Record: 6-3 in first season at Arkansas State
Salary: $800,000 (signed through Jan. 31, 2017)
Buyout: $700,000
Coaching background: head coach at Arkansas State (2012-), assistant coach at Auburn (2009-11), Tulsa (2007-08), Arkansas (2006), head coach at Springdale High School (2001-05), Shiloh Christian High School (1996-2000), Hughes High School (1992-95)
Alma Mater: Henderson State, 1990
Auburn connection?: Malzahn was offensive coordinator at Auburn from 2009-11, including the national championship season of 2010. He left to become Arkansas head coach last year. Generally, he was seen to have a lackluster finale as offensive coordinator in 2011.
Bio: Malzahn, 47, is one of the nation's most high-profile proponents of run-based variations of the spread offense. He fused elements of standard spread attacks and misdirection rushing attacks into a consolidated scheme during his days as a high-school coach in Arkansas. He brought those ideas to the college scene at Tulsa and later at Auburn, where his offense carried the team to the 2010 national championship by averaging 499 yards per game in 2010.
The Good: Malzahn was a popular figure at Auburn and enjoyed the best moments of his career here. His offense, in its unbridled form, is extremely productive and fun to watch. Malzahn coaches with an aggressive attitude. He also believes in a strong running game, which has been an Auburn staple through the years. His attention to detail is second to none.
The Bad: His career as a head coach began less than a year ago. The Tigers' offense in 2011 was a mess, though people on the inside insist Malzahn was forced to make changes he didn't want to make half-way through the season. This bizarre video featuring his wife, Kristi, caused controversy after going viral last winter. She is clearly a headcase (and a tad crazy). The spectacle cost Malzahn a shot at the North Carolina and Kansas jobs a year ago. Malzahn prefers to coach football and isn't very interested in meeting with boosters, supporters and fans. His recruiting efforts have been called into question as well.
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