ComcastSportsNet of Washington reported Tuesday that Malzahn has interviewed for the job, along with SMU coach June Jones and former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach.
“To the best of my knowledge, there are possibilities of contact,” Chizik said Tuesday night following Auburn’s practice for its Jan. 10 BCS national championship game against Oregon. “I have not talked to anybody personally, but there are possibilities of contact in there.
“I can’t give any details because I don’t have any. When I know something I’ll let you know.”
Malzahn, who is in his second season as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator, recently withdrew his name from consideration for the vacant head coaching job at Vanderbilt and was given a raise and a contract extension at Auburn.
Malzahn was not available for comment on Tuesday.
• Academic issues unresolved: Chizik said there are still some questions regarding players and their academic eligibility for the championship game.
“Academically there are still a couple issues that we’re working through,” Chizik said. “We’ll continue to do that. If the roster changes, we’re not going into detail about anybody, if the roster changes at that point in time we’ll let you know.”
• Keeping up with the Ducks: Auburn has been using a fast-tempo drill at the end of practice to simulate Oregon’s offense.
Chizik said it has been doubly beneficial.
“I think it helps,” he said. “I think the tempo drill we do at the end of practice is very worthy. Again it’s probably a little bit over the edge in terms of quickness, but it’s good for both sides of the ball. Offensively, when it’s time for us to be in that tempo, we can’t get enough of that. Defensively, we can’t get enough of it because we know it’s going to be like that the whole game. Really, it’s all about getting aligned, getting the ball, and getting the alignment.”
• Many happy returns: Chizik turned 49 on Tuesday.
A reporter jokingly asked about his birthday plans and if the press were invited.
“It depends on how many of you brought gifts and where the party’s at,” Chizik said.
— Charles Bennett
