Iconic national championship-winning football coach makes bombshell retirement decision at 60
Iconic college football coach Gus Malzahn has announced his decision to retire.
Malzahn, who was most recently the offensive coordinator at Florida State, previously helped play a role in the Auburn Tigers winning a national championship in 2010.
The 60-year-old was also an offensive coordinator during that season with the Tigers before later becoming head coach and leading them to an SEC Championship win.
In a statement, he said: ‘After 35 years, it’s time for me to step away from coaching.
‘I am excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank Coach 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.’
Iconic college football coach Gus Malzahn has announced his decision to retire
Malzahn previously helped lead the Auburn Tigers to a national championship back in 2010
During his lone season at Florida State, Malzahn was responsible for play-calling duties. The program is now transitioning to Tim Harris to maintain the system.
Malzahn finishes his head coaching career with a total record of 105-62. His tenure included stops at Auburn, Arkansas State and the University of Central Florida.
He began his coaching career back in 1991 after being named offensive coordinator at Hughes High School in Arkansas, before later becoming the head coach.
After finding success at high school level, Malzahn made the move to college football and became Arkansas’ offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach in 2006.
His most prominent success occurred at Auburn from 2013 to 2020. In his first year, he led the Tigers to a 12-2 record and an SEC Championship title victory.
That 2013 season culminated in a BCS National Championship Game appearance. Auburn narrowly lost to Florida State, the program where he eventually finished.
Malzahn returned Auburn to the SEC Championship Game in 2017. Despite a strong season, the Tigers fell to Georgia, finishing with a 10-4 record for that campaign.
Following his dismissal from Auburn after the 2020 season, Malzahn took over at UCF. He recorded nine wins in each of his first two seasons with the Knights.
The transition to the Big 12 proved difficult for the program and Malzahn went 10-15 over his final two years at UCF before stepping down in November 2024.
