than hiring bad coaches at lower levels....well, here's a coach at a crap program who's probably a better hire than the guy another SEC program laid out big cash to get.

Joined: 10/04/2009

MGoPoints: 42190

corundum

December 4th, 2012 at 3:56 PM ^

So they were a pro-style offense for a year? At least most of their recruits are suited for the spread. I think it's an obvious step up from Chizik.

Joined: 05/10/2012

MGoPoints: 47323

woodfeld

December 4th, 2012 at 3:57 PM ^

This is the move Arkansas should have made.  Malzahn was a god at the Arkansas HS level and it can be argued, him, not Cam Newton, leaving Auburn was the reason that team went in the tank.

Joined: 07/31/2008

MGoPoints: 804

Logan88

December 4th, 2012 at 4:39 PM ^

Except that Auburn's offense was pretty bad the last season (2011) that Malzahn was the OC there. No, Cam Newton was definitely the major reason for Auburn's success in 2010. None the less, this is still a big step up for them from Chizik.

Joined: 01/05/2009

MGoPoints: 8078

JT4104

December 4th, 2012 at 4:04 PM ^

Beilema to Ark kinda scares me to be honest....not saying it will happen but I still get a feeling Green really wants to play down south and now the perfect offense and coach for his game is in the south.

I would not be surprised to see Beilema get involved in the Green sweepstakes rather quickly.

Joined: 10/25/2008

MGoPoints: 12328

SMJenkins3

December 4th, 2012 at 4:13 PM ^

as well.  Seems like Arkansas becomes an almost perfect fit for Green now.  I have no recollection of whether they were on his list early on and/or if he visited there, but you think Beilema has to make a call to Green and see if he can get him on campus.  Probably a lot depends on if Beilema can establish a relationship with him quickly.

Joined: 11/03/2011

MGoPoints: 554

bronxblue

December 4th, 2012 at 4:14 PM ^

Talk about bidding your time.  Malzahn knew that Chizik was on the outs after Cam left, and made the smart move to work at Ark. St. and then just return as a conquering hero of sorts.  Should be interesting to see how he does, though, as the head guy at Auburn.  He had some great success with Newton, but Auburn is never going to be able to reload quite as easily as other teams in that conference. 

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 171700

mGrowOld

December 4th, 2012 at 4:26 PM ^

I leave the board for one freaking hour to do some actual work and all Hell breaks loose around here.  Wisconsin loses a coach and Auburn hires one.

What other little sneaky secrets do you guys have up your sleeves for my drive home?

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 212943

LSAClassOf2000

December 4th, 2012 at 4:58 PM ^

Considering Kirby Smart interviewed for the job at Auburn just yesterday, this is a fairly quick decision for Auburn, but I dare say, it might be a logical move for a roster with a fair number of offensive players that were recruited for Malzahn's scheme anyway. It will, if nothing else, help Auburn continue to be attractive to the players that Alabama typically has  to pass on because of their offense, and most of those guys can fit into what Malzahn prefers. It almost seems like Auburn is trying to reset the clock and forget the last two years in that regard. Malzahn had the 17th ranked offense this year, after all - granted, in the Sun Belt, but it is some evidence that he can be fairly productive on his own and without Cam  Newton. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

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