Football Scoop: If Malzahn goes to Arkansas, Auburn may pursue Petrino

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And, yes, there is chatter among coaches that Malzahn may leave Auburn.

Should Auburn lose to Alabama Saturday, there is growing buzz within the profession that Gus might “reset his clock” by taking the Arkansas job. Arkansas closes out their season Friday vs Missouri, following which it is widely expected the University will let Bret Bielema go.

The logic among coaches we’ve spoken states that Gus would be to give himself a fresh 5-year deal with a total contract value likely in the $30 million range (and quite possibly larger)… and that’s before incentives. The Arkansas fan base is more tame than Auburn’s, there is no 365-day-a-year comparison with Alabama, they would be welcoming him back to a state where he has had great success, and he would have a voice in choosing Jeff Long’s replacement as athletics director.

Many in the profession view this is a no-brainer move for him.

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We’re told that Auburn is doing some diligence, preparing for the possibility of Malzahn’s departure, and multiple sources in the profession have relayed that Auburn seems to kicking the tires on Bobby Petrino as a backup plan.

Would Bobby Petrino be willing to make a move after his guy, Tom Jurich just got shown the door? Do we really have to answer that question?

For those wondering, Tom Jurich being let go had the effect of reducing Bobby’s buyout from $8.5 million to $4.25 million. Healthy; but not insurmountable for an SEC heavyweight.

This isn’t to say that Petrino is locked in as the next man up should Gus leave; but it is interesting to hear from sources in the profession that Auburn is already making inquiries.

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