**Gus Malzahn Transitions from UCF to Florida State Offensive Coordinator**

Gus Malzahn is making a notable career move within Florida's football landscape. The UCF head coach is set to step down from his current role to join Florida State as the offensive coordinator, according to ESPN.

UCF concluded its challenging season with a home loss to Utah on Friday night, finishing with a 4-8 record. This marks a significant downturn for the Knights, who have struggled since transitioning from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12. Meanwhile, Florida State is wrapping up a tough season of its own, holding a 2-9 record ahead of their final regular-season game against Florida on Saturday night.

Florida State's need for new leadership on the offensive front has been pressing ever since head coach Mike Norvell made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller following a devastating 52-3 loss to Notre Dame. The Seminoles' offense has been largely ineffective this season, scoring more than 21 points in just one game, a 41-7 victory over Charleston Southern.

At 60, Malzahn's move mirrors a decision made less than a year ago by UCLA coach Chip Kelly, who left his head coach position to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. Malzahn's tenure at UCF began with promise, winning nine games in each of his first two seasons. However, the team's performance declined to 6-7 in 2023 and further to a 4-win season this year.

Before his time at UCF, Malzahn served as the head coach at Auburn from 2013 to 2020. His inaugural season at Auburn saw the Tigers competing in the BCS title game against Florida State. Although Auburn's performance fluctuated in subsequent seasons, Malzahn maintained a record without any losing seasons, ending his final year at Auburn with a 6-4 record. Notably, Malzahn was also the offensive coordinator when Auburn clinched the national championship following the 2011 season.

As Malzahn prepares to take on his new role at Florida State, both Seminoles and Knights fans will be watching closely to see how this seasoned coach's experience can turn around the fortunes of a struggling offense.