Mike Norvell expected to call offense after Gus Malzahn retirement

Mike Norvell is expected to return to offensive play-calling duties in 2026 for Florida State football after the shock retirement of Gus Malzahn.

The news, first reported by ESPN and confirmed by the Tallahassee Democrat, marks a return to play-calling for Norvell, who gave up the responsibilities after hiring Malzahn as offensive coordinator in 2025. Norvell was the primary play caller from 2022 to 2024, and was the primary play caller while the head coach at Memphis.

In the three seasons that Norvell was the play caller for the Seminoles, FSU averaged over 30 points per game twice, 2022 and 2023, with a dismal 2024 campaign resulting in 15.4 points per game. In his 10 seasons as a head coach, Norvell’s teams have averaged 34.6 points per game.

Malzahn took over the play-calling duties after a nightmarish 2024 season from Norvell’s offense, 15.4 points per game and 270.2 yards per game, a significant dip after posting 34.6 points per game and 401.4 yards per game in 2023. In his lone season as the Seminoles‘ offensive coordinator, Malzahn significantly improved the production.

FSU led the ACC in total offense and rushing offense in 2025, the second time in the last four seasons the Seminoles topped the conference in both categories. FSU’s 472.1 yards per game ranked sixth in the nation, and its 218.7 rushing yards per game ranked 11th nationally. It was the program’s highest rushing average for a season since 1995.

While Norvell will once again inherit play-calling duties, former wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. will be the program’s new offensive coordinator. This will be Harris’s third time as an offensive coordinator, having prior experience at FIU and UCF.

The Seminoles enter the 2026 season on the back of seven wins in two seasons, and with significant pressure mounting on Norvell and the program. Transfer quarterback Ashton Daniels is expected to compete for the starting job, and he will have wide receivers Micahi Danzy and Duce Robinson to throw to under Norvell’s play calling.

FSU kicks off the 2026 season with a home contest against New Mexico State on Aug. 29.

FSU 2026 football schedule

• vs. New Mexico State | Aug. 29
• vs. SMU* | Sept. 7
• Bye
• at Alabama | Sept. 19
• vs. Central Arkansas | Sept. 26
• vs. Virginia* | Oct. 3
• at Louisville* | Oct. 9
• at Miami* | Oct. 17
• Bye
• vs. Clemson* | Oct. 31
• at Boston College* | Nov. 7
• at Pittsburgh* | Nov. 13
• vs. NC State* | Nov. 21
• vs. Florida | Nov. 27

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football Mike Norvell to call plays after Gus Malzahn retirement