Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Technically, Gus Malzahn has begun operating out of his office at the Arkansas State football complex.

Malzahn has been inside his office. Maybe even made a phone call or two. But he’s still got a little ways to go before it is fully operational.

“I am in the office, I just don’t have any stuff in there,” Malzahn told me while on the road recruiting in south Arkansas. “I’ll get settled soon.”

Malzahn isn’t spending much time in any one place these days. That should come as no surprise considering how hectic the last few weeks have been.

Hired Dec. 14, Malzahn spent two weeks pulling double duty as Red Wolves’ head coach and Auburn offensive coordinator. That meant days spent game planning for the Tigers’ eventual 43-24 victory in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and evenings recruiting for ASU.

Now that his duties with Auburn have ended, Malzahn has thrown himself into recruiting. That includes players and staff for the Red Wolves, who have a chance to win 11 games depending on the outcome of Sunday’s GoDaddy.com Bowl. Kickoff against Northern Illinois is set for 8 p.m.

Malzahn has made three official staff hires: running backs coach/current interim head coach David Gunn, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and defensive coordinator Keith Patterson. More hires are coming soon, but Malzahn wants to “take his time” with finding good fits for the program.

What he’s looking for on a staff are guys a lot like himself, guys who enjoy being part of the building process. It also helps if they value an aggressive on-field product and are committed to the idea of his Hurry-Up No-Huddle offensive approach. All of the public hires and the guys waiting to be announced fit that mold. 

Also crucial is that the staff be able to recruit to Jonesboro. Malzahn said he believes ASU can build on its success this year, and he has plenty of vision to sell for the future.

Getting a full staff in place by Jan. 13 is his goal. ASU will be hosting a number of recruiting prospects on official visits.

There are a number of those players already committed. While looking for more players to fill the class, Malzahn is working to build relationships with the 14 current commitments.

Players who are interested in the building process are very appealing to Malzahn. It’s a crucial component of what he’s looking for, along with their ability to perform on the field and in school.