ESPN College Football Analyst Hypes Up FSU’s Blockbuster Coaching Hires of Gus Malzahn, Tony White
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a stunning turn of events, Florida State University has made what some analysts are calling the biggest coaching moves of the offseason. ESPN College Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit went on record Wednesday, calling the Seminoles’ hires of Gus Malzahn and Tony White “program-changing” and a “clear statement” that FSU is gunning for a national title in 2025. The moves come just months after Mike Norvell unexpectedly left for the NFL, leaving Seminole Nation in shock.
Gus Malzahn, the former Auburn head coach and most recently UCF’s leader, is expected to take over as the team’s offensive coordinator. His high-tempo, run-pass-option (RPO) offense is renowned for putting up explosive numbers, and with FSU’s stockpile of young talent, analysts believe he could transform the Seminoles into an offensive juggernaut. Herbstreit declared, “If you thought FSU’s offense was dynamic last season, just wait until you see what Malzahn does with these weapons.”
On the defensive side, FSU landed one of the most highly regarded rising stars in coaching, Tony White. Formerly Syracuse’s defensive coordinator and most recently with Nebraska, White is known for his aggressive 3-3-5 scheme that confuses opposing quarterbacks and limits big plays. With a defense that already ranked among the nation’s best last year, White’s addition could make FSU’s unit downright terrifying. “This hire might be even bigger than Malzahn,” Herbstreit said. “White is a defensive mastermind, and he’s going to make life miserable for ACC quarterbacks.”
The moves have sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, with rival coaches and analysts alike acknowledging that Florida State is officially all-in on returning to dominance. Malzahn’s head coaching experience and offensive acumen, combined with White’s innovative defensive philosophy, make for one of the most dynamic coaching duos in the country. Social media erupted after the announcements, with many FSU fans declaring that the Seminoles “just won the offseason.”
However, not everyone is convinced these hires will translate to immediate success. Some critics point to Malzahn’s inconsistent tenure at Auburn, where he struggled to maintain offensive dominance against elite SEC defenses. Others wonder if White’s unconventional 3-3-5 system will work against power-run teams like Clemson and Miami. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum even suggested the hires were “bold but risky,” questioning if the personalities of Malzahn and White would mesh with FSU’s existing staff.
Regardless of the skepticism, the message from Tallahassee is clear: Florida State is done playing it safe. With these high-profile hires, the Seminoles are making it known that they are gearing up for a national championship push, and expectations have skyrocketed. The coaching moves come at a critical time, as FSU looks to maintain its resurgence following a season that saw them narrowly miss the College Football Playoff.
FSU athletic director Michael Alford praised both hires, stating, “We are committed to excellence, and bringing in Gus Malzahn and Tony White puts us in the best position to win now.” He emphasized that these moves were part of a broader strategy to restore Florida State’s place among the nation’s elite programs, and that more big announcements could be coming soon.
With spring practice just around the corner, all eyes will be on Tallahassee to see how these new coaching hires shake up the program. If Malzahn and White live up to the hype, Florida State might just be the team to beat in 2025.