**UCF's Gus Malzahn to Head FSU's Offense Amid Coaching Shakeup**

In a surprising coaching transition, UCF head coach Gus Malzahn is stepping down to take on the role of offensive coordinator at Florida State, sources disclosed to ESPN on Saturday. This change signifies a major shift for FSU head coach Mike Norvell, who will relinquish his duties as the primary playcaller after a challenging 2-9 season that concludes with Saturday night’s game against Florida.

Norvell is familiar with Malzahn’s coaching style, having previously worked under him as a graduate assistant at Tulsa in 2007 and 2008. This appointment follows two inconsistent seasons for Malzahn at UCF, where the team posted a 6-7 record last year and a 4-8 record this season. UCF ended this year with a disheartening finish, losing eight of its last nine games. Malzahn’s tenure at UCF wraps up with a 28-24 record, including a concerning 5-13 in the Big 12 across the past two years.

Malzahn, in his 13-season career as a college head coach, has accumulated a record of 105-62, with notable stints at Arkansas State and Auburn. One of his significant achievements includes leading Auburn to the BCS title game in 2013. Malzahn now brings his expertise to Tallahassee, aiming to revive an FSU offense that struggled to a 1-7 record in the ACC this season, a stark contrast to their near College Football Playoff berth with a 13-1 season just a year prior.

As an experienced playcaller, Malzahn's track record includes being Auburn's offensive coordinator during their 2010 national title win. His offensive strategies are set to breathe new life into an FSU team that ranked No. 131 in total offense leading into this Saturday. Over his 19-year career as a collegiate offensive coordinator or head coach, Malzahn’s offenses have averaged 447.7 yards per game, surpassing 5,000 yards of total offense in 16 seasons, 6,000 yards eight times, and 7,000 yards thrice.

Holistically, Malzahn’s recent UCF offenses have excelled in rushing, consistently ranking in the top-10 nationally, which should complement Norvell's traditionally strong passing game. This tactical combination aims to revitalize an FSU offense that struggled significantly throughout the 2024 season.