Gus Malzahn - OC ?

OK, here's a name for you as OC if we end up needing one. FYI - and I am including some background for those that don't know his name yet - many Hog fans want him back as head coach if they can't get Tubby. Although rumor is he is in running for the Houston HC gig. IMO, he is not ready for HC at this level yet (only 2 years removed from HS coaching), but under the right tutelage for 2-4 years he will be a very good one. Here goes -

1. His last two HS teams destroyed Evangel and Jenks, OK in their games and he had the Gatorade POY, Mitch Mustain at QB. SHS went something like 25-1 his last two years
2. His first year as UA OC was marred by serious conflict with Nutt & crew at UA and his offense was hamstrung by Nutt. Despite that, they were very productive and he was voted Rivals OC of the Year in 2006.
3. Moved to Tulsa (after Nutt shafted him) as OC and Asst HC. Had a returning QB, one WR, and lost their top RB before the season to injury. Despite this, Tulsa is 1st in the nation in total offense this year. I know it's against USA, but he's doing it with sub-par USA talent also. Watch them Saturday vs UCF for a look at his offense.
4. Despite his spread offense style, his teams (until this year) ran the ball very well. In HS, over 50% of yardage was rushing, while at UA it was more like 60% rushing. This year it's more like 33% due to injuries and playing freshmen.
5. At UA, he is the one who installed the "Wilcat/Wildhog" package to take advantage of McFadden's abilities and to counteract no QB after Nutt benched Mustain. He took what Nutt let him use (less and less passing as the year went along) and made the most of it with innovation and play calling. Very, very good at the play calling part, and don't think for a minute he was calling the plays late in our game last year.
6. Comments by players and observers at UA said his practices were the most organized and attentive to detail they had ever seen, even at the SEC level.

Anyway, the guy is very innovative, creative, and organized. Does a great job at game planning and play calling and will adapt the offense to its personnel strengths - and produces outstanding results. Exceptional at using formation, motion, and misdirection to create mismatches on defense. As I said, he needs a little seasoning to be a HC in the SEC, but would be a great OC, especially under someone like SOS or JDR.