Mike Norvell reveals Gus Malzahn's strength as Florida State's new offensive coordinator

Mike Norvell is doing everything he can to change Florida State's fortunes after a disappointing 2024 season that saw the Seminoles go 2-10 and finish last in the ACC.

He brought in two new coordinators and a new quarterback. 

His new offensive coordinator, Gus Malzahn, has brought a very specific buzz back to the program, though, because of his long history as one of the best offensive minds in college football.

Malzahn was a decorated high school coach in the state of Arkansas before he found himself moving up the ladder and into the college game as the offensive coordinator for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He really jumped onto the scene in 2009 as Gene Chizik's offensive coordinator at Auburn and he was credited with being a main figure behind Auburn's BCS National Championship win in 2011 with Cam Newton at quarterback.

He got his first head coaching gig at Arkansas State in 2012, was the head coach at Auburn form 2013-20 and he was last the head coach at UCF from 2021-24.

Malzahn brings a ton of experience both as a head coach and as an offensive mind to Florida State, and according to Norvell at the 2025 ACC Football Kickoff, that experience adds both confidence and perspective for FSU's offense.

"He’s somebody that infuses confidence in anybody around him because he knows what he wants to do. He knows what he wants it to look like, but it’s the belief that he’s able to pour into others for what it takes on that journey," Norvell told the media on Wednesday, according to On3. 

“You talk about the perspective. He does. He’s been a very successful head football coach. The last time he was an offensive coordinator, he did win a national championship. To make the choice and the decision he made to come to Florida State. That is the purpose. That is the reason. We have the opportunity here to really do something special, and I think his focus is there on the offensive side of the ball. He’s one of the best that have ever done it. But he also brings perspective of the big picture. He’ll continue to challenge every element within the organization just to push to be the best. And accomplish and do some of the things that he’s been able to do on his journey, and what we all aspire to be.”

The big thing Norvell and FSU will want to get from Malzahn in 2025 is a reestablishment of the quarterback position. Jordan Travis was a Heisman candidate in 2023 before his unfortunate injury, and last season, the Seminoles swung and missed on DJ Uiagalelei. 

They brought in Tommy Castellanos from Boston College as a transfer quarterback and he's the type of quarterback that has thrived in Malzahn's system in the past as a dual-threat option.

Even if Castellanos isn't a star, having Malzahn calling the shots should be a huge boost for Florida State. Last season, the Seminoles were ranked 132nd out of 134 teams in total offense while averaging just 270.3 yards per game.

In that 2010-11 championship season for Auburn, Malzahn's offense averaged 499.2 yards per game.

Hypothetically then, Malzahn can make a difference of nearly 229 yards per game for the Seminoles in 2025.