Gus Malzahn was hired as the head coach of the Auburn football team December 4, 2012 in the wake of former coach Gene Chizik's 3-9 (0-8 SEC) season and subsequent firing.
Malzahn brings his familiarity with the Auburn football program to the University along with his fast-paced offensive style that played a large part of Auburn winning the national championship in 2012.
Malzahn hired most of his staff, including Rodney Garner, Ellis Johnson, Rhett Lashlee, J.B Grimes and Dameyune Craig, by January 4.
Numerous coaches that Malzahn hired were recruiting coordinators at their former schools: Dameyune Craig was Florida State's recruiting coordinator, Rodney Garner was Georgia's and Tim Horton previously recruited for Arkansas.
Almost all of the on-the-field coaches are nationally celebrated recruiters which played a large part in the Tigers signing such a strong class in 2013 on a short time frame.
National Signing Day Wednesday, Feb. 6 saw Malzahn and his staff secure a recruiting class that was ranked 11th by some and as high as 8th by Rivals.com.
The class included top defensive line prospects Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams. Jeremy Johnson, Tony Stephens and Jason Smith also added to the power of the recruiting class.
It has been speculated that some of the top recruits from the class will likely see playing time for a team that desperately needs playmakers, especially on defense.
Adams and Lawson will likely make a large difference on the defensive end of the football as both have the ability to rush the passer and stop the run.
Spring practice began Wednesday, March 27 and was scheduled to end with the A-Day game Saturday, April 20, but since Malzahn recently postponed two practices, those will be made up after the spring game.
Because of this, the Tigers will be the last team in the SEC to complete their spring practices.
For a team that has been learning new offensive and defensive schemes this spring, extra time between practices can certainly be positive.
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