Malzahn On OL Coach Herb Hand: 'Already Finishing Each Other's Sentences'

A past working relationship between Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand has made the transition easy this offseason as Hand takes over as head of the offensive line.

With the turnover in the Auburn coaching staff the last few years, one would expect that a learning curve would have to take place between head coach Gus Malzahn and a new assistant. When it comes to new offensive line coach Herb Hand, though, it is just like old times.

The two coaches worked together in Tulsa from 2007-08, where Malzahn served as the assistant offensive coordinator and quarterback coach under Todd Graham. Now reunited in Auburn, the two didn’t miss a beat when it comes to working together.

“It was probably the first week and we were already finishing each other’s sentences,” Malzahn said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “We kind of think alike as far as football goes even though we are completely different people. I think we complement each other well.”

Dec 30, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn enters Legion Field prior to the Birmingham Bowl against Memphis Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Two different people, you say? That is an understatement. While the normally reserved Malzahn keeps quiet except for the occasional “BOOM!” on Twitter, Hand has made his name known as a funny and thoughtful user of the social media app. Hand, while an assistant at Penn State in 2014, even appeared on the Food Network show “Chopped.” I’m just going to assume Malzahn has never sent an audition tape into a reality show in his life.

Hand also brings a lot of experience to the offensive line, a unit that will have to pave the way for running back Kerryon Johnson and protect Sean White this season.

“Herb is a very smart guy,” Malzahn said. “He can work under pressure. He’s been a really good addition to our staff.”

Malzahn is not the only person on the Auburn staff that knew Hand before his arrival this offseason, as offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, Malzahn’s protégé, has a past with him as well.

“The fact that he and Rhett already had a previous relationship has made things very comfortable with that transition,” Malzahn said.

For now, it seems that this year’s coaching staff tend to work better together than last year. Let’s just hope this transfers to the field, and another turnover of assistants does not happen this upcoming offseason.