Gus Malzahn makes major career decision after college football season

Gus Malzahn’s coaching career is over. The veteran coach announced his retirement Monday morning after spending decades in college football, starting in Arkansas high schools before climbing his way to the SEC.

Malzahn was Florida State’s offensive coordinator last season and pointed to family time as the main reason for stepping away.

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The timing caught many off guard. Most coaching staffs were already set, and the transfer portal had mostly wrapped up by the time the news broke. Florida State had to find a quick replacement for Mike Norvell’s staff.

The Seminoles didn’t waste time and promoted Tim Harris Jr., who had been serving as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.

From high school sidelines to the SEC, Gus Malzahn’s journey was anything but ordinary

Malzahn’s path through football wasn’t typical. He got his start in 1991 as offensive coordinator at Hughes High School in Arkansas. He moved up to head coach there a year later and spent more than a decade winning games at different high schools from 1992 through 2005.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Mitch Mustain (16) and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn celebrate in Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn as the Razorbacks upset the Auburn Tigers 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Photo By John Reed-Imagn Images

That run earned him a shot at the college level in 2006 when Arkansas brought him on as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.

He added stops at Tulsa and Auburn in similar jobs before landing his first head coaching gig at Arkansas State in 2012. He went 9-3 that season.

Auburn pulled him back after just one year, naming him head coach. Malzahn made an immediate impact, going 12-2 in 2013 and getting the Tigers to the BCS title game.

Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn talks with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Malzahn is a former Auburn football head coach. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

They dropped a 34-31 game to Florida State after leading at halftime. He picked up several coaching honors that year.

Malzahn’s time at Auburn ended with a 68-35 record, though bowl games gave him trouble. He later coached UCF to a 28-24 mark before leaving in 2024 to join Florida State’s staff.

The Seminoles put up 33 points per game under his play-calling last season.