In a move that has sent ripples through the college football landscape, Gus Malzahn has made the decision to leave the University of Central Florida (UCF) after three seasons as head coach and accept the role of offensive coordinator at Florida State University. The shift marks a significant change for both Malzahn and the Seminoles, with the former Auburn head coach stepping into a pivotal role for a team on the rise. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, a prominent voice in the college football world, weighed in on the move, offering his analysis on its potential impact and implications for both Malzahn and Florida State.

 

Finebaum, who has long been known for his sharp insights on the game, first noted the unusual nature of Malzahn’s transition. Typically, head coaches don’t take a step back in their careers, especially after finding success at a program like UCF. However, Finebaum suggested that the move could be beneficial for Malzahn, who had faced mounting pressure at UCF, especially following a mixed record in his final season with the Knights. Malzahn’s tenure at UCF was marked by a mixture of promise and frustration, as he led the team to a bowl appearance but struggled to consistently dominate in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

 

Finebaum highlighted that the decision to leave UCF may stem from Malzahn’s desire to get back to a high-profile program and the opportunity to work with a team that has a chance to contend for national championships. “This is a smart move for Gus,” Finebaum said. “Florida State has the resources, the history, and the talent pool to really make something happen in the next few years. If Malzahn can reignite his coaching career at Florida State, he could set himself up for future opportunities that might not have been available to him at UCF.”

 

Finebaum also pointed out that Florida State’s offense, which has struggled in recent years, could benefit from Malzahn’s innovative approach. Known for his up-tempo, high-powered offense during his time at Auburn, Malzahn brings a wealth of experience running schemes that can stretch the field and open up lanes for both the passing and running game. Florida State, under head coach Mike Norvell, has been making strides toward rebuilding its program, and adding Malzahn to the staff could be the spark needed to elevate the Seminoles’ offensive production to the next level.

 

“Mike Norvell has done a solid job getting Florida State back on track after some rough years, but adding someone with Gus Malzahn’s credentials to the coaching staff is a game-changer,” Finebaum stated. “Malzahn knows how to recruit, he knows how to get the best out of quarterbacks, and his play-calling is among the best in the country. If Norvell and Malzahn can mesh, this could turn into one of the most formidable offensive units in the ACC.”

 

The decision also places Malzahn in a unique position, as he’ll be working under Norvell rather than being the head coach himself. Finebaum expressed curiosity about how Malzahn would adapt to this dynamic, especially considering his previous experience as a head coach in the SEC. “It’s going to be interesting to see how Gus adjusts to a more collaborative role. He’s used to running the show, but now he’ll be part of a staff and have to report to someone else. There’s a level of humility involved in that,” Finebaum noted.

 

Despite these potential challenges, Finebaum emphasized that the move could revitalize Malzahn’s career. Florida State’s offensive coordinator position offers Malzahn a platform to showcase his skills once again and potentially position himself for future head coaching opportunities down the line. “This isn’t the end of Gus Malzahn’s story; it could very well be the beginning of a new chapter in his career,” Finebaum concluded.

 

In the end, Paul Finebaum’s reaction to Gus Malzahn’s move to Florida State serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football coaching careers. For Malzahn, the opportunity to help rebuild one of college football’s most storied programs while working under a talented head coach could be just the fresh start he needs.