JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas State University official says Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will be the new football coach.
   
Sports information director Jerry Scott said Wednesday that Malzahn will be introduced as the new coach during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
   
The 46-year-old Malzahn has served as Auburn’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for three seasons, helping the Tigers win the national championship last season. He was awarded the Broyles Award last season as the top assistant coach in college football.
   
Malzahn will replace Hugh Freeze as head coach of the Red Wolves. Freeze left the school last week to take the job at Mississippi.
   
Arkansas State (10-2) will play Northern Illinois in the Godaddy.com Bowl on Jan. 8.

Statement from Gene Chizik:

“I’m very happy for Gus and the opportunity that awaits him at Arkansas State. Gus has always had the strong desire to become a head coach and the chance for him to return to his home state that he is so familiar with, will be very beneficial. He’s meant a tremendous amount to our program the past three years, helping our offense and our program achieve unprecedented heights, winning a BCS National Championship and setting countless offensive records. Gus has experienced success in each stop of his coaching career and I have no doubt that he will have similar results at Arkansas State. We look forward to having Gus stay with us through the bowl game and hope to send him out with a victory.”