We're not here to overreact about the Auburn Tigers' dispiriting 27-19 loss to Ole Miss at home on Saturday, but we are realists and understand the nature of college football as a business. Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn should have fantastic job security right now, but with this being the latest chapter in what has been a complete 2015 season disaster, it appears Malzahn is moving himself closer and closer to the hot seat. With that being said, here's 3 Reasons Why Gus Malzahn Could Be On The Hot Seat At The End Of This Year:
3) No Lack of Talent
This Auburn team was picked to win the SEC at the beginning of the year, but instead they've posted a measly 4-4 record and a 1-4 mark in conference play - good enough for last place in the SEC West. We know Auburn has the talent to be much better than this. We saw it during last year's successful season when the Tigers were ranked as high No. 3. They are constantly recruiting with the best SEC teams, so Auburn has the players to be among the SEC's best. If the players aren't to blame, than the responsibility falls on the coaching staff and Malzahn.
2) Offensive Struggles
Malzahn is supposed to be an offensive mastermind, but that hasn't been the case this season. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson had sky-high expectations, but failed to live up to those and was benched for redshirt freshman Sean White, who has been only slightly better. Auburn has failed to top 28 points four times this season, which simply can't happen to a team built to win with its offense. The offensive issues fall squarely on Malzahn. Given the Tigers' offensive struggles, perhaps he simply isn't that great of a coach without Cam Newton.
1) Lack of Wins
Malzahn is less than two years removed from a BCS National Championship appearance, but he has failed to produce enough wins recently. In his last 13 games, Malzahn had posted a 5-8 record at Auburn. That includes a woeful 1-7 mark against SEC opponents. That's not much better than what Gene Chizik posted in his final year with Auburn. Making matters worse for Malzahn is that the schedule doesn't get much better. While a game against Idaho should be an easy win, games against Georgia, Alabama and Texas A&M won't be easy. Auburn will likely be the underdog in each of those games. There is a real chance Auburn will post a 5-7 record this year. If that happens, Malzahn's seat will be hotter than it already is.