A significant coaching shakeup is underway in Florida college football.
Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn is stepping down to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. UCF later confirmed Malzahn’s departure via social media.
Malzahn will take on the role of lead play caller at FSU, a responsibility previously held by head coach Mike Norvell. The two have a history together, having worked on the same staff at Tulsa in 2007-08, where Malzahn served as co-offensive coordinator and Norvell was a graduate assistant.
The 59-year-old coach recently completed his fourth season at UCF, with the team finishing 28-24 under his leadership. UCF’s season ended with a loss to Utah on Friday. Malzahn has opted to transition to leading Florida State’s offense rather than continuing as head coach at UCF.
This move helps FSU address one of its two vacant coordinator positions after Norvell fired Alex Atkins and Adam Fuller midseason during what has been one of the program’s toughest years. The Seminoles are currently 2-9 ahead of their season finale against Florida on Saturday.
Malzahn, who previously coached Auburn from 2013-20, led the Tigers to the 2014 BCS National Championship game, where they faced Florida State. Renowned for his dynamic offensive strategies, Malzahn also played a pivotal role in Auburn’s 2010 national championship as associate head coach, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator.
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