UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Gus Malzahn left Cincinnati quickly after his UCF Knights lost 56-21 to the Bearcats on Saturday because he had a family emergency.

Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell disclosed in his postgame press conference that Malzahn had to leave quickly and asked for a prayer.

UCF later shared a statement that explained the situation:

“Gus’ daughter Kenzie Stander, who lives in Birmingham, gave birth to her first child (a son) earlier this week. His daughter was readmitted to the hospital due to complications, but Gus said she is now stable and doing well. He had already been planning to fly this afternoon from Cincinnati to Birmingham to visit them even before Kenzie was readmitted,” the statement said.

Malzahn, 55, has two daughters. He is in his first season at UCF after eight seasons at Auburn. His team is now 3-3, while Cincinnati is 6-0.

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