Josh Moon of the Montgomery (Ala.) Reporter is reporting that a group of high-powered Auburn boosters are working on a plan to get Malzahn out, as they’ve identified a top head coach to potentially replace him.
Turns out, Gus Malzahn's job at Auburn isn't nearly as safe as once thought. There is a serious movement among high-powered officials at AU to fire him. To the point that a replacement has been identified and initial meetings held to gauge interest. Happy, Monday.
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
To add more details re: AU/Malzahn: What I have been told comes from sources who have participated in these conversations. The buyout can be covered. But to front that sort of money, those involved want a "top-level" coach locked in place. /1
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
Those conversations with such a candidate began at least two weeks ago. The candidate in question was at the top of the list. He was surprisingly receptive to AU's inquiries and made it clear he would be interested in coming to AU for the right, Jimbo Fisher-type offer. /2
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
At that point, work began in earnest behind the scenes to build support for the change and get university officials on board. Or to at least make them shut up. So, now we wait to see if a deal gets ironed out. But the right people are involved and motivated. /F
— Josh Moon (@Josh_Moon) November 26, 2018
Football Scoop added this to their report:
FootballScoop was told that people representing Auburn met with Bob Stoops a few weeks back….