TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The college football world is buzzing with a remarkable return to the sport’s highest echelons: Gus Malzahn, the former head coach of Auburn and a figure synonymous with innovative offense, is back in a prominent role. After a four-year stint as head coach at UCF (2021-2024), Malzahn has made the surprising but strategically brilliant move to join Mike Norvell’s staff at Florida State as offensive coordinator for the 2025 campaign. This move not only brings a proven offensive and attacking tactician back to the Power Five, but it also highlights a fascinating mentorship dynamic, as Norvell himself is a protégé of Malzahn.
Gus Malzahn is often described as an offensive guru, a label he earned through his groundbreaking work with the hurry-up, no-huddle spread offense. His coaching career began in the high school ranks in Arkansas, where he achieved legendary status, leading teams to multiple state championships and setting national passing records. This foundational experience shaped his philosophy of playing fast, utilizing dynamic athletes, and dictating tempo.
His transition to college football saw him quickly ascend:
- Arkansas (OC/WRs Coach, 2006): He helped the Razorbacks win the SEC Western Division with a powerful run game.
- Tulsa (AHC/co-OC/QB Coach, 2007-2008): Here, his offenses were among the nation’s best, ranking first nationally in total offense in 2007. It was also during this time that he first worked with Mike Norvell, then a graduate assistant, forging a connection that now brings them full circle.
- Auburn (OC/QB Coach, 2009-2011): This is where Malzahn truly cemented his reputation. In 2010, he orchestrated one of the most dominant offensive seasons in college football history, leading Auburn to a national championship with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton at quarterback. His innovative scheme, blending power running with dynamic passing, was virtually unguardable.
- Arkansas State (Head Coach, 2012): In his sole year as head coach, he led the Red Wolves to a Sun Belt Conference title.
- Auburn (Head Coach, 2013-2020): Malzahn returned to Auburn as head coach and immediately led them to an SEC Championship and a BCS National Championship appearance in 2013, famously falling to Florida State in a thrilling game. He remained at Auburn for seven seasons, maintaining a consistently competitive program in the brutally tough SEC West, known for his ability to beat arch-rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
- UCF (Head Coach, 2021-2024): He guided UCF through its transition into the Big 12, achieving back-to-back nine-win seasons in the AAC before the move. However, the step up to the Big 12 proved challenging, and after a 4-8 record in 2024, Malzahn resigned to take the FSU offensive coordinator role.
While primarily known as an offensive innovator, Malzahn’s understanding of the game is comprehensive. He recognizes the symbiotic relationship between a strong offense and a complementary defense. His teams have always preached physicality and a balanced attack that controls the line of scrimmage, which in turn helps keep the defense fresh.
The fascinating aspect of Malzahn’s return is his decision to join the staff of Mike Norvell, a coach who considers Malzahn a mentor. Their relationship dates back to 2007-2008 at Tulsa, where Norvell was a graduate assistant under Malzahn. This shared history and understanding of offensive philosophy make this a potentially potent pairing for Florida State.
Norvell has already built a formidable program at Florida State, evidenced by their 2023 ACC Championship. However, the 2024 season saw a significant offensive regression, with the Seminoles struggling to score points, averaging just 15.4 points per game and ranking 131st out of 134 FBS schools. This glaring weakness prompted Norvell to make a bold move, bringing in the seasoned Malzahn to reignite the offense.
Malzahn’s explanation for taking a coordinator role again, rather than remaining a head coach, provides insight into the changing landscape of college football and his personal priorities. He told the Associated Press in December 2024 that he chose to return to his coaching roots because head coaching has “changed dramatically,” citing the new-age responsibilities (likely alluding to NIL, transfer portal management, etc.) that can be distracting. He walked away from $15 million guaranteed on his UCF contract to join FSU, underscoring his desire to focus purely on coaching football.
“I’m a big believer you got to run the football downhill,” Malzahn stated upon his arrival at FSU. “It makes everything better as far as pass protection, better on the quarterback, everything. And we’ll get that done.” This emphasis on the run game, a staple of Malzahn’s most successful offenses, signals a clear direction for Florida State.
The transition for Malzahn at FSU is expected to be smooth due to their shared philosophical foundation. “Our foundation on offense is from the same family,” Malzahn said. “He’s got his own wrinkles, and I’ve had my own wrinkles. But there is a lot more things that are in common. We still have the same terminology, the way we identify things like formations and player alignment, numbers.” He added, “That’s why it’s a really, really easy transition. We’re going to play fast. I think that’s the No. 1 thing. We’re going to play fast.”
Malzahn’s appointment also comes with the clear understanding that he will take over as the team’s primary play-caller, a responsibility Norvell previously held. This delegation of duties allows Norvell to focus more broadly on the head coaching role, while Malzahn can meticulously craft and execute the offensive game plan.
Gus Malzahn’s return is a significant development for Florida State and the ACC. The Seminoles are looking to regain their offensive firepower and challenge for another ACC title and a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. Malzahn’s track record of turning around offenses (he consistently produced top-20 total offenses and top-10 rushing offenses at UCF despite overall team struggles) suggests he is well-equipped for the task.
For college football as a whole, it’s a reminder that experienced, innovative minds can still make a profound impact. It also highlights the evolving nature of coaching roles, with veteran head coaches willing to step into coordinator positions for the right fit and challenge. The reunion of mentor and protégé, with Norvell giving Malzahn the keys to the offense, adds an intriguing layer to an already exciting 2025 season.
Gus Malzahn may not be a head coach in 2025, and he may not have had an NFL playing career (he played college football at Arkansas and Henderson State as a wide receiver and punter, but not in the NFL), but his impact on the game, particularly his offensive genius and his role in developing coaches like Mike Norvell, is undeniable. His return to the Power Five as Florida State’s offensive coordinator is set to be one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming college football season.
