In less capable hands, the question could have easily set a coach up for failure. Fortunately, former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn didn’t take the bait.
When asked what the Auburn football program has lacked since his exit after the 2020 season, the recently retired Malzahn chose the high road while still giving hopeful Auburn fans reason for optimism.
“Well, like you just said, I’ve been doing my own thing,” he replied. “I’m just hoping that Coach Golesh gets that thing turned around. I really believe he will.”
Auburn football has struggled since Malzahn was dismissed after eight seasons all of which ended with winning records following the abbreviated COVID season in 2020. Bryan Harsin failed on nearly every front to keep the program afloat, and frankly, didn’t seem to make much effort to meet even basic job expectations during his 21 months in charge.
Gus Malzahn believes Alex Golesh can revive Auburn
Hugh Freeze, a close friend of Malzahn’s, arrived with considerable fanfare, but back-to-back losing seasons and a disappointing 2025 campaign punctuated by a 10-3 loss to a struggling Kentucky team at Jordan-Hare Stadium—marked the end of his tenure on the Plains.
Now, 41-year-old Alex Golesh is tasked with restoring Auburn to what fans believe is its rightful place: competing for championships. Malzahn, who returned to Auburn after retiring this offseason following a one-year stint as Florida State’s offensive coordinator, liked what he saw during the single spring practice he attended even tossing out a classic Malzahn phrase that Auburn supporters (and beat writers) know well.
“They were flying around, and it looked like good old-school Auburn,” Malzahn said.
Practicing with high energy is one thing; translating that into winning seasons is another. Regardless, Malzahn will be rooting for his former team and its new leader to succeed.
“He’s a real football coach. I mean, he’s got a great reputation,” Malzahn said of Golesh. “I know he’s on the right track, and we’ll be cheering really hard for him.”
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