Longtime College Football Coordinator Ends Storied Career
Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has announced his retirement from coaching after 35 years in the profession. The 60-year-old football veteran concluded his career with one season at Florida State following previous head coaching positions at Arkansas State, Auburn, and UCF.
Family Considerations Behind Decision
Reports suggest family considerations played a significant role in Malzahn’s decision to step away from the game. The coach had previously left his UCF position after four seasons to be closer to family before joining Florida State’s staff for the 2023 campaign.
Coaching Legacy and Achievements
Throughout his 13-year tenure as a head coach, Malzahn compiled a 105-62 record with only two losing seasons. His most notable success came during eight seasons at Auburn (2013-2020), where he led the Tigers to a 63-35 record that included:
- A 2013 national championship game appearance against Florida State
- Two SEC West Division titles
- A Heisman Trophy-winning season with quarterback Cam Newton in 2010
Florida State’s Offensive Transformation
During his single season at Florida State, Malzahn helped engineer dramatic offensive improvement. The Seminoles led the ACC in both total offense (472.1 yards per game) and rushing offense (218.7 yards per game).
Succession Plan Announced
Head coach Mike Norvell has promoted co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Tim Harris to fill the offensive coordinator position. Harris previously served as offensive coordinator at both UCF and FIU before joining Florida State’s staff.
“After 35 years, it’s time for me to step away from coaching,” Malzahn stated. “I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank Coach Norvell for giving me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program.”
Career Trajectory and Innovations
Malzahn began his coaching career at the high school level in Arkansas, winning three state championships before transitioning to college football. His innovative high-tempo spread offenses gained national attention during coordinator positions at Arkansas (2006) and Auburn (2009-2011), where his system helped produce a 14-0 national championship season in 2010.
The retiring coach expressed confidence in Florida State’s future: “I will continue to follow Florida State, and I believe great things are ahead for the program under Coach Norvell’s leadership and for the offense under Tim Harris.”
