The Malzahn Method: 5 Shocking Twists In Former Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn’s Career, Including His New 2024 Role

The coaching carousel never stops spinning, and few coaches embody its unpredictable nature more than Arthur Gustavo "Gus" Malzahn III. As of late 2024, the former face of the Auburn Tigers football program has made one of the most surprising career moves of the year, resigning from his head coaching position at UCF to take on the Offensive Coordinator role at Florida State University (FSU). This move, announced in December 2024, provides a fresh twist to a career defined by sky-high peaks, frustrating valleys, and an unshakeable commitment to his signature up-tempo, spread-option offense. This article dives deep into the full timeline of Malzahn's career, focusing on the defining moments at Auburn, the recent struggles at UCF, and the intriguing new chapter with the FSU Seminoles.

The story of Gus Malzahn is a tale of a high school coaching legend who became a college football lightning rod, known for his masterful offensive play-calling and an occasional inability to sustain momentum. His latest decision to step back into a coordinator role after years as a Power Five head coach is the ultimate career reset, driven by a disappointing 2024 season with the UCF Knights and the lure of a "great opportunity" to simply coach football again.

Gus Malzahn: Complete Biography and Career Timeline

Gus Malzahn’s journey from a successful high school coach in Arkansas to a prominent figure in the SEC and Big 12 is one of the most unique in modern college football. His career is marked by a rapid ascent and a series of high-stakes jobs.

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• Full Name: Arthur Gustavo Malzahn III
• Born: October 28, 1965 (Age 59 as of December 2024)
• Hometown: Irving, Texas
• Alma Mater: Henderson State University (B.A. in Physical Education, 1990)
• Playing Career: Wide receiver at Arkansas (1984–1985) and Henderson State (1988–1989)
• Coaching Philosophy: Known for the "Malzahn Method"—a high-tempo, no-huddle, spread-option offense.

Career Timeline (College and Professional)

• 1991–2005: High School Head Coach (Hughes, Shiloh Christian, Springdale) – Became a legendary figure in Arkansas high school football.
• 2006: Arkansas Razorbacks (Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers)
• 2007–2008: Tulsa Golden Hurricane (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach)
• 2009–2011: Auburn Tigers (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) – Won the 2010 BCS National Championship with Cam Newton.
• 2012: Arkansas State Red Wolves (Head Coach) – Led the team to a 9-3 record.
• 2013–2020: Auburn Tigers (Head Coach) – Overall record of 68-35.
• 2021–2024: UCF Knights (Head Coach) – Overall record of 23-25.
• December 2024–Present: Florida State Seminoles (Offensive Coordinator)

The Untamed Eight Years: Highs and Lows of the Auburn Tenure

The name "Gus Malzahn" is indelibly linked to the Auburn Tigers. His eight seasons as head coach were a rollercoaster of historic wins, painful losses, and an ever-present sense of pressure from the demanding SEC fanbase.

Twist 1: The Miraculous 2013 Season and National Title Near-Miss

Malzahn's first season in 2013 remains the defining moment of his career. Taking a 3-9 team, he engineered one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in college football history, leading the Tigers to an SEC Championship and a berth in the BCS National Championship game.

• The "Kick Six": The legendary game-winning field goal return against Alabama in the Iron Bowl is arguably the most famous play in college football history, securing the SEC West title.
• The "Prayer at Jordan-Hare": A dramatic, last-second tipped touchdown pass to beat Georgia was another miracle moment that season.

The team finished 12-2, narrowly losing the national title game to Florida State, which only amplified the expectation for sustained excellence that followed.

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Twist 2: The Inconsistency Conundrum

Following the 2013 magic, Malzahn’s tenure became a maddening cycle of inconsistency. He was often criticized for "hot seat" rumors that seemed to surface every other year, despite multiple high-profile wins. The program struggled to maintain the offensive firepower that defined his early success, leading to frustrating losses against rivals.

• He reached as high as No. 2 in the College Football Playoff Poll in 2017, playing in the SEC Championship game against Georgia.
• However, his offenses occasionally stalled, leading to historically low yardage outputs in some games, a shock for an "offensive guru."

This pattern of high peaks followed by immediate drops ultimately led to his firing in December 2020, despite a $21.45 million buyout, underscoring the high-stakes nature of coaching in the SEC.

The UCF Chapter: Big 12 Transition and the Vague Exit

After his departure from Auburn, Malzahn quickly landed the Head Coach job at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2021. This move was seen as a perfect fit: a coach who thrives on offense leading a program known for its high-scoring, exciting style of play.

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Twist 3: The Big 12 Stumble

Malzahn's time at UCF was initially positive, but the 2024 season proved to be a significant setback. The Knights struggled in their transition to the Big 12 Conference.

• 2024 Record: The team finished with a disappointing 4–8 overall record (2–7 in the Big 12).
• This 4-8 finish was the program’s worst record since 2015, immediately raising questions about the program's direction under Malzahn.

Twist 4: The December 2024 Resignation

The biggest twist came in December 2024, when Malzahn abruptly resigned as UCF's head coach to accept the Offensive Coordinator position at Florida State. This was a stunning move for a coach who had been a head coach at the Power Five level for over a decade.

• The move was confirmed by multiple sources, with Malzahn stepping away from a head coaching role to take on a coordinator job under FSU head coach Mike Norvell.
• The timing, right after the end of a losing season, suggested a mutual desire for a change in direction for the UCF program.

The FSU Reset: Why an OC Role Now?

Gus Malzahn's decision to join the Florida State Seminoles as their Offensive Coordinator is more than just a job change; it’s a philosophical return to his roots. He is stepping back from the administrative burdens of being a head coach to focus solely on his true passion: designing and calling plays.

Twist 5: The "Old School" Admission

In his first comments after taking the FSU job, Malzahn made an honest admission that shed light on his choice. He stated: "I started out as an offensive coordinator in college football. I love coaching. I'm an old school football coach. It was a great opportunity for me."

• Focus on Offense: The FSU offense struggled significantly in 2024, ranking 131st out of 134 schools in points per game (15.4), making Malzahn's offensive expertise a critical hire.
• Relationship with Norvell: Malzahn touted his history and relationship with FSU head coach Mike Norvell as a key factor in the decision.
• Immediate Goal: Malzahn’s initial focus for the FSU Seminoles is clear and telling: "My intent is to help us get bowl eligible," a modest goal that speaks to the immediate need for a turnaround in Tallahassee.

For fans who followed the "Malzahn Method" at Auburn—the dizzying pace, the innovative run schemes, and the explosive plays—his new role at FSU offers a chance to see the offensive guru unburdened by the pressures of being the program's CEO. It is a fascinating new chapter for a coach who has proven he can deliver championship-caliber offense, and all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see if he can recapture the magic that once electrified the SEC.