Move from UCF Coach to FSU Coordinator ‘Refreshing’ for Gus Malzahn
Gus Malzahn, the well-known football coach who made a name for himself as the head coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has taken on a new role in college football that has sparked interest across the sports world. After years of leading UCF with a dynamic offensive strategy, Malzahn has made the transition from head coach at UCF to offensive coordinator at Florida State University (FSU), a change he describes as “refreshing” and one that has reinvigorated his passion for the game.
The decision to leave the head coaching position at UCF, where he had built a strong program, and take on a coordinator role at FSU, was a significant shift in Malzahn’s career. Known for his high-energy, up-tempo style of play, Malzahn spent several years leading UCF to national prominence, including an undefeated 2017 season. His offensive schemes were widely respected, and he was often regarded as one of the top offensive minds in college football. However, despite the success and recognition, Malzahn felt it was time for a change — and the opportunity at FSU presented a new challenge that reignited his enthusiasm for coaching.
Malzahn’s move to Florida State as offensive coordinator is not one that many would have anticipated, given his stature as a head coach. However, in speaking about the move, he explained how stepping away from the top spot and working as part of a larger coaching staff has been a breath of fresh air. “It’s been a refreshing change,” Malzahn said in a recent interview. “Being a head coach, you’re always dealing with so many different aspects of the program. You’re managing everything — the recruiting, the administration, the media. Here, I get to focus on what I love most: coaching football and developing an offense.”
This transition allows Malzahn to return to his roots, focusing on creating an explosive, high-powered offense that could help elevate FSU back to the top of the college football landscape. Florida State, a program with a storied history and an expectation for greatness, has been in search of a new identity under head coach Mike Norvell. By bringing in Malzahn as an offensive coordinator, Norvell is hoping to harness Malzahn’s vast experience and creativity to build a powerful offensive unit that can compete in the high-octane world of modern college football.
Malzahn’s reputation as an offensive innovator is one of the primary reasons FSU brought him on board. His “up-tempo” offensive system, which includes a mix of the spread offense and his signature “hurry-up” attack, has long been recognized as one of the most dynamic in the sport. At UCF, Malzahn’s offenses consistently ranked among the best in the country, and his ability to adapt and evolve his system made him a valuable asset for Florida State.
Although he’s no longer the head coach, Malzahn has embraced the opportunity to work more closely with FSU’s players, particularly the quarterbacks and skill position players. The ability to focus on developing specific aspects of the offense has allowed Malzahn to apply his expertise in a more concentrated and meaningful way. His relationship with Norvell has also been key to the transition, as both coaches share a similar vision for what the Seminoles’ offense should look like.
For Malzahn, the shift from head coach to offensive coordinator has brought new challenges and a renewed sense of purpose. “I’m excited to be a part of this program and to contribute to the success of Florida State,” he remarked. “It’s about being part of something bigger, and I’m ready to help lead this offense to where it needs to be.”
In the end, Gus Malzahn’s move from UCF head coach to FSU offensive coordinator has proven to be a refreshing change, not just for him, but potentially for the Seminoles as well. With his track record and offensive genius, the next few seasons at Florida State could very well mark the start of a new era for the team.
