Gus Malzahn Retires After Legendary Career, FSU Names New OC for 2026 CFB Season

Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced Monday he's retiring from coaching.

The Seminoles confirmed Tim Harris Jr. will succeed him in leading the offense.

"After 35 years, it's time for me to step away from coaching," Malzahn said. "I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank Coach [Mike] Norvell for giving me the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program. I will continue to follow Florida State, and I believe great things are ahead for the program under Coach Norvell's leadership and for the offense under Tim Harris."

Malzahn went 105-62 as a college head coach across stops at Arkansas State, Auburn and UCF. He reached the BCS title game in his first year with the Tigers in 2013, a season that included both the "Prayer at Jordan–Hare" and "Kick Six."

Auburn's three Iron Bowl wins helped to set Malzahn apart from his peers. He was consistently the biggest thorn in the side of Nick Saban during the height of Alabama's dynasty.

As an offensive coordinator, Malzahn was on the Arkansas staff when the Razorbacks won 10 games in 2006 while powered by the backfield tandem of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

Four years later, Malzahn was the recipient of the Broyles Award, which goes to the best assistant coach in college football, as Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton powered Auburn to a national title.

Malzahn's retirement comes as Florida State coach Mike Norvell is squarely on the hot seat. The Seminoles had their second straight losing season in 2025, and sooner or later Norvell's buyout will no longer insulate him from being ousted.

Harris will have big shoes to fill as the new offensive coordinator. FSU averaged the sixth-most yards (472.1) per game in the FBS. While the team as a whole fell short of expectations, the offense was pretty good on its own.

Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels figures to have the inside track on the starting quarterback job by virtue of his experience. His numbers don't exactly jump off the page, though. Between 2023-25, he threw for 4,744 yards, 24 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

Tailoring an offense to fit Daniels' skill set or developing redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry as the new starter will be atop Harris' to-do list.