UCF Knights Coach Gus Malzahn Resigns for Coordinator Role

UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn has officially resigned from his position and has made the decision to take the offensive coordinator job with the Florida State Seminoles, a statement from UCF Athletics confirmed on Nov. 30.

"We would like to thank Coach Malzahn for his contributions to our football program over the past four seasons, including our transition into the Big 12 Conference," the state read. "We appreciate his professionalism and dedication to our student-athletes throughout his tenure at UCF and wish he and his wife, Kristi, the very best in their future endeavors."

This comes after the Knights finished second to last in the Big 12 Conference, going 4-8 and 2-7 in the Big 12.

A Disappointing, Sour End

The Knights were picked in the preseason to finish in the upper echelon of the Big 12, having a bounce-back year after finishing near the bottom in 2023. After winning their first three games, things were looking up after beating the TCU Horned Frogs in heart-stopping fashion 35-34.

However, back-to-back disappointing losses against the No. 25 Colorado Buffaloes and Florida Gators completely derailed their season. The Knights won one more game against the fellow bottom-dweller Arizona Wildcats but could not pull out any more close games. UCF had three losses where they lost by just one score. Those games go a different way and this season has a much different end.

The Knights also had major issues with their quarterback room with KJ Jefferson being benched for Miami transfer Jacurri Brown. Brown ran well for 401 yards and 4 touchdowns, however, had just 387 yards passing with 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown. After Brown didn't work, they threw out a freshman in Dylan Rizk, who threw for 915 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Those quarterback woes proved to be their downfall this season, as other aspects of their game like their run game and defense were solid to great even, with RJ Harvey having 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns in the backfield.

However, not having a consistent quarterback proved costly for a head coach who banks on having a strong offense for his system to work. The defense did all they could as did the run game, but there was only so much they could do with having little to no passing game. A truly disappointing end to the season was made all the more sour when UCF lost to the Utah Utes 28-14 and Malzahn made it known that he would not return.

A New Beginning for UCF?

While it may be a disappointing end for UCF and Malzahn, Malzahn taking his talents elsewhere could prove to be just the thing both parties needed. UCF had long been frustrated with Malzahn, as he was supposed to be the guy that replaced the legendary Scott Frost who led them to multiple successes in the American Athletic Conference.

Malzahn was the experienced Power Four coach they wanted to lead them into the Big 12 era, and while the 2023 debut season did not go well, there was promise this season due to the recruiting class and returning talent the Knights had. Obviously, expectations proved to be too high for Malzahn, who while having success at other Power Four schools, just couldn't adjust and develop for the Knights.

While it's almost certain that there will be players exiting the program, there is still a plethora of young talent on this UCF roster and what looks to be quite a few potential great options in the coaching carousel. If the Knights can keep a decent majority of these young players in the program and get a new coach who can do well in the Transfer Portal and in recruiting, this may prove to be a good move for the Knights, who are still looking to find their footing in Power Four.

Not only this, though, but Malzahn leaves a $12 million buyout on the table for UCF to keep by taking this job, so this moves saves the Knights money.

A New Beginning for Malzahn?

For Malzahn, he's an offensive-minded coach and always has been. From his early days with the Arkansas Razorbacks and Auburn Tigers, he has developed some high-quality offensive players. He did much of the same at UCF with players like Harvey and former Knights receiver Javon Baker. However, he had some bad runs these past two seasons and did not adjust well, much like his head coaching tenure at Auburn. Not having a consistent quarterback was the nail in the coffin.

As an offensive coordinator and recruiter, however, he thrives, and with the tools he has at a powerful program like Florida State, the sky is the limit. The Seminoles are 2-9 at the time of writing this article, a far cry from their strong 13-1 campaign last season. This is mainly due to their offensive woes, averaging a putrid 273.3 yards a game and placing No. 131 in the nation in total offense. Malzahn could certainly help remedy that, as the Seminoles do have the talent, the NIL money and now, even further recruiting prowess on their side to be a solid program as they almost always have.

Doing What Was Best

In the end, Malzahn likely did what each party felt was best for this situation. Many were calling for Malzahn's firing or retirement once it was certain that UCF's season was lost and it really seemed like both UCF and Malzahn were losing the faith of the fans as the season went on.

This move means a new beginning for both parties and a chance for each to succeed in the future. Malzahn is a tried and true offensive coordinator who has had a slew of great players come through his offenses. UCF was in need of a change to keep up with the Joneses of the Big 12. This move allows for both the opportunity to be in a better position with good management and proper planning.

The Knights move into the offseason in search of a new coach, while Malzahn moves to revamp an offense in shambles. The future is uncertain, but this move was needed as most UCF fans and insiders can say.

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