The coach of the year awards just keep coming for first-year head coach Gus Malzahn.
On Monday Malzahn was named AP College Coach of the Year after taking his Auburn team from a program worst 3-9 season in 2012 to playing for the BCS National Championship against No. 1 Florida State in 2013.
"It's a real tribute to our players that they've bonded together," Malzahn said. "They've done everything our coaches have asked, and I think the No. 1 thing is we developed good relationships with our players. We trust our players, the players trust our coaches and we've got each others' backs."
Malzahn is the second Auburn coach to be named AP Coach of the Year. The first was Tommy Tuberville in 2004.
Malzahn has also been awarded several other coach of the year awards including Home Depot Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year and SEC Coach of the Year.
"It's a true blessing," Malzahn said. "It's a tribute to our assistant coaches, which have done a wonderful job, and to our players. When you win, you get awards, and anytime you get a head coaching award it's a group thing."
Malzahn will not take much time to reflect on his individual accomplishments as he will have his focus on playing Florida State in the BCS National Championship game on Jan. 6 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
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