JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - Gus Malzahn is set to make his return to the head coaching ranks when he leads Arkansas State against Oregon this weekend.

Malzahn hasn't been a head coach since leading Springdale (Ark.) High to a state championship in 2005. He's made stops as offensive coordinator at Arkansas, Tulsa and Auburn since, helping Cam Newton and the Tigers to the 2010 national championship - but Saturday will mark his head coaching debut with the Red Wolves.

Arkansas State was 10-3 last season and won the Sun Belt Conference. The school hired Malzahn in December after former coach Hugh Freeze left for Mississippi.

The Red Wolves feature returning Sun Belt Player of the Year Ryan Aplin at quarterback, and Malzahn says his goal is to return to a bowl game this season.