The rocky tenures of Jay Jacobs and Gus Malzahn have tested the Auburn faithful, through the good times and the bad. Jacobs, who chose Malzahn to replace the much-maligned Gene Chizik in 2012.
Malzahn, first hired as offensive coordinator for the Tigers took the job in 2008 after leading a Tulsa offense to a number one ranking in back-to-back seasons. The Arkansas native, enjoyed success with the Tigers quite early on in his tenure leading the team to a national title appearance in 2013.
Even as offensive coordinator Malzahn was the driving force behind the Tigers national championship win in 2010, guiding the likes of Cameron Newton and Tre’ Mason to spectacular offensive seasons culminating in a BCS trophy at the end of the year. But as of late stagnant records, inconsistent quarterback play, and an ever-changing coaching staff has made life hard for Malzahn in the last 5 years.
The story with Jacobs is a little different, his tenure has been mired in turmoil since his appointment in 2004. Starting from the departure of Jeff Lebo after a rather uninspiring tenure as head coach of the Auburn Men’s Basketball program, which led to the hiring of Tony Barbee who’s stay in Auburn was not absent of controversy either.
Although, the success of the football program in recent years combined with enormous strides in Women’s Basketball, the hiring of Bruce Pearl and unprecedented success in Softball have put Jacobs in a comfortable position at Auburn. But with recent troubles with the Softball program and Men’s Basketball have put Jacobs under a lot of fire.
As the Tigers notch another win this week against a ranked opponent the pressure lays off two men who have been around Auburn Athletics for a long time. Only time will tell if these men can steer clear of controversy by creating a culture that values winning, but also academic success and an environment where each athlete feels included and welcome.
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