Gus Malzahn is retiring as UCF coach to become offensive coordinator at Florida State

Gus Malzahn is set to resign as UCF head coach and is set to become offensive coordinator at State of FloridaOn3’s Pete Nakos confirmed. The Knights season ended with a 4-8 record after one more loss Utah on Friday.

Malzahn is expected to become Florida State’s primary play-caller, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamelwho first reported the news. It means Mike Norvell will give up play-calling duties on offense.

Malzahn took over at UCF in 2021 and quickly found success. The Knights finished with nine wins in each of its first two seasons before making the jump to the Big 12, and they went 6-7 a year ago. However, UCF struggled this year with a 4-8 record, leading to questions about Malzahn’s future in Orlando.

Now he reunites with Norvell. The two worked together at Tulsaand Malzahn he said “discovered” both him through their connection with Springdale High School in Arkansas. A graduate assistant, Norvell later worked his way up the coaching ranks and is now at Florida State, which made a number of personnel changes amid a two-win campaign.

Into Saturday’s season finale against FloridaFlorida State ranks last in the ACC in total offense with 273.1 yards per carry. match. The Seminoles moved on from Alex Atkins and other offensive personnel after a blowout loss to Notre Dame.

Gus Malzahn last worked as offensive coordinator from 2009-11 at Auburn before returning to Arkansas as the Arkansas State head coach. Auburn then brought him back as head coach from 2012-20, and he compiled a 68-35 record and took the Tigers to the national championship in his first season at the helm. His departure after a 6-5 record in the COVID-affected 2020 season took him to UCF to replace Josh Heupelwho took over at Tennessee.

This marks the second straight offseason a sitting Power Conference coach left to become an offensive coordinator. Chip Kelly did it last season and left UCLA to take over at Ohio State under Ryan Day.