TALLAHASSEE, FL – July 28, 2025 – In a move that reverberates with the power of loyalty and the magnetic pull of a resurgent program, Florida State University Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Gus Malzahn has reportedly turned down a jaw-dropping $2 million offer from the Ohio State Buckeyes. The audacious bid from Columbus, a figure that would have made Malzahn one of the highest-paid coordinators in college football, was ultimately rejected in favor of continuing his “mission” with the Seminoles.
Sources close to the Florida State athletics department confirmed the astonishing sum, highlighting the lengths to which Ohio State, a perennial national title contender, was willing to go to poach Malzahn. The reported $2 million annual salary would have placed him in an exclusive tier, surpassing many offensive and defensive coordinators across the nation. For context, reports indicate that Ohio State’s own offensive coordinator, Brian Hartline, is currently set to make $2 million in 2025, solidifying the magnitude of the offer made to Malzahn. Yet, for the veteran coach, the appeal of staying in Tallahassee, collaborating with Head Coach Mike Norvell, and being deeply invested in the established culture of Florida State football, outweighed the significant financial enticement.
In a brief, impactful statement released by Seminoles Athletics, Gus Malzahn articulated his powerful reasoning: “The Seminoles isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. The culture we’ve built here, the people, the players—this is where I want to be. The rivalry means everything, and I’d rather be on the right side of it.”
This succinct declaration, particularly the pointed reference to “the rivalry,” has not only won immense admiration from the fervent FSU fanbase but has also sent a clear message across the ACC, the Big Ten, and the broader college football landscape. It signals that Florida State, under the leadership of Mike Norvell and with key figures like Malzahn, has cultivated an environment so compelling that even astronomical sums of money from traditional powerhouses like Ohio State cannot disrupt its core.
Malzahn’s decision is a monumental victory for the Florida State program. His arrival in December 2024 as offensive coordinator was already a major headline, as he came to Tallahassee after considering retirement following a stint as head coach at UCF. A former national championship-winning offensive coordinator at Auburn and a head coach at both Arkansas State and Auburn, Malzahn brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of developing dynamic offenses, and a reputation for innovative play-calling. His signature “read-option” concepts and up-tempo attacks have long been a headache for opposing defenses.
At Florida State, Malzahn has seamlessly integrated his offensive philosophy with Coach Norvell’s system, creating a potent and balanced attack that promises to elevate the Seminoles’ already formidable offense. His expertise in quarterback development and game planning is considered a critical asset as FSU continues its ascent.
Ohio State’s aggressive pursuit of Malzahn is entirely understandable. The Buckeyes, always aiming for national championships, are consistently seeking the top coaching talent to maintain their offensive dominance. To offer $2 million for a coordinator like Malzahn speaks volumes about their assessment of his strategic mind and potential impact, especially in the competitive Big Ten. However, their considerable financial muscle proved insufficient against the intangible allure of Tallahassee.
“Gus Malzahn is a proven winner, a brilliant offensive mind, and a relentless recruiter,” said Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell. “His commitment to our program, our players, and our shared vision for the future of Florida State football speaks volumes. We’re building something incredibly special here, founded on strong relationships and a championship mindset, and Gus is an integral part of that foundation. His loyalty reinforces the belief we all have in this program.”
The significance of Malzahn’s statement about “the rivalry” cannot be overstated. While he didn’t name any specific rival, the underlying message of commitment to the ACC and the intense rivalries within the conference (particularly with traditional foes like Miami and Florida) resonated deeply with the FSU faithful. It speaks to a competitive fire and a desire to see Florida State not only succeed but dominate its opponents, both on the field and in the coaching market. This kind of loyalty is a rarity in modern college football, where coaches often jump at the opportunity for a significant pay raise or a more prominent title. Malzahn chose FSU initially over retirement, and now he’s chosen FSU again over a massive payday from a Big Ten powerhouse.
For Florida State fans, Malzahn’s choice serves as a powerful validation of their investment – emotional, financial, and cultural – in the program under Coach Norvell. It suggests that Tallahassee is not just a stepping stone for coaching talent, but a destination where coaches want to build lasting legacies. It fosters a sense of stability and continuity that is crucial for sustained success in a landscape defined by constant flux and the transfer portal. The “Nole Family” culture, built on deep traditions like the War Chant and Osceola and Renegade, appears to be a powerful counter to even the most lucrative offers.
As the 2025 season looms, Malzahn’s continued presence ensures consistency and continued innovation for Florida State’s offense. His deep understanding of the collegiate game and his proven track record of leading high-performing units will be invaluable as the Seminoles aim to build upon their recent successes and contend for conference and national championships. The decision sends a clear message to recruits across the country: Florida State is a place where coaches are committed, and where a strong, unified culture thrives.
Gus Malzahn’s rejection of Ohio State’s massive offer is more than just a contract negotiation; it’s a declaration. It’s a declaration of faith in the “mission” at Florida State, a testament to the powerful culture cultivated by Mike Norvell, and a resounding affirmation of the enduring loyalty that still exists in the cutthroat world of college football. The Seminoles are not just building a team; they are building a dynasty, and Gus Malzahn is firmly entrenched within its ranks, ready to lead the charge.
