Florida State football offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, a celebrated figure in college football, has announced his retirement from coaching. Malzahn, whose career has spanned 35 years across high school and college football, shared the news in a post on X.
He’s hit some big milestones along the way, including winning the 2010 BCS national championship as Auburn’s offensive coordinator. Now, he’s stepping away from the sidelines to spend more time with his family and maybe try something new for a change.
Gus Malzahn’s Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Gus Malzahn kicked off his coaching journey in Arkansas high school football, staying there for 15 years. Those years really shaped his approach and set the stage for what came next.
In 2006, he took a leap into college football, joining the University of Arkansas as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. That experience at Arkansas gave him the foundation for bigger things ahead.
Transition to College Football
Malzahn’s move to college ball was marked by some pretty creative offensive schemes and a knack for developing players. After Arkansas, he spent two seasons at Tulsa as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.
His work at Tulsa didn’t go unnoticed—Auburn came calling, and he joined them as offensive coordinator in 2009. That turned out to be a pivotal step.
Success at Auburn
Malzahn’s time at Auburn was, honestly, quite a ride. As offensive coordinator, he helped lead the Tigers to a flawless 14-0 season and a BCS national championship in 2010.
Under his direction, Cam Newton snagged the Heisman Trophy. That run made Malzahn’s reputation as a top coach pretty much undeniable.
Head Coach at Arkansas State and Return to Auburn
In 2012, Malzahn became head coach at Arkansas State and led the Red Wolves to a 9-3 record. It was a short stint, though—he was back at Auburn the very next season, this time as head coach, taking over for Gene Chizik.
That season, he guided Auburn to the BCS national championship game in 2013. They came up short against Florida State, but it was still a wild turnaround for the program.
Head Coaching Career
Malzahn’s head coaching career stretched across 13 years at Arkansas State, Auburn, and UCF. At Auburn, he finished with a 68-35 record over eight seasons, which is nothing to scoff at.
His time at UCF saw him lead the team to a 28-24 record in four seasons. Not every year was perfect, but he kept them competitive.
Final Season at Florida State
After stepping down from UCF in 2024, Malzahn took on the role of offensive coordinator at Florida State for the 2025 season. That move let him stay closer to family while still being part of the game.
Retiring in 2026, he’s closing the book on a remarkable coaching run. It’s hard not to wonder what he’ll do next.
Legacy and Future Plans
Malzahn leaves behind a legacy filled with innovation and success. His years at Auburn, in particular, will stick in the memory of a lot of fans.
He’s looking forward to more family time and whatever new adventures might come his way. After so many seasons, he’s earned it.
Impact on College Football
Malzahn’s influence stretches well beyond his win-loss record. His offensive ideas have shaped how a lot of teams approach the game.
He’s been especially good at developing talent and getting the best out of his players. That’s the kind of impact that lingers, even after the whistle blows for the last time.
Conclusion
Gus Malzahn’s retirement is really the end of an era in college football.
From his early days coaching high school teams in Arkansas to standing atop the sport with a national championship at Auburn, he’s had quite a run.
He led several programs to success, always pushing for more, always adapting.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine the sidelines without him pacing and calling plays.
If you want the official scoop and a few more details, check out the original article on cleveland.com.
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