In a surprise move, Florida State football has appointed Gus Malzahn as its new offensive coordinator. Malzahn, who resigned from his role at Central Florida, will bring his expertise to the Seminoles after a disappointing 2-10 season. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Malzahn will take over from Alex Atkins, who was let go along with several other assistant coaches.
Florida State’s offense has been a major concern, with one of the worst scoring averages (14.4) in the country. Malzahn will need to address the passing game, which has been a significant weakness. However, the rushing attack has shown promise, and Malzahn’s experience should help to build on this strength.
Malzahn spent four years coaching UCF football, finishing with a 28-24 career record. He will work closely with head coach Mike Norvell, who has pledged to make significant changes after a dismal season. Norvell apologized to fans and players after the final game, saying, “I’m sorry for what showed up throughout the course of this year. It will be fixed.”
The Seminoles’ offense will not face immediate pressure to improve, given its lowly scoring average. However, Malzahn’s appointment is a significant step towards rebuilding the team’s fortunes. With his experience and expertise, Florida State fans will be hoping for a marked improvement in the 2025 season.