Gus Malzahn, who has led the UCF Knights football team for the past four seasons, is trading his head coach hat for the offensive coordinator's whistle at Florida State University. Aside from confirmation from both universities, ESPN reports detail that Malzahn has stepped down from his position at UCF following a rocky tenure that unfolded with a less-than-stellar 28-24 win-loss record.
Even the allure of leading a team transition to the higher-profile Big 12 conference wasn't enough to retain Malzahn, whose team finished this season with a disappointing 4-8. "I almost feel like it’s something that had to happen. I feel like our play calling was kind of repetitive at times," told UCF fan Mike Dilella to Click Orlando, echoing a sentiment that might have permeated the fanbase.
In a show of appreciation, albeit through gritted teeth, one might feel, UCF Athletics released a statement. "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. 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," the statement read, obtained by Click Orlando.
The news was not entirely expected by the UCF players, as reflected in the reactions shared with Click Orlando. "It was a little surprising. The season didn’t go as we expected, but I think next year we’ll get the job done," said UCF player Troy Ford Jr. Meanwhile, his teammate Kason Stokes seemed ready to embrace the change, "Honestly, I feel like it's a new opportunity for everybody. It’s a clean slate. Come in and show what you can do produce and make the program better."
Descending upon a struggling FSU team, which posted a dismal 2-9 season, Malzahn is set to become the primary play-caller, a move FSU head coach Mike Norvell hopes will turn fortunes around. "We have identified our next offensive coordinator and will have an official announcement once the hiring process is complete," shared a spokesperson from Florida State in a statement given to FOX35.
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