Gus Malzahn was officially hired as the head coach of the University of Central Florida (UCF) on December 2, shortly after resigning from his previous position. In his first season at UCF, he earned a salary of $4 million. Looking ahead, his contract stipulates that he is set to receive an increase in compensation, with a scheduled salary of $5.5 million for the years 2026 and 2027. This financial arrangement reflects UCF's commitment to investing in a high-profile coach to enhance their football program, especially following the departure of former offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins. Malzahn's experience and track record in college football are expected to play a significant role in elevating the team's performance and competitiveness in the coming seasons.