JUST IN: Gus Malzahn Reflects on Coaching Heisman Winner Cam Newton at Auburn

Auburn’s 2010 Season Remains One of the Greatest in Program History, Thanks to Cam Newton’s Impact

The 2010 Auburn football season is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the program’s history, and a significant factor in that success was the incredible performance of quarterback Cam Newton. Newton’s impact on the team was immense, leading the Tigers to their first BCS National Championship in 50 years.

While the team had many talented players that season, including Michael Dyer, Philip Lutzenkirchen, Lee Ziemba, and Nick Fairley, Newton was the driving force behind the team’s success. Under the guidance of then-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Gus Malzahn, Newton cemented his place in both Auburn and college football history.

Malzahn, who served under Gene Chizik during the 2010 season, recently shared his initial impressions of Newton with 247 Sports. “He was a very talented guy,” Malzahn said. “He was very driven, and he was really hungry. He was a blessing to coach. He allowed me to coach him hard, and he really willed us to win. It was a great experience for me to coach a guy like him and watch what he did.”

Newton began his college career at Florida before transferring to Blinn College in Texas and eventually arriving at Auburn prior to the 2010 season. During his one year on the Plains, Newton was a dual threat, accumulating 2,854 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, as well as 1,473 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. He went on to win the Heisman Trophy, solidifying his status as one of the greatest college players of all time.” I think he’s the best college player to ever play one year,” Malzahn said. “I don’t know how anybody can argue against it. Look at what he did. We didn’t have a lot of NFL players on our team, especially on offense, and he led us to a national championship. I’ve been coaching for 30-some years, and he’s the only player that you could feel fear in the defenses out there. And we played real defenses, some of the best out there. You could feel they were scared of him. That should tell it all.”

After the 2010 season, Newton was drafted as the #1 pick by the Carolina Panthers. Malzahn went on to become the head coach at Arkansas State in 2012 before returning to Auburn in 2013. Newton’s impact on the program continues to be felt, and his incredible performance during the 2010 season remains a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication.