Minutes after UCF football coach Gus Malzahn opened his introductory press conference, basketball coach Bruce Pearl of Auburn tweeted “BOOM!”
Minutes later, Pearl started his own press conference. Before discussing the next basketball game between Auburn and the state of Mississippi, it took him a minute to explain that “BOOM!” it was in fact a congratulation to his friend Malzahn, instead of a recruitment announcement (Malzahn always tweeted a boom after Auburn received an appointment).
“UCF is hiring a great coach and a better man,” said Pearl. “As much as anyone, I am happy for the student-athletes there, because it will make a difference in their lives. So happy for Gus. “
Pearl was not the only one to express his satisfaction that Malzahn landed in a good place after being fired from Auburn in December 2020. Former Auburn players whom Malzahn coached shared the news on Instagram and Twitter after Malzahn was hired on Monday -market. Some simply shared UCF posts, while others added a message.
Here’s how people reacted:
Daniel Thomas, former Auburn security guard, now Jacksonville Jaguar
Darius Slayton, former Wide Auburn receiver, current receiver of the New York Giants
Roger McCreary, Auburn senior cornerback
McCreary started his first year with Malzahn. He could have declared himself for the NFL Draft, but decided to return to a senior season, despite the change of coach. He quickly retweeted the news about Malzahn’s new job, sharing the video of Malzahn and his wife arriving in Orlando, Florida.
Former linebacker Deshaun Davis also retweeted UCF’s Twitter ad.
Several players shared the UCF welcome post in their Instagram stories. These players include senior running back Shaun Shivers, former wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, second wide receiver Kobe Hudson, second wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson, senior safety Smoke Monday and second-year striker Keiondre Jones. Former defender Devin Adams added a message.
Former Auburn quarterback Devin Adams reacts to news that his former coach Gus Malzahn will take over the UCF football program on Monday, February 15, 2021.
Other players chose to share Malzahn’s photo holding a UCF shirt with his name on it. Players who did this include former safety Jamien Sherwood, junior linebacker Owen Pappoe, former wide receiver Eli Stove, senior linebacker Zakoby McClain and second-year striker Colby Wooden. The sophomore runner, Tank Bigsby, shared a message along with the post.
Auburn’s running back, Tank Bigsby, reacts to the news that his former coach Gus Malzahn will take over the UCF football program on Monday, February 15, 2021.
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