Nov 23, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn yells at quarterback Dylan Rizk (10) during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Gus Malzahn: Move to FSU impacted by changes to coaching

Describing himself as an “old-school football coach,” Guz Malzahn said he resigned from leading UCF’s program to become Florida State’s offensive coordinator due to the recent changes in a college head coach’s job description.

Malzahn, 59, was set to make $15 million over the next three seasons at the helm of the Knights, but instead left to take a three-year deal with the Seminoles and will earn $1.5 million next season. Scott Frost returned to UCF last weekend to replace Malzahn.

“The job description of a head college football coach has changed dramatically in the last two years with everything — transfer portal to collectives to agents and everything that goes with that,” Malzahn said. “I’m just an old-school football coach.

“I love coaching football, and head coaches, it’s hard to do that a lot. So that had something to do with it. And then the opportunity and being familiar with (Florida State head coach) Mike (Norvell) and having so much respect for this university, coached against this university in the national championship. I know what this place is capable of doing.”

Back in 2007, Malzhan was on the Tulsa staff when Norvell joined as a graduate assistant, and the two formed a bond despite only working together for two seasons.

At Florida State, Malzahn will replace Norvell as the primary signalcaller for an offense that ranked 131st out of 134 schools in points per game (15.4) in 2024.

“Our foundation on offense is from the same family,” Malzahn said. “He’s got his own wrinkles, and I’ve had my own wrinkles. But there is a lot more things that are in common. We still have the same terminology, the way we identify things like formations and player alignment, numbers.

“That’s why it’s a really, really easy transition. We’re going to play fast. I think that’s the No. 1 thing. We’re going to play fast.”

Malzahn is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn — which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010.

In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season.

“I’m a big believer you got to run the football downhill,” he said. “It makes everything better as far as pass protection, better on the quarterback, everything. … And we’ll get that done.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 9, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OC

Florida State made official on Monday the hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, confirming weekend reports that he would resign as UCF head coach to reunite with Seminoles coach Mike Norvell.

UCF had confirmed on Sunday reports of Malzahn’s exit but not his destination, and FSU had not made an announcement until Monday afternoon.

“I am excited to be here at Florida State and to help us win championships,” Malzahn said in a statement. “It’s exciting to work with Coach Norvell, who is someone I believe in as a coach and leader.”

Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, said on Saturday night after the Seminoles’ 31-11 loss to Florida that he could not identify the new offensive coordinator until the hiring process was finalized.

Florida State, which is 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, is ranked No. 132 of 133 FBS programs in total offense (270.2 yards per game). The Seminoles are 130th in the nation in scoring offense (15.4 points per game).

Norvell shook up his staff, including firing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins on Nov. 10 after a 52-3 defeat at Notre Dame.

“I’m extremely excited to have Gus Malzahn join our staff at Florida State,” Norvell said in the school’s statement on Monday. “He has one of the most innovative minds in college football and a proven track record of developing elite offenses everywhere he’s been.

“His offenses have consistently showcased a tremendous running game combined with explosive plays through the air. I’m thrilled to work side-by-side with Gus again as we elevate the Florida State offense back to one of the elite groups in college football.”

UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn’s four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons.

Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn — which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010.

Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation.

In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn arrives before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Report: UCF HC Gus Malzahn to become Florida State OC

Gus Malzahn is leaving his post as UCF’s head coach to reunite with Florida State coach Mike Norvell as the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, relinquished his role as FSU’s primary playcaller amid a staff shakeup this season.

Florida State, 1-7 in the Athletic Coast Conference this season, entered Saturday’s season finale against Florida at 2-9 and ranked No. 131 in the nation in total offense.

UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn’s four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons.

Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn — which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and playcaller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010.

Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation.

In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn’s teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season.

–Field Level Media

Jul 10, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

UCF has chip on shoulder as it prepares for opener vs. New Hampshire

After a successful 10-year run in the American Athletic Conference, UCF endured some growing pains last season during its first year in the Big 12.

The Knights are hoping to take a step in the right direction in 2024, beginning with Thursday’s home matchup against FCS foe New Hampshire in Orlando, Fla.

UCF won at least nine games in five of its final six seasons in the AAC, but a 6-7 (3-6 Big 12) campaign in 2023 served as a reminder of how tough the Big 12 can be.

The Knights suffered through a five-game midseason losing streak that included double-digit losses to Kansas State, Kansas and West Virginia. The team rallied to win three of its final four regular-season games to gain bowl eligibility, but they fell to Georgia Tech 30-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl.

“Our team, I really feel like, has a chip on their shoulder,” UCF coach Gus Malzahn said. “If that didn’t leave a sour taste in our mouth, then we’ve got something wrong with us.”

UCF finished eighth in the nation in total offense in 2023, powered by a dominant rushing attack. KJ Jefferson is taking over for John Rhys Plumlee at quarterback, although he’ll certainly continue to feed RJ Harvey (1,416 rushing yards, 16 TDs in 2023).

New Hampshire (6-5, 4-4 CAA) won four of its final six games last season and scored at least 24 points in every contest in 2023.

All-American quarterback Max Brosmer transferred to Minnesota after throwing for 3,459 yards and 29 touchdowns for the Wildcats a season ago. Dylan Laube, another All-American, is now with the Las Vegas Raiders after leading the team in rushing (749 yards) and receiving (699) last year.

In their place, New Hampshire will turn to Seth Morgan at quarterback and Myles Thomason at running back. Morgan, a transfer from Division II Shepherd University, is back at the FCS level after beginning his career at VMI. Thomason, a reserve behind Laube last season, could split time with Isaac Seide, among others.

“I would love for it to be by committee, to be honest,” New Hampshire coach Rick Santos said of his running back rotation. “I think Isaac Seide has been chomping at the bit for some time now being in the shadow of Dylan Laube. I think Myles Thomason showed what he had last year. … We’d love for those guys to get equal reps.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn and team run onto the field before the game against the Baylor Bears at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Report: UCF extends coach Gus Malzahn through 2027

UCF is extending the contract of football coach Gus Malzahn through the 2027 season, ESPN reported Thursday.

Under the new deal, he is earning $4 million this season. In the final two years of the extension — 2026 and 2027 — he will receive $5.5 million per season, per the report.

UCF (3-2) is playing its first season in the Big 12, and the pay raise puts Malzahn’s salary in the range of other head coaches in the conference.

According to the USA Today coaches salaries database, Malzahn’s previous base salary was $2.3 million.

At the top end of the conference pay scale is Mike Gundy of Oklahoma State at $7.6 million, per USA Today. At the low end is Dave Aranda of Baylor at just over $3 million.

Malzahn, who turns 58 this month, is in his third season at UCF and has a 21-11 record, including 1-1 in bowl games.

In his coaching career at Arkansas State (2012), Auburn (2013-20) and UCF, he has a record of 98-49.

The Knights, who lost their first two Big 12 games, will play at Kansas (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and his wife, Kristi, walk of the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. Auburn defeated Mississippi State 56-23.

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UCF coach Gus Malzahn OK after auto accident

UCF head coach Gus Malzahn is OK after he was involved in a crash with a motorcycle Monday night in Auburn, Ala.

Malzahn was driving the car that collided with the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition but is expected to recover, WRBL reported Tuesday.

Malzahn called UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir to inform him of what happened. UCF released a statement Tuesday.

“Our football coach, Gus Malzahn, was involved in an automobile accident last night in Auburn, Alabama. Gus had traveled to Auburn Monday to be with his wife Kristi as they assisted Kristi’s mother (in aftermath of the passing of Kristi’s father). Gus was not injured in the accident,” the statement read.

Malzahn’s father-in-law, Wesley Otwell, died two weeks ago at 75.

Kristi Malzahn was recently hospitalized with an infection. She was released in early February but Gus Malzahn told the Orlando Sentinel that “there were times I was scared to death I was going to lose her.”

The Malzahns have been married for 33 years.

Gus Malzahn led UCF to a 9-4 record and a victory in the Gasparilla Bowl in his first season in Orlando. He previously was the head coach at Auburn for eight seasons (2013-20).

–Field Level Media

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn hugs his wife, Kristi, after the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. Auburn defeated Alabama State 63-9. 

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Gus Malzahn’s wife hospitalized with infection

UCF coach Gus Malzahn announced Monday that his wife, Kristi, has been hospitalized with an infection.

He did not reveal the nature of her infection.

“We appreciate and thank all those who have offered prayers and support and ask that you continue to pray for her recovery,” Gus Malzahn said, in part, through a statement released by UCF.

The Malzahns have been married for 33 years.

Gus Malzahn led UCF to a 9-4 record and a berth to the Gasparilla Bowl in his first season in Orlando. He previously was the head coach at Auburn for eight seasons (2013-20).

–Field Level Media

Oct 9, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn calls his team to the sideline during the first quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Bounce House. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

In-game injury: UCF coach Gus Malzahn confirms broken leg

UCF coach Gus Malzahn sustained a broken leg when he was inadvertently tackled on a play during the Knights’ win over Tulane, he confirmed Monday.

He showed up to work on crutches and told reporters he had a fractured tibia. After the 14-10 victory on Saturday, he called the incident “embarrassing.”

The play occurred during the first quarter when he was run into by a Tulane defender, and UCF medical staff members were seen tending to him. He was fitted with a knee brace and coached the rest of the game.

The Knights are 6-3 in their first year with Malzahn, the former Auburn coach, on the sideline. They will face SMU (7-2) on the road Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Big Kat Bryant (1) awaits the snap during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

‘Big Kat’ Bryant to join Gus Malzahn at UCF

Oct 25, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (99) forces a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive end Markaviest “Big Kat” Bryant said Tuesday that he plans to join former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn at UCF.

Bryant announced in January that he was entering the NCAA transfer portal and would play elsewhere for a fifth season, taking advantage of having another season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soon after, he said he was heading to Tennessee but apparently changed his mind after the firing of coach Jeremy Pruitt amid allegations of recruiting violations.

Bryant made his decision to play at UCF known on social media, sharing a photo illustration of himself in a team uniform with the caption, “Big Kat in the Bounce House.”

Bryant finished 2020 with 17 tackles, including three sacks, and four quarterback hurries. In four years at Auburn, Bryant appeared in 49 games and amassed career totals of 56 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions and seven passes defended.

He becomes the third former Auburn player to commit to playing for Malzahn at UCF, joining running back Mark-Antony Richards and receiver Nate Craig-Myers in Orlando.

Auburn fired Malzahn on Dec. 13 after eight seasons (2013-20) and a 68-35 overall record, 39-27 in Southeastern Conference play. He had four years remaining on his seven-year, $49 million contract extension and guided the program to an SEC Championship and BCS National Championship appearance in his first season.

He was hired at UCF in January.

–Field Level Media

Dec 12, 2020; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;  Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn shouts during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: UCF to hire Gus Malzahn as head coach

UCF is expected to hire former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn as its next football coach, and the deal could be finalized as soon as Monday, multiple outlets reported.

The job was offered to Malzahn on Sunday, according to 247Sports.

UCF had been seeking a replacement for Josh Heupel, who left last month to take the head coaching job at Tennessee. He followed athletic director Danny White, who assumed the same position with the Volunteers.

Since then, UCF named Terry Mohajir as its athletic director, and he has a connection to Malzahn. He previously was the athletic director at Arkansas State, where Malzahn coached in 2012.

Auburn fired Malzahn, 55, on Dec. 13 after eight seasons and a 68-35 overall record and 39-27 mark in Southeastern Conference play. He had four years remaining on his seven-year, $49 million contract extension and guided the program to an SEC Championship and BCS National Championship appearance in his first season.

He led Arkansas State to a 9-3 record and a Sun Belt Conference championship in 2012.

The Knights were 28-8 in three seasons under Heupel.

–Field Level Media