Gus Malzahn Leaves UCF to Revitalize FSU’s Offense

Gus Malzahn Leaves UCF to Revitalize FSU’s Offense

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, UCF head coach Gus Malzahn is stepping down to take on a new role as the offensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles, sources told ESPN on Saturday. This surprising development comes after a challenging season for both programs, and it signals a major shake-up for Florida State as they look to rebound from a disastrous 2024 campaign.

Malzahn Joins Forces with Norvell

Malzahn will take over as FSU’s primary playcaller, a responsibility previously held by head coach Mike Norvell. This marks a significant shift for Norvell, who has decided to overhaul his staff following a dismal 2-9 season. The Seminoles’ season concludes Saturday night with a rivalry game against Florida, but the focus has already shifted to the future.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Malzahn and Norvell have worked together. The two share a history dating back to their time at Tulsa, where Norvell served as Malzahn’s graduate assistant in 2007 and 2008. Now, the duo will reunite in Tallahassee, hoping to reignite the spark that once made them a formidable team.

UCF’s Struggles Under Malzahn

Malzahn’s departure from UCF comes after two turbulent seasons with the Knights. The team finished 6-7 last year and struggled even more this season, ending with a 4-8 record. UCF lost eight of its last nine games, a skid that left Malzahn on the hot seat heading into 2025. His four-year tenure with the Knights concludes with a 28-24 record, including a disappointing 5-13 mark in Big 12 play over the past two years.

Despite these struggles, Malzahn’s overall coaching resume remains impressive. In 13 seasons as a college head coach, including stints at Arkansas State and Auburn, he has compiled a 105-62 record. His career highlights include leading Auburn to the BCS National Championship Game in 2013 and serving as the offensive coordinator for Auburn’s 2010 national title team.

FSU’s Offensive Woes

Florida State is in desperate need of a turnaround, and Malzahn’s hiring is a clear attempt to address the team’s offensive struggles. The Seminoles are coming off a 1-7 record in ACC play and a season in which their offense never found its rhythm. Heading into Saturday’s game, FSU ranked dead last in the nation—No. 131—in total offense. This is a shocking fall from grace for a program that was just one year removed from a 13-1 season and a near College Football Playoff berth.

Malzahn’s track record as an offensive mastermind is well-documented. Over his 19 years as a collegiate offensive coordinator or head coach, his offenses have averaged 447.7 yards per game. They’ve surpassed 5,000 yards of total offense in a season 16 times, 6,000 yards eight times, and 7,000 yards three times. His ability to generate explosive plays and high-scoring offenses could be exactly what FSU needs to get back on track.

What Malzahn Brings to the Table

One of Malzahn’s strengths is his ability to design dynamic rushing attacks. His last three offenses at UCF all ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing, a skill set that should complement Norvell’s passing game expertise. If the two can successfully merge their philosophies, FSU’s offense could become a force to be reckoned with once again.

For Seminoles fans, the hope is that Malzahn’s experience and creativity will help the team bounce back from what has been a historically bad season. The 2024 campaign has been a nightmare for FSU, but the addition of Malzahn offers a glimmer of hope for the future.

Key Takeaways

• Gus Malzahn is leaving UCF to become Florida State’s offensive coordinator.
• Malzahn will reunite with Mike Norvell, who was his graduate assistant at Tulsa.
• FSU is coming off a 2-9 season and ranked No. 131 in total offense.
• Malzahn’s offenses have averaged 447.7 yards per game over his career.
• UCF struggled under Malzahn this season, finishing 4-8 and losing eight of its last nine games.

As the college football world digests this news, all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see if Malzahn can help restore Florida State to its former glory. For UCF, the search for a new head coach begins, and the program will look to move forward after a disappointing end to Malzahn’s tenure. One thing is certain: the 2025 season just got a lot more interesting.