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Gus Malzahn expects to take a more active role in the play-calling for Central Florida’s offense in 2024.
The Knights are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season last fall, breaking a string of consecutive nine-win seasons to begin Malzahn’s tenure in Orlando. When he met with reporters on Friday, Malzahn said UCF will have a “collaborative effort” with new offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. involved and Darin Hinshaw providing input as well.
#UCf coach Gus Malzahn says he’ll take back some of the play calling duties with Tim Harris Jr. and Darin Hinshaw helping out. pic.twitter.com/HEQPtajdVc
— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) January 26, 2024
Harris spent the 2023 campaign as the running backs coach at Miami. Hinshaw was a quarterbacks coach and a wideout coach at Tennessee from 2010-12 and then had a five-year run at Kentucky as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He joined Malzahn on UCF’s staff for the 2023 season.
Last season, UCF averaged 31.3 points per game — its poorest offensive output in a season since 2016. The Knights ranked seventh nationally in yards per play and were excellent on third downs, but UCF was a bit turnover-prone and struggled mightily to finish drives once it got to the red zone.
Malzahn is seemingly going all in on the 2024 season with UCF. Harris was with the program in Malzahn’s first two years in charge. The defensive coordinator has changed over. Malzahn also brought in a new strength coach who previously worked in the SEC. And KJ Jefferson transferred in from Arkansas to lead the offense.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
