Gus Malzahn has Florida State’s offense humming: How a big year for FSU could revive the former Auburn coach's career

With Gus Malzahn back on the sidelines as an offensive coordinator, his career has come full circle. The former Auburn head coach, known for his explosive, up-tempo offenses, is looking to regain his reputation as one of college football's top offensive minds.

His scheme, which is rooted in a power running game and vertical passing attack, is expected to energize a Florida State offense that ranked near the bottom of the FBS in 2024. 

Florida State delivered a statement win in Week 1, defeating No. 8 Alabama, 31-17, after a disastrous 2024 where the team went 2-10. Malzahn's new offense was at the center of the win, with new quarterback Thomas Castellanos completing 9 out of 14 passing attempts for 152 yards, along with 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

A win over a college football powerhouse does not only serve as a massive win for the Seminoles, but it could be a career-reviving moment for Malzahn. The Seminoles are suddenly back in the national conversation after taking down top-10 Alabama, and as the season goes on, Malzahn and his offense will be the center of Florida State's success. 

Let's dive into his career so far and how he's worked his way back.

Who is Gus Malzahn?

Malzahn is in his first year as the offensive coordinator of Florida State. He came over from University of Central Florida, where he was the head coach from 2021 to 2024. But, Malzahn is mainly known for his time at Auburn, 

As the head coach at Auburn from 2013 to 2020, Malzahn had a signature run defined by dramatic wins and two appearances in the SEC Championship. His 2013 team, which he took from a 3-9 record the year prior to an SEC title and a spot in the national championship, was one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history. That season was highlighted by a series of miracle finishes, most notably the iconic "Kick Six" play, where Chris Davis returned a missed Alabama field goal for a game-winning touchdown. Auburn went on to lose to undefeated Florida State in the 2013 BCS title game.

While his tenure was filled with both incredible highs and frustrating lows, his time on the Plains was never short on excitement. He was ultimately fired after the 2020 season.

Malzahn was hired as the UCF head coach in 2021, leading the team to 9-4, 9-5 and 6-7 records in his three full seasons there. On November 30, 2024, with the Knights sitting at 4-6, Malzahn resigned as head coach to become the new offensive coordinator at Florida State.

MORE: Ohio State's defense steals the spotlight against Texas, Arch Manning

How good was the Florida State offense against Alabama?

In the first game of the 2025 season, Florida State put together a better offensive performance than they did in any game in 2024.

Florida State did not score 24 points against an FBS team last season.

Got 24 in less than three quarters on Alabama.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) August 30, 2025

In 2024, the Seminoles were fourth-to-last in FBS in scoring offense, averaging 15.4 points a game. This led to a 2-10 season only a year after Florida State went 13-0 and won the ACC. Norvell brought in Malzahn to fix the offense going into 2025.

It started with the signal-caller, with Thomas Castellanos coming in from Boston College. Castellanos was ___.

After falling behind early, Florida State's offense responded right back with a seven-play, 75 yard drive to tie up the game. It was Castellanos, who is known for his explosiveness on the ground, with a nine-yard score.

⚡️⚡️⚡️@Tommy_casto #NoleFamily | #Driven pic.twitter.com/naAeckzIHE

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 30, 2025

The play before, Castellanos completed a deep pass to Tennessee transfer Squirrel White for 40 yards. 

THE THROW. THE CATCH. 🤯

📺 ABC x @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/6IEfES1nLe

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) August 30, 2025

Florida State's offense followed up with another touchdown on its second drive, giving Florida State its first lead of the game. Micah Danzy, the former track star, took a carry 32-yards to the house.

MICAHI. DANZY. 😤

He goes 32 yards to give the Noles the lead!

📺 ABC x @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/d5WLy4phn4

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) August 30, 2025

The Seminoles had three full drives in the first half, resulting in two touchdowns and a field goal as Florida State took a 17-7 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, Malzahn's offense was forced to punt for the first time of the game, but on the subsequent drive, Castellanos unleashed a deep shot to Jaylin Lucas for 64 yards. The Seminoles took a 24-7 lead the next play on a Caziah Holmes touchdown run.

Florida State's offense struggled after taking its biggest lead of the day, punting on two consecutive drives. Between that and a muffed punt return, Alabama clawed back into the game, and with a 24-17 lead, Malzahn and co. needed a response.

The Seminoles delivered with a 10-play, 75 yard drive capped off with a Gavin Sawchuk 14-yard touchdown run, giving them a two-touchdown lead.

Our 4⃣th rushing TD today belongs to @G27football 😤#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/BWtEWqe6jZ

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 30, 2025

Florida State rushed for four touchdowns on the day, already half of what the Seminoles totaled the entire 2024 season with eight. The same can be said in the win column, where the Seminoles are 1-0 after a 2-10 2024.

It's too early to say whether the Seminoles are back, but what can be said for sure is that the offense is miles better than it was a season ago. With a new play caller in Malzahn and quarterback in Castellanos, the unit has the opportunity to be one of the best in the ACC.

MORE: Is Kalen DeBoer already on the hot seat at Alabama?

Gus Malzahn coaching history

Malzahn has been in college football for nearly 20 years, and he has led prolific offenses at multiple stops. While at Tulsa, the Golden Hurricanes became the first team in NCAA history to have a 5,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and three 1,000-yard receivers in a single season. 

In 2010, Malzahn's offense led Auburn to an 13-0 regular season and SEC championship win over South Carolina. Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy, and Malzahn was given the 2010 Broyles award recognizing him as the top assistant coach in the nation. Auburn would go on to win the 2011 BCS National Championship game over Oregon.