COMMENTARY: Return Gus Bus

Long Must Gauge Interest

Monday, November 19, 2012

The elections are over, but the endorsements are not.

So, today, I am supporting as the next head football coach for the University of Arkansas the man who led Hughes High School to the Class AA state championship game in 1994. He’s also the man who turned Shiloh Christian into a small-school power and the man who led the best team in Arkansas history to a 14-0 record at Springdale in 2005.

So, what’s not to like about Gus Malzahn, who owns a national championship ring from Auburn and has guided Arkansas State to an 8-3 record this season that includes a current six-game winning streak? Malzahn may look like an eighth-grade math teacher, but he is an offensive innovator who excites football fans with his fast-paced brand of football wherever he goes.

Plus, Malzahn is also high character guy who treats people with respect, two traits that have sometimes been lacking around the Broyles Complex.

It is offensive to me to hear suggestions from some fans who say Arkansas should stash Malzahn away while the Razorbacks hire a more experienced or name-brand head coach. As if Malzahn would come running whenever they snap their fingers.

What arrogance.

That attitude reminds me of the day Malzahn was hired as offensive coordinator at Arkansas, when at least a couple of assistant coaches couldn’t hide their disbelief that a high school coach was about to join their ranks. I was there and saw the reaction.

Those worried about Malzahn’s young staff at ASU should remember that his defensive coordinator is John Thompson, who has worked as defensive coordinator or co-coordinator at Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina and LSU.

If Arkansas doesn’t grab Malzahn now, there’s a possibility he could land another head coaching job in the SEC and start a career of beating the Razorbacks on a regular basis. But there’s also a chance Malzahn wouldn’t even want the Arkansas job, especially after the mess that unfolded in the one year he was with the Razorbacks.

Malzahn may be content to remain in Jonesboro and continue his goal of transforming Arkansas State into the “Boise State of the South.” There’s an avenue now with a playoff format that will include champions from a group of smaller conferences like the Sun Belt.

Besides, if the Republicans can take over majority control of the state House for the first time in 138 years, then maybe there’s finally room to support two Division 1 programs in the state.

Still, you’ve got to make the call to gauge Malzahn’s interest.

Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long did the right thing by firing Bobby Petrino last spring and it is my hope that he brings Malzahn back to campus as the next head coach of the Razorbacks.

It’s your call, Jeff. The Gus bus is gassed up and ready to roll.

RICK FIRES IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR NWA NEWSPAPERS.