Former Auburn HC footballer Gus Malzahn is coming off a better first season in Orlando than his last season in the Plains, so it might not be fair to say he yearns for what once was.
Especially with UCF set to join the Big 12 in 2023.
That said, Malzahn’s social media activity seems to indicate that Auburn is at least on his mind. In the past four days, three of his four tweets have been about the Tigers.
He didn’t comment on the football schedule (and won’t), but he did comment on his friend Butch Thompson’s baseball schedule making their second College World Series in four seasons – one of which included the 2020 season. suspended:
Congratulations to my friend @3strikes_AU to once again lead his team to the College World Series! Highligths!! https://t.co/WgD96d7TQ7
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) June 14, 2022
And then he congratulated his other friend, departing Auburn Track and Field HC Ralph Spry, on his retirement:
Congratulations to my friend @CoachRalphSpry to his retirement! It was an honor to work with you. Great coach and even better person!! https://t.co/I9lODFlLEn
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) June 16, 2022
Then, and that’s how you know there’s nostalgia at work here, Malzahn answered Paul Finebaum’s question, “What’s the best college football game you’ve seen in person? “, With the Iron Bowl 2013:
Kick Six https://t.co/sWSUuL1iyw
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) June 16, 2022
Could Gus Malzahn return to become Auburn football HC again?
Kobe Hudson said earlier in the offseason that he would return to Auburn if Gus Malzahn did:
Kobe Hudson: “Gus (Malzahn) is coming back, I’m going to be on the first bus to Auburn.”
— Christian Clement (@CClemente247) February 4, 2022
Does that mean Malzahn will jump at the first opportunity to return if the Bryan Harsin era crumbles and burns in the years to come? Probably not. Malzahn has posted extensively about his love for Orlando, most recently posting a photo of himself with a group of UCF players and Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony:
Orlando against everyone!!
What a great time with some of our guys and @The_ColeAnthony at @DisneyParks!! pic.twitter.com/aaHimbZVqB
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) June 16, 2022
Being mandated to appear multiple times at Disney World and hang out with Disney adults because you’re one of Orlando’s most notable figures naturally makes the Plains miss you.