Despite finishing in last place in the SEC West when many were predicting the Auburn Tigers to win the SEC heading into the 2015 season, head coach Gus Malzahn has not allowed the disappointing season to lower his enthusiasm for Auburn’s bright future.

Following the 7-6 record of last season, with a 2-6 SEC record, Malzahn finds himself on a warm seat with fans demanding a turnaround. It was only last summer Malzahn was regarded as one of the best coaches in the SEC. It’s possible Malzahn set the bar too high for himself, as he led Auburn all the way to the last BCS National Championship Game in his first season as the school’s head coach in 2013.

Putting last year behind him, Malzahn is eager to return to the field for his fourth season as head coach as the Tigers kickoff the season with one of the most anticipated opening games in recent Auburn history, as the Tigers host Clemson Sept. 3.

“One of the top teams in the country coming here to play on our home field,” Malzahn told the school’s official home page. “I know our guys are excited about it.”

Looking beyond just the excitement of the 2016 season opener, Malzahn strongly believes his program is still headed in the right direction.

“It’d be a great time to come to Auburn. I really believe these next three or four years are fixing to be of our best years we’ve had,” Malzahn said. “The way everything is set up with our staff and with our players, it’s going to be really exciting. Our players are doing wonderful in the classroom, off the field, and had a great spring.”

Righting the ship on the Plains will involve a quick offensive turnaround with an unproven quarterback. Given Malzahn’s background as an offensive mastermind, last season’s results were especially troubling for Auburn fans.

The Tigers finished 2015 ranked No. 8 in the SEC in scoring offense (27.5 ppg), No. 10 in the SEC in total offense (370 ypg) and No. 12 in the SEC is passing offense (174 ypg).

Being unsettled at quarterback was the main factor in the poor offensive numbers last season, as a solution never materialized under center. The spring failed to provide any clear answers at quarterback and now the team heads into summer with three players vying for the starting role – senior Jeremy Johnson, redshirt sophomore Sean White and junior John Franklin III.

Despite the uncertainty, Malzahn likes his options at quarterback.

“I think we’re in a good spot, quarterback-wise,” Malzahn said. “All three of the guys really improved. John Franklin’s learning the offense, but he’s got a lot of talent. Jeremy and Sean both improved. I think we’re in a good spot with that position.”

While he may like all three players, if Malzahn fails to make the right selection, he may not be around much longer to realize the potential of the roster on Auburn’s campus.