Gus Malzahn Leaves UCF to Join Florida State

Gus Malzahn Leaves UCF to Join Florida State \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Gus Malzahn is leaving UCF after four seasons to become Florida State’s offensive coordinator. The Knights announced Malzahn’s departure following a disappointing 4-8 season. Malzahn will replace Alex Atkins, who was fired amid Florida State’s struggles in a 2-9 season. Malzahn brings extensive experience, including eight seasons at Auburn, to a Seminoles team seeking to rebuild its offense.

Gus Malzahn Moves to Florida State: Quick Looks

• New Role: Malzahn joins Florida State as offensive coordinator.
• UCF Departure: Malzahn leaves after a 28-24 record over four seasons.
• Seminoles Struggles: Florida State ranks near the bottom in offensive production this season.
• Coaching Overhaul: Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell fired several staff members during a tough year.
• Looking Ahead: Malzahn’s hire aims to revitalize Florida State’s stagnant offense.

Deep Look

Gus Malzahn Resigns from UCF for New Opportunity

Gus Malzahn is resigning as head coach of the Central Florida Knights to become the offensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles, a move confirmed by sources familiar with the hire on Saturday. While Florida State has not officially announced the decision, it is pending a state background check. The news was first reported by ESPN and later corroborated by UCF in a public statement.

“We would like to thank Coach Malzahn for his contributions to our football program over the past four seasons, including our transition into the Big 12 Conference,” UCF said. “We appreciate his professionalism and dedication to our student-athletes throughout his tenure at UCF and wish him and his wife, Kristi, the very best in their future endeavors.”

A Mixed Tenure at UCF

Malzahn leaves UCF with a 28-24 record over four seasons, a tenure marked by early success but marred by recent struggles. The Knights’ transition to the Big 12 Conference proved challenging, culminating in back-to-back losing seasons. This year, the team finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in conference play, their worst record since 2015.

Quarterback instability plagued the Knights throughout the season, with four players taking snaps under center. UCF ended the year with a 28-14 loss to Utah, underscoring the difficulties of competing in a Power Five conference.

Florida State’s Struggles and the Need for Change

Malzahn’s move to Florida State comes as the Seminoles grapple with one of their worst seasons in recent history. At 2-9, Florida State ranks 131st out of 134 teams in both total offense and scoring offense, averaging just 15.8 points per game.

Head coach Mike Norvell has already begun a coaching overhaul, firing offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and receivers coach Ron Dugans. Atkins, who also coached the offensive line, was dismissed after a humiliating 52-3 loss to Notre Dame on November 10.

Malzahn’s Experience Brings Hope for Rebuilding

Malzahn brings a wealth of experience to Florida State’s staff. Prior to his time at UCF, he coached at Auburn for eight seasons, compiling a 68-35 record and leading the Tigers to the BCS National Championship Game in 2013. Known for his offensive creativity, Malzahn’s schemes could provide the spark Florida State desperately needs to revitalize its stagnant offense.

The Seminoles are a far cry from their 13-1 record last season, which included an Atlantic Coast Conference championship. Malzahn’s hire signals Florida State’s commitment to addressing their offensive woes and rebuilding toward future success.

UCF’s Decline in Malzahn’s Final Year

Malzahn’s departure follows a tumultuous season for UCF. Once a dominant force in the American Athletic Conference, the Knights have struggled to adjust to the increased competition of the Big 12. Their 4-8 record reflects the challenges of quarterback injuries, inconsistent play, and adapting to a higher level of competition.

Despite these setbacks, Malzahn’s early tenure included notable achievements, such as bowl appearances and navigating the Knights’ transition to a Power Five conference.

Florida State’s Coaching Shakeup

Mike Norvell’s decision to bring in Malzahn is part of a broader effort to reset Florida State’s coaching staff. The dismissal of Atkins, Fuller, and Dugans reflects the program’s urgency to address its shortcomings and return to prominence.

The Seminoles’ struggles this season have been compounded by a lack of offensive production, poor execution, and an inability to compete against top-tier opponents. Malzahn’s reputation for innovative offensive strategies offers hope for a turnaround.

What’s Next for UCF and Florida State?

• UCF: The Knights now begin the search for a new head coach who can continue their transition into the Big 12 and build a competitive program in a Power Five conference.
• Florida State: Malzahn’s arrival sets the stage for an offseason of rebuilding, with a focus on recruiting, player development, and implementing a more dynamic offense.

Takeaways

• UCF’s Challenges: The move to the Big 12 exposed gaps in UCF’s roster and depth, areas that need addressing under new leadership.
• Florida State’s Rebuild: Malzahn’s hire is a bold step toward reviving the Seminoles’ offense and restoring the program’s reputation.
• Malzahn’s Role: Known for his offensive expertise, Malzahn will play a key role in shaping Florida State’s future.

A Fresh Start for Malzahn

For Gus Malzahn, the opportunity to join Florida State offers a chance to refocus on his strengths as an offensive innovator. While his tenure at UCF ended on a disappointing note, his track record at Auburn and ability to develop quarterbacks make him a valuable asset for a struggling Seminoles program.

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