In a move that has stunned the college football community, Gus Malzahn has reportedly rejected a massive $7.3 million offer from Penn State to take over as the school’s new athletic director.
The longtime head coach, best known for leading Auburn to a BCS National Championship appearance in 2013, is currently building momentum at UCF. Many believed Malzahn might be tempted by the transition into athletic administration—especially with such a lucrative deal on the table—but his decision makes it clear where his heart lies.
Malzahn has always been defined by his passion for coaching and shaping young athletes on the field. Stepping into an administrative role would have meant walking away from the sideline, something he wasn’t ready to do. Sources close to the coach say he is determined to continue guiding UCF through its Big 12 journey, with his eyes firmly set on making the Knights a consistent contender.
For Penn State, the rejection is a rare setback in its search for a successor to help oversee its powerhouse athletics program. Malzahn’s track record of leadership and high-level football experience made him a prime candidate, but his loyalty to coaching ultimately won out.
This decision raises intriguing questions: Will Malzahn ever make the jump to administration, or is he destined to remain on the sidelines until the very end? And for Penn State, who becomes the next big target to take on one of the most influential roles in college sports?
What do you think—did Malzahn make the right call staying with coaching, or did he pass up a golden opportunity to shape a legendary program from thetop down?
