Gus Malzahn is leaving Auburn with his head held high, his chest out and his pockets overflowing.
Auburn fired Malzahn on Sunday, ending a relationship that stretches back to 2009 and includes some of the highest highs in Tiger football history. Malzahn arrived from Tulsa after the 2008 season and, in less than two years, became an integral figure in the best season in Auburn football lore -- a Heisman for Cam Newton and a national championship for the team.
He returned as head coach in 2013 and nearly repeated the act, leading Auburn to an SEC championship, one of the most triumphant wins in college football history, and within a breath of the final BCS national championship. The seven years that follow didn't see any SEC titles, but Auburn did win the SEC West in 2017 and never missed a bowl game under Malzahn's leadership.
After taking 24 hours to process everything, on Monday Malzahn exited the Auburn job with a series of thank yous -- to his players, to his bosses, to the Auburn Family.
Auburn is one of the most difficult "good" jobs in the country, and for Gus to last as long as he did with Alabama operating at full capacity and with LSU and Georgia among the national elite as well is an accomplishment.
He'll leave the Plains with the satisfaction he ran the race well.... and that a $10+ million check is heading his way by the middle of next month.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.