Auburn's Gus Malzahn named AP coach of year

Gus Malzahn's offense lead the NCAA in rushing, averaging 336 yards a game. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn was named the Associated Press college football coach of the year after leading his team to a 12-1 record and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game against Florida State.

Malzahn received 33 votes in the polling, beating out Duke's David Cutcliffe, Florida State's Jimbo Fisher and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio. Last year's winner was Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly.

Auburn finished 3-9 last season, their worst record in 60 years and didn't win a conference game. 

"It's very humbling," he said Monday. "Any time you get awards like this, it's a team thing, as far as our staff and our players. It's been fun to be a part of this year."

"It's a real tribute to our players that they've bonded together," Malzahn said. "They've done everything our coaches have asked, and I think the No. 1 thing is we developed good relationships with our players. We trust our players, the players trust our coaches and we've got each others' backs."

DEITSCH: College football broadcasting roundtable; best of 2013