New FSU Staffer Gabe Fertitta Tasked With Blending Malzahn, Norvell Offenses

Fertitta's initial assignment was to help Norvell and new OC Harris Jr. combine the best elements of the two offenses.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:07pm

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When Gabe Fertitta joined Florida State's coaching staff as the new director of football strategy, his first task was to help head coach Mike Norvell and new offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. blend the best aspects of the Gus Malzahn and Norvell offenses that the Seminoles had recently run. Fertitta explained it was a complex process of carefully integrating plays and schemes to avoid unintended consequences.

Why it matters

Blending the offenses was crucial for Florida State as they transition from the one-year Malzahn system back to Norvell's preferred approach. Fertitta's experience as an offensive coordinator and head coach at various levels gives him a valuable perspective to provide feedback to the coaching staff.

The details

Fertitta said he goes to a different offensive position group meeting each day to help bridge any gaps between the coaches and provide additional insights. He also tries to observe areas Norvell can't during practice and share his observations. Fertitta is also working closely with new OC Harris to ensure a smooth integration of the offenses.

  • Gus Malzahn announced his retirement as FSU's offensive coordinator in early 2026.
  • Gabe Fertitta joined the FSU staff as director of football strategy just a few days later in early 2026.

The players

Gabe Fertitta

Florida State's new director of football strategy, who previously served as an offensive analyst for the Seminoles and has experience as an offensive coordinator and head coach at other levels.

Mike Norvell

Florida State's head coach, who is reclaiming his role as the Seminoles' primary play-caller after Malzahn's departure.

Tim Harris Jr.

Florida State's new offensive coordinator, who is working with Norvell and Fertitta to blend the best elements of the previous offenses.

Gus Malzahn

Florida State's former offensive coordinator, who retired after one season with the Seminoles.

Andre Otto

Florida State's redshirt junior offensive lineman, who expressed excitement about having Fertitta back on the coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“It's really been a pretty good marriage of the things that everybody liked, that they were doing [in '25], and the things that everybody liked that we had done in the past here. And so, trying to kind of meld all those things together.”

— Gabe Fertitta, Director of Football Strategy

“I love Coach Fertitta. Right now, he's kind of working around with the whole offense as a whole, so we don't see him all the time. Sometimes, he's working with the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, all of them. But I love seeing him back. He's one of my favorite coaches.”

— Andre Otto, Redshirt Junior Offensive Lineman

What’s next

The Florida State coaching staff will continue to refine the blended offense during spring practices and into the summer as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Fertitta's experience and collaborative approach are key assets as Florida State transitions its offense back to Norvell's system while incorporating the best elements of Malzahn's scheme from the previous year. The Seminoles are optimistic about the potential of the new-look offense.