Florida State OC Gus Malzahn retires after 35 years of coaching

Field Level Media
02 Feb 2026, 21:35 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced his retirement Monday after 35 years in coaching.

The former Auburn, University of Central Florida and Arkansas State head coach spent just one season with the Seminoles in 2025.

'After 35 years, it's time for me to step away from coaching,' Malzahn said in a statement. 'I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank Coach (Mike) Norvell for giving me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program.'

Norvell promoted co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Tim Harris to replace Malzahn, 60.

Florida State led the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing (218.7 yards per game) and total offense (472.1) in Malzahn's lone season as the play-caller in Tallahassee.

Malzahn compiled a 105-62 record as head coach at Arkansas State (2012), Auburn (2013-20) and UCF (2021-24), including a 3-7 record in bowl games.

During his first season at Auburn in 2013, the Tigers lost 34-31 to Florida State in the BCS Championship game and finished 12-2. Malzahn was named the national and SEC Coach of the Year.

Malzahn coached in the high school ranks from 1991-2005 before becoming the offensive coordinator at Arkansas in 2006. After two seasons as an assistant coach at Tulsa (2007-08), he joined Auburn as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2009-11. In 2010, Tigers quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy and Auburn completed a 14-0 season with a national championship.

--Field Level Media

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