Bo Nix never had a bigger fan than Gus Malzahn.
The two have been connected at the hip since Nix started as his first season on The Plains back in 2019. If you remember the offseason before Nix was named Auburn’s starter during 2019’s training camp, the Tigers had some options under center in upperclassman Malik Willis and former high school All-American Joey Gatewood.
After competing with Nix, both signal-callers eventually departed Malzahn’s program.
Willis is currently thriving for Hugh Freeze at Liberty while Gatewood plays for Mark Stoops at Kentucky.
Considering the hype surrounding Nix coming out of high school and his sensational debut, which included a game-winning pass against Oregon in his first career start, the lack of progress from Auburn’s quarterback in 2020 likely played a part in Malzahn’s firing on The Plains this weekend.
Either way, it’s clear the two have a very tight bond and Auburn’s quarterback has to be disappointed to see his coach leave the program.
Following the news, Nix issued the following statement on Auburn’s decision:
“Coach Malzahn, thank you for believing in your players and giving all of us a chance to live out our goals and dreams. You are a great representation of an Auburn man, and it was an honor to play under your leadership! The Lord has used you to influence the lives of so many, and your relationship with him has been on full display. Thank you for your investment in me, this program, and Auburn University.”
Here is Nix’s Instagram post following Malzahn’s dismissal at Auburn:
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A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
