Auburn football: Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn says he's staying put

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn released a statement Monday that suggests he isn’t going anywhere this offseason.

Malzahn’s name had been rumored to be in the mix for the vacant head coaching position at Louisiana Tech.

Multiple reports Monday said he turned down overtures from Parker and Associates, a firm hired by the Bulldogs to help find a coach to replace Derek Dooley, who left Louisiana Tech to be the new head coach at Tennessee.

“My family and I love Auburn and being part of the Auburn family,’’ Malzahn said in a news release from the school. “Coach (Gene) Chizik is an outstanding coach to work for, and Auburn is a great place to be both professionally and personally.

“I’m excited about the future of this program and helping Auburn build on the foundation that coach Chizik has established the last 13 months.”

The 44-year-old Malzahn recently wrapped up his first season on the Plains. The Tigers finished as the 16th-ranked offense in the country, a vast improvement from the 2008 crew that finished 104th.

Chizik dismissed rumors Saturday that Louisiana Tech had contacted Malzahn about the head position, calling it a product of the “rumor mill.”

“My goal is to keep our coaching staff in tact,” Chizik said, reiterating something he said before the Outback Bowl. “We’ve been able to do that and I fully anticipate being able to do that.”