Despite a difficult season that began with lofty expectations, Gus Malzahn is set to still be Auburn’s head football coach next season, according to what Athletic Director Alan Greene told reporters on Tuesday.

ESPN reported Greene added that Malzahn will be the Tigers’ “coach of the future.” The outlet called it a public “vote of confidence” from the AD.

CBS Sports explained, “Greene’s comments reflect the reality: Auburn is all-in on the Gus Malzahn experience.”

Malzahn, who has been Auburn’s head coach since 2013, was awarded a seven-year, $49 million contract after last season. If his contract were to be terminated, his buyout as of December 1 would be $32 million (75 percent of what remains on his contract). Half of that number ($16 million) would be owed to Malzahn within 30 days.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn