Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced his retirement on Monday, closing the chapter on a 35-year coaching career that included stops as head coach at Arkansas State, Auburn, and UCF. Malzahn, 60, spent this past season with the Seminoles to be closer to family after stepping down from UCF, where he had spent the previous four seasons.
Over 13 seasons as a head coach, Malzahn compiled a 105-62 record, posting only two losing seasons. During his eight-year tenure at Auburn from 2013 to 2020, he went 63-35, highlighted by a national championship game appearance in 2013 against Florida State and two SEC West Division titles. Sources indicated that family considerations played a central role in Malzahn’s decision to step away from coaching.
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has moved quickly to fill the void, promoting co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Tim Harris to offensive coordinator. Harris, who served on Malzahn’s staff last season, also brings prior experience as an offensive coordinator at UCF and FIU. Under Malzahn’s direction, the Seminoles’ offense made significant strides, leading the ACC in total offense (472.1 yards per game) and rushing (218.7 yards per game). While Norvell had relinquished play-calling duties to Malzahn last year, he is expected to resume that role this season.
Malzahn’s coaching career began at the high school level in Arkansas, where he won three state titles. Known for his high-tempo, spread offenses, he made the jump to college football as an offensive coordinator at Arkansas in 2006, eventually joining Auburn as offensive coordinator from 2009 to 2011. During that time, his offense powered Cam Newton to a Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to a 14-0 record and the 2010 national championship. He earned his first college head coaching job at Arkansas State in 2012 before taking over Auburn the following year.
Malzahn leaves behind a legacy as one of college football’s innovative offensive minds, with a career defined by high-powered attacks, championship contention, and a commitment to the game that spanned more than three decades.
