Refreshing Coach search story (not SMU)

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:04 pm

Listened to the press conference today introducing Gus Malzahn to the Arkansas State fans and media. The AD told the story of the sequence of events. Seems last week (Thursday I believe) the AD received a call at home. "Dr. Lee, this is Gus Malzahn." "Hi, Gus, you ready to come back to Arkansas?" "Well, I just might be." From there the conversation began. No agents, no tweets, no emails. No one knew except the AD, Malzahn, and Malzahn's wife. Friday they decided to meet for face to face. The AD asked permission to tell his wife so she would know what he was doing. Then the AD drove 14 hours from Jonesboro to Auburn and met with Malzahn. Saturday evening he told Gus that he would sleep in his car in the driveway if it would help convince Gus that ASU was the place for him. Saturday night the AD started home and drove all night getting back at 5:45am. They talked on the phone on Sunday and on Monday the AD asked if he could inform the President of the dealings. Needless to say the President was delighted. 8:15 last night the deal was signed.

Gus said he always said he would be a college head coach at the right place and time and that this was it. Looks like one of his hires will be the coach from Pulaski Academy. This is the top rated school in Arkansas high school football overall. This is the coach and team that does not believe in punting. The will go for it on 4th down even if they are inside their own 5 yard line, and they usually make it. Have not lost a game in a long time. There should be some exciting football in Jonesboro.

One of the things they are hoping for is an invitation to CUSA and I think they have made a great strice towards being considered.

Sorry for the long post about another school but I thought it might be a good story after some of the sleaze that has been going on in coaching changes across the country.

Charleston Pony · Post by **Charleston Pony** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:11 pm

CUSA might come out pretty well if they add ARK ST and LA TECH but I wonder what the arrangement with MWC is going to do to affect their plans. I would think 9 members is a good number if you are going to play a championship game against the MWC winner

redpony · Post by **redpony** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:32 pm

mrydel- great story- thanks for posting. Hope Malzahn does well at ASU.

GO PONIES!!!

RGV Pony · Post by **RGV Pony** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:09 pm

Wonder if kiehl frazier transfers ?

SMU Football Blog · Post by **SMU Football Blog** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:13 pm

Wish they had gone with the name "engines."

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:20 pm

RGV Pony wrote:Wonder if kiehl frazier transfers ?

Heard a report the other day, just before the Malzahn announcement that Frazier was being groomed to start next year at Auburn. I do not think he will leave, but I did not think Malzahn to ASU either. I think Arkie State has a very good QB that should allow them to win the Sunbelt again pretty easily next year.

All everyone could talk about was how dejected everyone was in Arkie State land about losing Freeze and having no one to pick up the torch and continue them forward. Now they all openly admit that they have someone who not even the wildest dreamers expected they could ever get to their school.

This is what I am hoping for us. Lets get some even better coaches than those who leave. Lets get better recruiters than those who leave. Lets improve faster and better than we could have imagined.

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:22 pm

SMU Football Blog wrote:Wish they had gone with the name "engines."

Would have been the greatest mascot change ever.

Mustang75 · Post by **Mustang75** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:31 pm

Great story mrydel. Kinda like the last girl at The Stables at 11:45 pm in the 70's. Willing to learn. I am now a BIG fan of Gus!!!

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:37 pm

Mustang75 wrote:Great story mrydel. Kinda like the last girl at The Stables at 11:45 pm in the 70's. Willing to learn. I am now a BIG fan of Gus!!!

There is a fond memory.

Mustang75 · Post by **Mustang75** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:44 pm

No kidding!

Charleston Pony · Post by **Charleston Pony** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:32 pm

seems they are all bailing out at Auburn...and taking pay cuts. Hammer about to come down???