Gus Malzahn Preps To Take Charge Of ASU Football Program

It may be the worst kept secret in Arkansas.

Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is expected to be introduced as the new head football coach at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro on Tuesday. Malzahn, 46, will replace Hugh Freeze, who was hired as the Ole Miss football coach last week.

Malzahn is no stranger to Arkansas. He is a former offensive coordinator for the Razorbacks during a tumultuous two-year stint with former head coach Houston Nutt. Malzahn also coached at Hughes High School and Springdale High School.

David Raath, sports director with our content partner, Fox 16 News, says the ASU contract is for six years and $750,000 annually with a $2 million buyout. Malzahn currently makes around $1.3 million in his position at Auburn, but did not have the job security of the six-year deal.

ASU is coming off a 10-2 season, one of the winningest years in the school’s program. The university will play in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in January.

The high-profile coaching catch also renewed interest in a potential University of Arkansas versus Arkansas State University in-state rivalry. While UA officials have long been against the match-up, sports fans and state legislators were quick to chime in on their Twitter accounts last night.

State Sen. Missy Irvin (R-Mountain View) called it an “interesting proposal” and noted that other states have passed legislation requiring in-state colleges to play one another.

“[It] would definitely sell tickets! Must see TV, good for the economy, good for both schools, good for War Memorial… I’m intrigued,” Irvin noted.