Introduction
Gus Malzahn is one of the most recognizable figures in American college football coaching. From his early playing days to transforming top programs like Auburn and UCF — and now shaping offense at Florida State — Malzahn’s career has been filled with high-stakes games, lucrative contracts, and memorable wins. In this article, we break down his net worth, age, salary, record against Alabama, and contract details in 2026.
Who Is Gus Malzahn?
Arthur Gustav “Gus” Malzahn III is an American football coach and former college player, born on October 28, 1965 in Irving, Texas — making him 60 years old as of 2026. He played wide receiver at Arkansas and Henderson State before launching his coaching career in the early 1990s.
Malzahn made his mark as an innovative offensive mind, rising from high school coach to offensive coordinator at major programs before becoming a head coach at Arkansas State and Auburn. His teams are known for up-tempo offense and strategic playcalling, especially in big rivalry matchups.
Estimated Net Worth (2026)
Gus Malzahn’s net worth is estimated to be between $3.5 million and $10 million — depending on sources and how earnings, buyouts, and career income are calculated.
While exact figures vary:
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Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth at around $10 million.
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Some financial sites list it closer to $3.5 million, reflecting conservative assessments of salary and public earnings.
Given his decades in college coaching and sizable contracts (especially at Auburn and UCF), the higher estimate aligns with his career earnings and buyouts received.
Salary & Contract Overview (2026)
Florida State Offensive Coordinator Contract
As of 2025–26, Malzahn is serving as the offensive coordinator at Florida State University (FSU) under head coach Mike Norvell, under a three-year contract running through February 28, 2028. His salary under this deal is structured as:
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2025–26 season: ~$1.5 million
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2026–27 season: ~$2 million
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2027–28 season: ~$2.5 million
This deal represents a significant shift from his previous head-coach earnings at UCF and Auburn, reflecting a move to a coordinator role later in his career.
Previous Auburn & UCF Contracts
Before FSU, Malzahn earned high salaries as a head coach:
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At Auburn University, he signed a seven-year, $49 million contract that included base salary increases and annual raises up to around $7.3 million by 2024.
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At University of Central Florida (UCF), he agreed to a contract extension that bumped his annual pay toward $5.5 million by 2026–27 before moving to FSU.
These figures underline Malzahn’s standing as one of college football’s most financially rewarded coaches during his head-coaching years.
Record vs Alabama
One of the most discussed parts of Malzahn’s legacy is his head-to-head record against the Alabama Crimson Tide, coached by Nick Saban for much of his career.
Despite the Tide’s dominance in the SEC, Malzahn’s teams have had notable successes:
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According to recent game summaries, Malzahn has defeated Alabama multiple times, including games in 2017 and 2019.
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After his move to FSU, he also notched another win over Alabama with Florida State in 2025.
This gives him around five total wins against Alabama in his career, an impressive tally considering the competitive edge Alabama has held for years.
Historical matchup data varies slightly across different analyses, but the general consensus is that Malzahn’s teams were capable of beating top SEC rivals, even in seasons where overall expectations were tempered.
Conclusion
Gus Malzahn’s coaching journey has spanned three decades, from grass-roots high school football to major Power Five programs and now as a coordinator in the ACC. His estimated net worth reflects years of high-paying contracts, and his salary trajectory underscores how elite coaching talent is valued. His competitive record against powerhouse programs like Alabama remains a highlight of his career.
Whether you’re looking for insights into coaching contracts, net worth figures, or rivalry records, Gus Malzahn’s career offers a compelling look at how success and economics intersect in college football.
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