Source: Malzahn agrees to 7-year deal with Auburn
Gus Malzahn is staying at Auburn, putting an end to the questions about his future.
The Tigers football coach has agreed to a new seven-year deal to remain at the school after a strong late-season rebound, said a person with knowledge of the situation.
Complete financial details were not immediately available but the person said Malzahn will make more than $7 million in the final year of the contract. The person spoke with The Associated Press Sunday on condition of anonymity because Auburn had not announced the new deal.
Malzahn led the Tigers into the Southeastern Conference championship game but had faced repeated questions about whether he was interested in the vacant Arkansas job in his home state. No. 7 Auburn (10-3) will face No. 12 UCF (12-0) in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1.
“I’m planning on being at Auburn,” Malzahn said earlier Sunday, declining to address contract negotiations or the Arkansas job. A Peach Bowl official eventually cut off questions unrelated to the game.
The coach received a oneyear extension but no raise after last season. He was making about $4.725 million annually in a deal running through 2020.
The new deal was first reported by 247Sports.
Georgia LB Patrick facing another marijuana charge
Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana charge, his second of the season and third of his career, hours after starting in the Bulldogs’ Southeastern Conference championship game win over Auburn.
Barrow County Sheriff
Jud Smith told the Athens Banner-Herald that Patrick was charged with possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana.
Patrick, a junior, was suspended four games after he was arrested on Oct. 5 in Athens on a misdemeanor marijuana charge. He also had a marijuana arrest in 2015. With three violations of Georgia’s drug policy, Patrick could be dismissed from the team.
Authorities said Patrick was a passenger in a car pulled over late Saturday that was driven by Georgia backup wide receiver Jayson Stanley, who was charged with speeding and possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana.