Auburn University announced the termination of head football coach Gus Malzahn after eight seasons.
Director of Athletics Allen Greene said "a leadership change for Auburn football" in a news release on Auburn Athletics' official website Sunday, also confirming defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will take over as interim coach for the Tigers' upcoming bowl game.
"After evaluating the state of the Auburn football program, we've decided that it was time to make a change in leadership," Greene said. "We appreciate everything that Gus did for the program over the last eight seasons. We will begin a search immediately for a coach that can help the Auburn program consistently compete at the highest level."
Malzahn led the Tigers to a 68-35 (39-27 SEC) overall record during his eight seasons as head coach, which included an SEC Championship victory, BCS National Championship appearance during his first season, as well as two SEC West titles in 2013 and 2017.
Malzahn had also previously worked as an offensive coordinator at Auburn from 2009-2011, which included the Tigers' undefeated 2010 BCS Championship season that saw quarterback Cam Newton become the third player in school history to win the Heisman Trophy.
Auburn University said Malzahn will be paid under the remainder of his contract. The athletic program will undergo "a national search for his replacement" which "will begin immediately," according to the news release.
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