Former Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn Retires After 35 Years

Malzahn spent last season as Florida State's offensive coordinator before announcing his retirement.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Gus Malzahn, the former head coach at Auburn University and most recently the offensive coordinator at Florida State University, announced his retirement from coaching on Monday after a 35-year career. Malzahn, 60, said he is stepping away to focus on his family and life beyond football.

Why it matters

Malzahn was a highly successful college football coach, leading Auburn to a national championship game appearance in 2013 and compiling a 68-35 record over eight seasons as the Tigers' head coach. His decision to retire after just one season as Florida State's offensive coordinator marks the end of an era for the veteran coach.

The details

Malzahn spent the 2025 season as Florida State's offensive coordinator, helping to orchestrate a dramatic turnaround for the Seminoles' offense. Under his leadership, Florida State improved from one of the lowest-scoring teams in the country to ranking 22nd nationally in points per game, averaging 33 points. The Seminoles also led the ACC in total and rushing offense, posting more than 470 yards per game overall.

  • Malzahn announced his retirement on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • He spent the 2025 season as Florida State's offensive coordinator.

The players

Gus Malzahn

A 60-year-old former head coach at Auburn University who spent the 2025 season as the offensive coordinator at Florida State University before announcing his retirement from coaching.

Mike Norvell

The head coach of the Florida State University football team, who promoted co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. to take over the offense following Malzahn's departure.

Tim Harris Jr.

The co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Florida State University, who was promoted to take over the offense following Malzahn's retirement.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Gus Malzahn

“I want to thank coach Malzahn for his effort and dedication to our program over the last 14 months. He did a wonderful job coordinating our offense and calling plays in 2025, and he has set a strong foundation for us to continue building on in 2026 behind the coordination of Tim Harris and the multiple other assistant coaches who are returning. Coach Harris has a complete understanding of the offensive scheme, and his ability to effectively share that knowledge with his players will continue to be a benefit for our offense.”

— Mike Norvell, Florida State Head Coach

What’s next

Florida State will look to build on the offensive success it had under Malzahn's coordination in 2026, with Tim Harris Jr. taking over as the new offensive coordinator.

The takeaway

Gus Malzahn's retirement after 35 years of coaching, including successful stints as the head coach at Auburn and the offensive coordinator at Florida State, marks the end of an era for the veteran coach. His decision to step away and focus on his family and life beyond football comes after a long and accomplished career in the college game.