AUBURN — A person familiar with the decision says Auburn has hired Gus Malzahn as head coach a year after he left the school.

The person said Malzahn will be introduced later today. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school had not announced the hire. The hiring originally was reported on multiple websites.

Malzahn was the offensive coordinator during the Tigers' national championship run in 2010, but spent this season at Arkansas State in his first college head coaching position.

He led the Red Wolves to a 9-3 record, a Sun Belt Conference title and a berth in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

Malzahn returns with his fast-paced, no-huddle offensive style that quarterback Cam Newton operated to perfection two seasons ago.

Malzahn replaces Gene Chizik, who was fired after a 49-0 loss to No. 2 Alabama to complete a 3-9 season.

Malzahn was Auburn offensive coordinator from 2009-2011, helping win the 2010 national championship.

Arkansas State capped off its regular season Saturday with a 45-0 victory over Middle Tennessee. A-State completed its Sun Belt title run with seven straight victories to finish 7-1 in the league.

Arkansas State announced its hiring of Malzahn last Dec. 14, bringing him back to his home state.

A native of Fort Smith, Malzahn was named the winner of the 2010 Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate assistant coach.

Auburn went 14-0 in 2010 and the offense set nine school records, including points in a season (577), points per game (41.2), total yards (6,989), total offense (499.2), rushing yards (3,987), rushing touchdowns (41) and passing touchdowns (31). The offense finished in the top 10 nationally in six statistical categories.

He coached Heisman Trophy winner Newton during the Tigers run to the 2010 national championship. Under Malzahn's direction, Newton later became the overall No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Before coaching at Auburn, Malzahn spent two seasons at Tulsa, coordinating a Golden Hurricane offense that finished first nationally in total offense in 2007 and 2008.

Prior to his time at Tulsa, he coached one season at Arkansas, where he served as offensive coordinator, coached Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden and helped the Razorbacks finish fourth nationally in rushing offense at 228.5 yards per game.

In 14 seasons as a high school head coach, Malzahn led seven teams to the state championship game and won three titles. Malzahn coached two quarterbacks, Josh Floyd and Rhett Lashlee, who set national passing records. Malzahn also tutored 2005 Gatorade, Parade Magazine and Rivals.com National Player of the Year Mitch Mustain at Springdale High School.

Malzahn and his wife Kristi have two daughters, Kylie and Kenzie.

Check back later for updates.