Former Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn Retires After 35 Years

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

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gus Malzahn, the former head coach of the Auburn Tigers and most recently the offensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles, 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 respected and successful college football coach, leading Auburn to a national championship game appearance in 2013 and compiling a 68-35 record over 8 seasons as the Tigers' head coach. His decision to retire at 60 years old is notable, as many top coaches continue working into their 60s and even 70s.

The details

Malzahn spent the 2025 season as Florida State's offensive coordinator, helping to dramatically improve the Seminoles' offense. Under his leadership, FSU ranked 22nd nationally in points per game and led the ACC in total and rushing offense. Prior to that, Malzahn had a successful 8-year run as Auburn's head coach from 2013-2020, before being dismissed during the 2020 season. He then spent 4 years leading the UCF program before joining Florida State's staff.

  • Malzahn announced his retirement on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • He spent the 2025 season as Florida State's offensive coordinator.
  • Malzahn was the head coach at Auburn from 2013-2020, before being dismissed during the 2020 season.
  • He then led the UCF program for 4 years before joining Florida State's staff.

The players

Gus Malzahn

A 60-year-old former college football head coach who has announced his retirement after 35 years in the coaching profession, including successful stints at Auburn and Florida State.

Mike Norvell

The current head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, who praised Malzahn's contributions to the program in 2025 and promoted co-offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. to take over the offense.

Tim Harris Jr.

The new offensive coordinator for the Florida State Seminoles, promoted from his previous role as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Retiring Head Coach

“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, Head Coach

The takeaway

Malzahn's retirement at age 60 after a highly successful 35-year coaching career, including leading Auburn to a national championship game appearance, marks the end of an era for one of college football's most respected offensive minds. His departure from Florida State's staff creates an opportunity for the Seminoles to build on the offensive progress made in 2025 under Malzahn's coordination.