Former Auburn football head coach Gus Malzahn will return to UCF in 2025 if he wants to according to CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello; who put Malzahn in the “swing group” who can be “safe or fired depending on November” in the publication’s latest hot seat rankings.
“Malzahn has done good things in his time at UCF. He elevated the recruiting profile of the Knights (third in the Big 12 in 2024) as they transitioned into the Big 12 following back-to-back, nine-win seasons in the AAC. The results on the field, however, have led to some questions. Despite being the only Big 12 newcomer to finish with a .500 record in the regular season in 2023, the Knights have regressed with quarterback problems, leading to the benching of star transfer K.J. Jefferson earlier in the year. Malzahn demoted himself as play-caller on offense and fired defensive coordinator Ted Roof following a five-game losing streak. They then blew out Arizona. Malzahn has a history of giving up play-calling duties only to reclaim them (sometimes within the same season). Malzahn will likely get a fifth season to right the ship if he desires to remain in Orlando,” Marcello wrote.
UCF’s fanbase is growing tired of Malzahn’s lack of success in the Big 12. There was a point not long ago when the Knights were tabbed to take over the Sunshine State. That optimism existed when UCF was beating up on AAC competition, though.
At this point, Knights fans want to cut the cord on a coach who’s lost the narrative. That’s not always the answer when it comes to a Malzahn-inspired malaise, though.
Auburn football fans still regret firing Gus Malzahn in 2020
Tiger fans can tell Knights Nation what happens when you don’t have a solid backup plan to firing Malzahn. Auburn is still recovering from his departure.
UCF is a different animal. The sell in Orlando is obvious. Malzahn just hasn’t tapped into the top talent in the state enough.
Replacing Malzahn with a better local recruiter who runs a more unpredictable offense is a good plan. But if the Knights have no plan, they’re better off sticking with Malzahn.
