Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

There’s much speculation over what impact a heavily edited video of Kristi Malzahn’s appearance at a Northwest Arkansas speaking engagement might have had on her husband’s job prospects. An Alabama fan and sports agent picked pieces of the appearance in front of an audience heavy on family and friends — one Kristi Malzahn was unaware was being filmed — and apparently put it together in a less than favorable light (For the record: I’ve yet to watch it. Have no plans to watch it, though I'm aware of the content and why it caused an uproar.)

Did the video hurt Gus Malzahn’s chances of landing a job at a bigger school? Malzahn, the new coach at Arkansas State, is much more interested in discussing the positive impact his wife has had on his career.

Malzahn, who is wrapping up his time as Auburn offensive coordinator in the Dec. 31 Chick-fil-A Bowl, acknowledged the last month (since the video surfaced) has been difficult on his family. But he used Wednesday’s introductory press conference and a few moments chatting with me afterward to praise his wife.

“College football, you’re in the limelight. There’s good that goes with that. There’s bad that goes with that,” Malzahn said. “I’ve got a wonderful wife. I’ve got wonderful daughters. It’s tough being a coach’s wife. It’s tough being a coach’s daughter. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without my wife. She’s a big part of what I’ve done.”

At a time when plenty of folks are piling on, I'll refrain. Certainly, the spotlight at a place like Auburn shines brighter than most folks could imagine.