Malzahn feeling refreshed after giving up play-calling
It helps that Auburn hasn't lost a game in more than a month, but that's not what has head coach Gus Malzahn looking more relaxed these days.
Three weeks ago, Malzahn - then thought to be on the hottest of hot seats - gave up play-calling duties. It's led to a tamer version of the 50-year-old coach, and he's not the only one who's noticed.
"My wife says I look more calm," Malzahn told Brandon Marcello of 247 Sports. "I thought I looked more calm. I feel more calm. I will get fired up every now and then though. That's okay though; there's nothing wrong with that."
The Tigers are 3-0 since Malzahn ceded the calls to offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, and Malzahn's been able to step back and enjoy the ride.
"I see things differently now, kind of like I said before," the fourth-year boss said. "Like I said, it's been refreshing from my standpoint, and at the same time, Rhett and the rest of the offensive staff, they've raised their level, they've done a very good job. We're going in the right direction and I feel very good about the rest of the season the way we’ve been doing it."
Malzahn will do his best to keep calm and carry on Saturday, when his 21st-ranked Tigers put their 4-2 record on the line against No. 17 Arkansas.