Florida State offensive coordinator

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn announced his retirement from coaching on Monday, bringing an end to a distinguished 35-year career. In response, FSU head coach Mike Norvell promoted co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. to lead the Seminoles’ offense heading into the 2026 season.

Malzahn, who joined Florida State ahead of the 2025 campaign, played a pivotal role in engineering one of the most productive offenses in program history. His decision to step away marks a major transition, but one Norvell believes the Seminoles are well prepared to handle.

“After 35 years, it’s time for me to step away from coaching,” Malzahn said in a statement. “I’m excited to spend more time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my life. I want to thank Coach Norvell for the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious program. I believe great things are ahead for Florida State and for the offense under Tim Harris.”

Record-Setting 2025 Season

Under Malzahn’s guidance, Florida State led the ACC in both total offense and rushing offense in 2025, marking the second time in four seasons the Seminoles accomplished that feat. FSU averaged 472.1 yards per game, the sixth-best mark nationally, while its 218.7 rushing yards per game ranked 13th in the country and represented the program’s highest rushing average since 1995.

The Seminoles posted nine games with at least 400 yards of offense, including back-to-back 700-yard performances for the first time in school history. The highlight came against Kent State, when FSU exploded for 775 total yards, including school records of 498 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. That total was the highest by any team nationally in 2025 and the most since 2020.

Norvell Praises Malzahn, Endorses Harris

“I want to thank Coach Malzahn for his dedication and effort over the last 14 months,” Norvell said. “He did a wonderful job coordinating our offense and has set a strong foundation. Tim Harris has a complete understanding of our offensive scheme, and his ability to communicate and teach will be a tremendous asset moving forward.”

Entering his 11th season as a head coach in 2026, Norvell has built a reputation as one of college football’s premier offensive minds. His teams average 34.6 points per game, the third-highest scoring average among active head coaches over the past decade. Since 2016, Norvell is one of only three coaches to field both top-seven rushing and passing offenses.

Across his career, Norvell-led offenses have surpassed 5,000 total yards 11 times, eclipsed 6,000 yards five times, and averaged at least 35 points per game in eight seasons.

Tim Harris Jr.’s Proven Offensive Resume

Harris enters the role after serving as FSU’s pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach in 2025, where he helped oversee one of the nation’s most explosive attacks. The Seminoles ranked top-15 nationally in total offense, rushing offense, third-down efficiency, and yards per completion.

His wide receiver group was led by first-team All-ACC selection and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist Duce Robinson, who recorded 56 receptions for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns. Robinson finished ninth in single-season receiving yards in program history and led the ACC in receptions of 30 and 40 yards.

Micahi Danzy added another dynamic element, tallying 571 receiving yards, 227 rushing yards, and six total touchdowns. His 21.2 yards per catch led the ACC and ranked fourth nationally, placing him alongside FSU legend Peter Warrick as the only Seminoles receivers with three rushing and three receiving touchdowns in a season.

Success at UCF and FIU

Before joining Florida State, Harris served as offensive coordinator at UCF, where his 2024 unit ranked seventh nationally in rushing offense and 16th in total offense. The Knights averaged 248.1 rushing yards per game, best in the Big 12. Running back RJ Harvey emerged as one of the nation’s most productive players, ranking top-five nationally in multiple scoring and yardage categories.

Harris also spent five seasons as offensive coordinator at Florida International, helping guide the Panthers through the most successful stretch in program history. FIU won a school-record nine games in 2018, qualified for three straight bowl games, and earned its first win over an ACC opponent with a victory over Miami in 2019.

Looking Ahead

With Malzahn’s retirement, Florida State turns the page confidently, entrusting its high-powered offense to Tim Harris Jr. Backed by Mike Norvell’s proven system and a roster built for explosive playmaking, the Seminoles appear well positioned to remain among the ACC’s elite heading into 2026.