Gus Malzahn has extremely high hopes for what Will Muschamp (right) can do with Auburn’s defense. (AP photo)
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn started SEC Media Days with a flourish.
Malzahn, the first of the SEC’s 14 coaches to speak to the world’s media this week, either put added pressure or a whammy on new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp on Monday.
AJC UGA reporter Seth Emerson reported that, Malzahn said Muschamp is “the best defensive mind in all of football. Not just college football.”
Sorry Nick Saban.
And if including the NFL, which appears Malzahn is, then sorry to you, Bill Belichick.
The Tigers were 10th in the SEC in scoring defense, ninth in total defense and 13th against the pass. They gave up 630 yards and 55 points in the Iron Bowl.
Malzahn promptly dumped former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson after the Tigers gave up at least 30 points in the final six SEC games this season, the worst stretch in school history.
Malzahn also likes Auburn’s chances of winning the SEC West this year.
