Gus Malzahn Should Bring a Steady Floor to FSU’s Offense, Allowing Mike Norvell to Do More as Head Coach
Florida State University (FSU) football is entering a pivotal moment in its rebuilding process. After a few years of struggles, head coach Mike Norvell is seeking stability and improvement, especially on the offensive side of the ball. With the addition of Gus Malzahn as the new offensive coordinator, FSU fans are hopeful that the program will find a steady floor offensively and give Norvell more room to focus on the broader aspects of being a head coach. Malzahn’s experience and proven track record should provide the balance FSU needs as it works toward returning to national contention.
A Proven Offensive Mind
Gus Malzahn is no stranger to success in the college football world. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, particularly the uptempo, spread-style offense that he popularized during his time at Auburn, Malzahn brings a wealth of experience to FSU. His offenses have been known for their explosive plays, adaptability, and ability to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally.
At Auburn, Malzahn led the Tigers to a national championship appearance in 2013, and throughout his tenure, his teams were consistently among the top in the nation in offensive production. His ability to develop quarterbacks and create mismatches with offensive personnel is something that will undoubtedly benefit FSU’s skill position players, particularly the quarterback room, which has been an area of inconsistency in recent years.
Malzahn’s offense is known for utilizing a wide array of formations and personnel, which allows for flexibility and creativity. FSU’s athletes, particularly at running back and wide receiver, are well-suited for this style of play. Malzahn’s ability to maximize the talent available to him should provide a much-needed boost to a Seminoles offense that has struggled to find its identity in recent seasons.
Stability and a Steady Floor
One of the biggest challenges FSU has faced since the departure of Jimbo Fisher has been offensive inconsistency. The Seminoles have been plagued by lackluster play calling, erratic quarterback play, and an inability to establish a rhythm. With Malzahn at the helm of the offense, the hope is that he can bring a steady floor to FSU’s offense—something that has been missing for some time.
Malzahn’s system is structured but flexible, designed to maximize what players do best while limiting mistakes and confusion. His offenses are built on discipline, timing, and speed, which should help FSU find stability and consistency week in and week out. Under Malzahn, FSU’s offense should be able to execute efficiently, limiting turnovers and staying on schedule, which is vital for a team looking to return to prominence in the ACC.
Freeing Up Mike Norvell
For head coach Mike Norvell, having Gus Malzahn as his offensive coordinator is a game-changer. Norvell, known for his offensive acumen, can now focus more on the overall management of the program, the defense, and special teams—areas that are just as important as the offense. With Malzahn running the offense, Norvell can step back from day-to-day play-calling duties and spend more time on recruiting, team culture, and game strategy as a whole. This shift should allow Norvell to utilize his strengths as a head coach and foster a more balanced approach to leading the program.
Additionally, Norvell’s ability to implement a more complete system, without the constant concern of offensive inconsistencies, will help FSU become a more well-rounded team. Malzahn’s steady leadership on offense will give Norvell the breathing room to lead the team with a more comprehensive vision, which could be a critical factor in elevating FSU’s performance moving forward.
Conclusion
The addition of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator is a significant step toward restoring Florida State to its former glory. Malzahn’s proven ability to develop offensive schemes that are both explosive and efficient will bring a steady floor to FSU’s offense, while allowing Mike Norvell to focus on the broader picture of coaching. With Malzahn at the helm of the offense, FSU can expect more consistency and success in that phase of the game, freeing Norvell to guide the entire program toward sustained success. While it will take time to see the full results, the combination of Malzahn’s expertise and Norvell’s leadership could be exactly what FSU needs to return to the upper echelon of college football.
