AUBURN, Ala. -- Curiosity and persistence had life-changing consequences for Chad Morris 15 football seasons ago.
After a down year as head coach at perennial power Stephenville (Texas) High School, Morris sought out a fast-rising prep coach in Arkansas who was running offensive plays as quickly as possible, not huddling and causing defenses fits.
Morris called Springdale High School coach Gus Malzahn in the winter of 2003, asking whether he and his staff could take a look at Malzahn's operation.
On Saturday, Morris and Malzahn -- two of the best-known former high school coaches in the country -- will square off for the first time as head coaches.