Former Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn Returns as Resource During Spring Scrimmage

Current head coach Alex Golesh welcomes Malzahn's expertise and experience as the Tigers continue preparations for the upcoming season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angled view of a football practice, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the energy and intensity of the session.Former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn's return to the practice field signals a valuable resource for the Tigers as they prepare for the upcoming season.Auburn Today

Former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn attended the Tigers' latest spring scrimmage on Tuesday, with current head coach Alex Golesh welcoming Malzahn's presence and expertise. Golesh said he has been trying to get Malzahn to practice this spring, and is grateful to have the former coach's wealth of knowledge and support as Auburn builds towards the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Malzahn's return to Auburn's practice field is significant, as he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his time as the Tigers' head coach from 2013 to 2020. Golesh sees Malzahn's involvement as a valuable resource that can help guide Auburn's program as it looks to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season.

The details

Golesh said he has reached out to every former Auburn coach who is willing to help and provide their perspective, believing there is value in their experience. Malzahn's presence carries extra weight due to his deep ties to the program and the level of football knowledge he brings. Golesh even joked about Malzahn's new lifestyle, splitting time between the lake and his home, but the bigger takeaway was how much Auburn still means to the former head coach.

  • Gus Malzahn attended his first spring practice with the Auburn Tigers on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Alex Golesh

The current head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team.

Gus Malzahn

The former head coach of the Auburn Tigers football team, who won 105 career games, including 68 at Auburn from 2013 through 2020.

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What they’re saying

“First, Coach Malzahn came out. That was his first one this spring. I've been trying to get him here. He's moving back and will be a huge resource for me and super grateful for him and Kristi and the support that they've shown. Super grateful to have a wealth of knowledge here and a guy that cares about Auburn so dearly.”

— Alex Golesh, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers

“I really met him when he was at UCF and I was at USF, and you inevitably run into each other in recruiting and clinics and all that. USF, UCF, you're supposed to hate each other. So we wouldn't talk in public or anything, but I've always respected him.”

— Alex Golesh, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers

“For me, I got no ego in this thing, man. If there's somebody that's been there, done that and had success, I am all ears. I just asked him for his notes from the scrimmage.”

— Alex Golesh, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers

“I'm telling you, he loves this place. This place, however it all shook out, he is so grateful for what this place meant to him and still does.”

— Alex Golesh, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers

What’s next

Golesh plans to continue utilizing Malzahn's expertise and experience throughout the remainder of Auburn's spring practice sessions as the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Golesh's willingness to embrace Malzahn's knowledge and input, despite their previous rivalry as AAC coaches, demonstrates a humble and open-minded approach that could pay dividends for the Auburn program as it looks to rebound from a difficult 2022 campaign.