Feb. 2 (UPI) — Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who spent eight seasons as head coach at Auburn, will retire from coaching, he announced Monday.
Malzahn, 60, led the Seminoles’ offense for just one season. He served as head coach at Central Florida from 2021 to 2024 and coached at Auburn from 2013 to 2020.
Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell promoted co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. to take over for Malzahn.
“After 35 years, it’s time for me to step away from coaching,” Malzahn said. “I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank coach Norvell for giving me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program.
“I will continue to follow Florida State, and I believe great things are ahead for the program under coach Norvell’s leadership and for the offense under Tim Harris.”
The Seminoles went 2-10 and ranked 131st out of 126 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision programs in points per game (15.4) in 2024 before Malzahn arrived.
Under his coaching the offense, they went 5-7 and ranked 22nd out of 136 FBS programs in 2025. They also scored 33 points per game, which ranked 22nd in the nation. They led the ACC in total offense and rushing offense.
The Seminoles’ 472.1 yards per game were the sixth-most in the nation. They ranked 12th in rushing, with 218.7 yards per contest.
“I want to thank coach Malzahn for his effort and dedication to our program over the last 14 months,” Norvell said.
“He did a wonderful job coordinating our offense and calling plays in 2025, and he has set a strong foundation for us to continue building on in 2026 behind the coordination of Tim Harris and the multiple other assistant coaches who are returning.
“Coach Harris has a complete understanding of the offensive scheme, and his ability to effectively share that knowledge with his players will continue to be a benefit for our offense.”
Malzahn, who also spent a season as head coach at Arkansas State, held offensive coordinator roles at Auburn, Tulsa and Arkansas and served as a high school head coach for more than a decade early on during his football coaching career.
He worked alongside former Auburn coach Gene Chizik and quarterback Cam Newton to help the Tigers when a national title in 2010-11.
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