Many coaches have catchphrases or clichés that they use during interviews. Nick Saban has “the process.”  Gus Malzahn, it seems, has developed one, too.
Officially, the battle cry in Auburn is “War Eagle.” It’s a tradition dating back nearly 100 years.  But with Malzahn’s hiring, that cry may turn into something a little less threatening.
“I’m just tickled to death.”
Malzahn used that phrase only once when he was introduced. But three days later, he used it three more times when introducing new hires on his coaching staff.
“We’re tickled to death.” “We’re tickled to death.” “I’m tickled to death.”
If you’re keeping score, that’s five “tickled to death”s.
It’s definitely starting to sound like Nick Saban’s “the process” in Tuscaloosa.
Imagine the marketing possibilities: T-shirts, bumper stickers – even toys? (Admittedly, the Tickle me Gus is kind of creepy.)
Will it replace “War Eagle” as a battle cry? We sure hope not .