Orlando, Florida – UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn has decided to make a career move to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State. His departure comes after UCF closed their 2024 season with a disappointing 4-8 record, marked by a loss to Utah.

Florida State, currently holding a 2-9 record, is preparing for their upcoming game against Florida. The Seminoles have been in search of a new offensive coordinator following the dismissal of their previous coordinators due to a significant loss against Notre Dame. Despite only securing wins against Cal and Charleston Southern this season, Florida State hopes Malzahn can bring a fresh perspective to their offensive strategies.

Malzahn’s decision to join Florida State follows a similar path taken by UCLA’s Chip Kelly last year when he became Ohio State’s offensive coordinator. Malzahn, who previously coached at Auburn before joining UCF, experienced initial success with the Knights before their recent decline in performance. The team’s move from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 may have contributed to their challenges in recent seasons.

During his time at Auburn, Malzahn led the team to a national title game in 2013 and maintained a winning record throughout his tenure. He also served as Auburn’s offensive coordinator during their national championship run in 2011 before taking on head coaching roles at Arkansas State and eventually returning to Auburn.

The shift to Florida State presents Malzahn with a new opportunity to make an impact on the Seminoles’ offensive strategies and contribute to the team’s future success. His experience and coaching style will likely bring valuable insights and expertise to Florida State as they strive to improve their performance in the seasons ahead.