Gus Malzahn’s Coaching Shift: From Head Coach to Offensive Coordinator at FSU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — If you’re Gus Malzahn, every day starts with a reminder of what could have been. Hanging near his new office at Florida State University is a photo of Kelvin Benjamin catching a touchdown pass from Jameis Winston. That play sealed Florida State’s victory over Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers in the 2013 national championship game. For Malzahn, it’s a bittersweet image, a snapshot of a game that was both thrilling and heartbreaking.
“I’ve got to walk by the picture of the guy catching the ball as I go to the office every day,” Malzahn said on Wednesday. “That was a real special game. There were a lot of great players on the field. It went down to the very end. It was probably entertaining or a great game to watch. It was tough, obviously, to be on the losing side.”
Now, Malzahn finds himself on the other side of that rivalry. After stepping down as UCF’s head coach last month, he’s joined Mike Norvell’s staff at Florida State as the offensive coordinator. It’s a move that has raised eyebrows across the college football world, but for Malzahn, it’s a return to his roots and a chance to focus on what he loves most: coaching football.
Why Malzahn Made the Move
At 59 years old, Malzahn decided to trade the high-pressure responsibilities of being a head coach for the simpler, more hands-on role of an offensive coordinator. He walked away from a guaranteed $15 million at UCF, where he was set to make $5 million in 2025 with three years left on his contract. Instead, he signed a three-year deal with Florida State worth $1.5 million in 2025.
“The job description of a head college football coach has changed dramatically in the last two years with everything — transfer portal to collectives to agents and everything that goes with that,” Malzahn explained. “I’m just an old-school football coach. I love coaching football, and head coaches, it’s hard to do that a lot. So that had something to do with it.”
Malzahn also cited his respect for Norvell and Florida State as key factors in his decision. “The opportunity and being familiar with Mike and having so much respect for this university, coached against this university in the national championship. I know what this place is capable of doing,” he said.
A Storied Career
Malzahn’s coaching journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a high school coach in Arkansas, he climbed the ranks to lead programs like Arkansas State, Auburn, and UCF. At Auburn, he helped the Tigers win the 2010 national title as an offensive coordinator and came within a play or two of winning another in 2013 as head coach. His tenure at UCF included back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021 and 2022 before the team transitioned to the Big 12, where they struggled with a 6-7 record last year and a 4-8 finish this season.
Now, Malzahn is tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that has hit rock bottom. The Seminoles averaged just 15.4 points per game this season, ranking 131st out of 134 schools in major college football. It’s a tall order, but Malzahn is confident he can turn things around.
Reuniting with Norvell
Malzahn and Norvell’s connection goes back to 2007 when Malzahn was part of a Tulsa staff that hired Norvell as a graduate assistant. Although their time together was brief, the two have maintained a close relationship over the years. Now, they’re teaming up to restore Florida State’s football program to its former glory.
Malzahn will take over as the team’s primary play-caller, a role he’s excited to embrace. “Our foundation on offense is from the same family,” he said. “He’s got his own wrinkles, and I’ve had my own wrinkles. But there is a lot more things that are in common. We still have the same terminology, the way we identify things like formations and player alignment, numbers.”
What’s Next for FSU?
Malzahn has a clear vision for the Seminoles’ offense. “I’m a big believer you got to run the football downhill,” he said. “It makes everything better as far as pass protection, better on the quarterback, everything. … And we’ll get that done.”
He also emphasized the importance of speed. “We’re going to play fast. I think that’s the No. 1 thing. We’re going to play fast,” he said.
For Florida State fans, the hope is that Malzahn’s experience and philosophy will breathe new life into a program that has struggled in recent years. With his track record of success and his passion for the game, Malzahn might just be the spark the Seminoles need to get back on top.
Key Takeaways
- Gus Malzahn left UCF and a guaranteed $15 million to join Florida State as offensive coordinator.
- Malzahn’s decision was driven by his desire to return to hands-on coaching and his respect for Mike Norvell and FSU.
- Florida State’s offense ranked 131st out of 134 schools this season, averaging just 15.4 points per game.
- Malzahn plans to focus on a downhill running game and a fast-paced offense to turn things around.
As the Seminoles prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Malzahn and his ability to deliver results. Can he help Florida State reclaim its place among college football’s elite? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey will be worth watching.
Originally Written by: Andrea Adelson
