After 35 years on the sidelines, Gus Malzahn is calling it a career. Florida State announced Monday that the longtime coach is stepping away from football, closing the book on a journey that spanned high school dominance, national title runs, and a signature role in shaping modern college offenses.
Malzahn spent the 2025 season as Florida State’s offensive coordinator, but his name will forever be linked to Auburn, where he helped script one of the most electric chapters in recent SEC history. As the Tigers’ offensive coordinator in 2010, Malzahn was the architect behind the Cam Newton-led offense that powered Auburn to a national championship. Three years later, in his first season as head coach, he led the Tigers back to the title game - this time falling just 13 seconds short of beating Florida State for a second championship.
That 2013 Auburn team didn’t just win the SEC - it captured the imagination of college football fans with its pace, creativity, and relentless ground game. Malzahn’s offense was never just about tempo; it was about dictating terms. And for a while, few did it better.
In total, Malzahn compiled a 105-62 record as a college head coach, including a 68-35 mark at Auburn. He added a Sun Belt title during a one-year stint leading Arkansas State in 2012 and later guided UCF through its transition from the Group of Five into the Big 12 between 2021 and 2024. His time in Orlando helped solidify the Knights as a legitimate Power Five program, giving them a steady hand during a pivotal stretch in their evolution.
Of course, his departure from Auburn in 2020 came with headlines of its own - namely, a buyout north of $21 million, one of the largest in college football history. But that doesn’t overshadow what he accomplished on the Plains: a conference title, a national title appearance, and a string of memorable wins in one of the sport’s most pressure-packed jobs.
Malzahn’s roots run deep in Arkansas, where he first made his name as a high school coach. He turned Shiloh Christian and Springdale into powerhouses before making the leap to the college game with the Razorbacks.
It was there he helped popularize the Wildcat formation, unleashing Darren McFadden in a way that left defensive coordinators scrambling for answers. From there, he made stops at Tulsa and Arkansas State, steadily building a résumé that blended innovation with results.
In a statement Monday, Malzahn said, “After 35 years, it’s time for me to step away from coaching. I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life.” It’s a fitting close for a coach who’s been all-in for more than three decades, pouring himself into programs at every level.
With Malzahn stepping down, Florida State is turning to a familiar face to take over the offense. Co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Harris previously held the OC role at both UCF and Florida International, and he now steps into the lead role for a Seminoles offense looking to build on recent momentum.
Malzahn leaves with gratitude and optimism, saying, “I want to thank Coach Norvell for giving me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program. 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.”
For a coach who helped redefine offensive football in the college game, Malzahn’s legacy is more than just wins and titles. It’s about impact - on players, on programs, and on the way the game is played.