Newly hired Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn speaks during a Dec. 4, 2012, new conference in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Todd J. Van Emst)By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Bo Jackson says new Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is "facing an empty lot" and must build the program from the ground up.
The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner and search committee member doesn't think Malzahn will instantly fix the program's problems and resume winning, so he is preaching patience.
MORE: Gus Malzahn returns to Auburn as head coach
Malzahn was hired Tuesday and given a 5-year, $11.5 million contract to lift the Tigers from the bottom of the Southeastern Conference.
He says he must tackle talent deficiencies and the players' mind-sets immediately.
Malzahn's known for his no-huddle offense that has racked up yards at each of his college stops, including last season as Arkansas State's head coach.
Search committee member Mac Crawford says discipline was 1 of the first topics discussed at Malzahn's interview after Auburn's series of off-the-field problems.
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