Toomer's Block Party
Auburn head football coach Gus Malzahn talks during the Toomer's Corner Block Party and tree dedication after the A-Day game Saturday, April 18, 2015, in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)
Gus Malzahn
has often batted down talk of the NFL, but he's never explained why a job in the pros does not interest him.
Until now.
The third-year Auburn coach, whose name was
, has a simple explanation as to why the idea of coaching in the NFL doesn't entice him like it may other college coaches.
"To me, that's business," Malzahn told AL.com. "There's a line separation. That's business. I like the daily contact with an individual, working with them to help them reach our goals and dreams within our team -- and individually. That feeling. That goes all the way back to high school and now I've just got them a couple years older, but it still feels the same. I love high school football, I love college football. They're really close."
Malzahn has often identified himself as a high school and college coach at heart, but
Chip Kelly
's success with the Philadelphia Eagles could open the door for more uptempo coaches in the league.
Malzahn grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan and considers
Tom Landry
one of his favorite coaches, but he's not interested in making a jump during his career.
"It's a business," he repeated. "I like the purity of the game."
.