Gus Malzahn is stepping down as UCF coach to become Florida State’s offensive coordinator

Gus Malzahn is expected to resign UCF Head coach and will be offensive coordinator State of FloridaOn3’s Pete Nakos confirmed. The Knights’ season ended with a record of 4-8 after a loss to Utah on Friday.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who first reported the news, Malzahn is expected to become Florida State’s primary play-caller. That means Mike Norvell will forego the game management on offense.

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

Now he meets Norvell again. The two worked together Tulsaand Malzahn said he “discovered” both him through their connection with Springdale High School in Arkansas. Norvell was a graduate assistant and later worked his way up the coaching ranks. Today he is at Florida State, where there have been numerous personnel changes in the wake of a two-win season.

Entry into the season finale on Saturday against FloridaFlorida State ranks last in the ACC in total offense with 273.1 yards per game. The Seminoles moved on Alex Atkins and other offensive players after a stunning defeat against Notre Dame.

Gus Malzahn most recently worked as offensive coordinator from 2009 to 2011 Auburn before returning to Arkansas as the State of Arkansas Head coach. Auburn then brought him back as head coach from 2012 to 2020, and he compiled a 68-35 record and led 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 sent him to UCF as a replacement Josh Heupelwho took over at Tennessee.

This is the second straight offseason that a sitting power conference coach has left to become offensive coordinator. Chip Kelly did this last season and left UCLA take over at Ohio State under Ryan Day.