Malzahn Finally Admits True Feelings for Razorback Football Program

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Gus Malzahn, a closet Razorback fan? It's absolutely true and he doesn't have to hide his pride in his home state school anymore.

Malzahn was recently on a podcast called 'Coaches and The Mouth' at the Arkansas Football Coaches Association meeting. The show is hosted by former Fort Smith Southside coaching great Jeff Williams and former Hogs offensive lineman Brey Cook.

When BCS National Championship winning coach Gene Chizik was fired at Auburn following a 3-9 season in 2012, former TIgers offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn (2008-11), was hired away from Arkansas State. Being an Arkansas native, that meant playing his old school every year in SEC Western Division play, which also meant he couldn't openly cheer for his Razorbacks.

"My dream was to play for the Hogs, you know," Malzahn said. "I walked on and that was a big deal. You go to Auburn and it's a rival. And, I'm a closet Hog fan. I root for them like every other time we don't play and we have to play them. You find out who you're friends are, I'll tell you that. We beat [Arkansas] and they don't talk to me for a month. Now, I'm just so glad I can root for the Hogs and don't have to play them."

Before Malzahn's arrival in The Plains, the Tigers held a very close series edge at 12-10-1 over the Razorbacks. Beating Arkansas is something he was quite good at, winning seven of eight meetings. The majority of games weren't close either as Auburn won by an average margin of 25 points, 359-156. 

Not only was Malzahn considered a traitor toward his state, but he whipped the Hogs' backside seemingly every single year. Luckily, coaching is a business and relationships aren't broken off due to success.

Former Razorback quarterback KJ Jefferson transferred to UCF following the 2023 season. The Sardis, Mississippi native became Arkansas' all-time record leader in nearly every quarterback statistical category. Now, he will hope to recapture his old form from 2021-22 when he was one of college football's most dangerous quarterbacks.

"We are so close to kicking the door down [at UCF]," Malzahn said. "Of course we got KJ Jefferson. We are real excited about getting him. I think that's a game changer. A perfect fit for what we like to do offensively."

Jefferson was a great fit for the fast paced Kendal Briles' offense where he was utilized heavily in the run and pass game for the Razorbacks. He helped lead Arkansas to 16 wins during that time period, making incredible plays weekly. He continued to make highlight plays periodically during 2023's 4-8 campaign. 

The 6-4, 250 pound passer was all the rage following a 26-20 loss to Alabama when he shook off Crimson Tide defenders like they were "gnats on a cow's ass," according to Nick Saban. Malzahn was so amazed by Jefferson's ability to take hits and stay upright that he had to make a play on him in the transfer portal.

"I hadn't [seen anything like that] either," Malzahn said. "And I coached Cam Newton. I had to rewind that about three or four times. 'Did I see that right?'"

During every Arkansas coaching search over the 12 years the top name on most coaching boards is Gus Malzahn. A former player under Ken Hatfield and offensive coordinator under Houston Nutt in 2006, the Natural State high school coaching icon is either loved or despised by Razorback fans. It appears he wants to be in the good graces of the fanbase for his pair of takes during the podcast trailer.

Malzahn playing the Jimmy Sexton agent game allowed his camp to use Arkansas as leverage many times over the years. At least three times 2013, 2017 and 2019, the Razorbacks reportedly reached out to the former Auburn coach while Sexton found ways get his client an extension and raise.

Although the episode hasn't been released to the public yet, a teaser video was posted to their Twitter account promoting the Malzahn interview.