FSU Fans, Former Players React To Likely Hiring Of Gus Malzahn As Offensive Coordinator

A reason for potential optimism in Tallahassee?

Robert Malcom | Dec 1, 2024

Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn arrives before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images / Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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Florida State Seminoles

As the historically bad 2024 season comes to a close, the Florida State Seminoles are beginning to look ahead to 2025. Just a few hours ahead of tonight's kickoff against the in-state rival Florida Gators, it was announced by ESPN's Pete Thamel that current UCF head coach Gus Malzahn is resigning from his current position and coming to Tallahassee as Florida State's next offensive coordinator.

The now former Knights head coach has been a major name in college football for years, with nearly two decades of experience at the FBS level. In his first stint at Auburn as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, Malzahn won the 2010 national championship and guided his starting QB, Cam Newton, to a Heisman Trophy. Just three years later as head coach, Malzahn returned to the national championship in 2013, falling to Florida State in the Rose Bowl.

In his head coaching career, Malzahn has amassed a 105-62 record, and was the 2013 Bear Bryant Award winner and Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year.

Given the shocking news, fans and former players were quick to take to social media to share their reactions.

Former FSU Defensive Lineman Jacobbi McDaniel Shares His Optimism About the Hire

Gus OC?? There it is! Let’s get back to that level of respect! Hell yeah!
— Jacobbi McDaniel (@JacobbiJustice) November 30, 2024

Former FSU Defensive Lineman Everett Dawkins Reactsto the News

Seeing mixed opinions on this, I think it would be great for recruiting and he only has to be an OC not as much responsibility as being the head man. https://t.co/qXRTViy06z
— Everett Dawkins (@_CoachDawkins) November 30, 2024

Former FSU Parent Rob DeLoach Welcomes Malzahn With Open Arms

Relationships Matter…Welcome Coach Malzahn🏈🍢📸
— Rob USAF Veteran-Ammo (@rob_deloach) November 30, 2024

We are confused
— cole (@ColeW55) November 30, 2024

Yall might not like this but I do. https://t.co/cPCmxjne6W
— Nole Bryant (@Nole_Bryant94) November 30, 2024

I heard this was possible that is an out of this world hire that I did not think FSU or Mike Norvell was capable of making after this season. https://t.co/hTtqZBhh0o
— Max (@PythonMafia_) November 30, 2024

GUS BUS BABYYYY https://t.co/oIhRrnZqsz
— Jordan Bice (@JordanBice2) November 30, 2024

Keeping Mike Norvell and letting Gus Malzahn run the offense is an… interesting choice. https://t.co/6VsmNty9Zi pic.twitter.com/JsTaxK4AcZ
— Michael Zimmelman (@MZimmel) November 30, 2024