ORLANDO, Fla. — In response to UCF’s ongoing five-game losing streak, head coach Gus Malzahn made significant staff changes on Monday, relieving his defensive coordinator of his duties and announcing that he will step back from calling offensive plays for the Knights.
Ted Roof, who was in his first year with UCF, was let go just days after the team’s 37-24 defeat to then-No. 11 BYU, which left the Knights with a disappointing record of 3-5 overall and 1-4 within the Big 12 Conference. Malzahn has appointed Addison Williams as the new defensive coordinator, who previously filled that role when the Knights finished their last season in the expanded conference with a 6-7 record.
Tim Harris Jr., a newcomer as offensive coordinator, will now assume the responsibility of play-calling, a role that Malzahn had initially handed over to Darin Hinshaw this season to allow for more comprehensive oversight of the team during their transition to the Big 12 from the American Athletic Conference.
“Both of these choices were mine to make,” Malzahn stated. “I have to consider what is best for our team. As a leader and head coach, those are the thoughts that need to occupy my mind. I made these decisions looking forward to what we can achieve in our remaining four games.”
Malzahn brought Roof aboard this season to revamp a struggling defense, and he is also optimistic that turning offensive play-calling over to Harris will help energize the offense and enhance their performance.
“I’m primarily a football coach, but as a leader, I must act in the best interest of our team,” Malzahn remarked. “Making these changes is what will benefit our team and also help me in my role as head coach.”
Roof joined UCF from Oklahoma with a promise of implementing a more aggressive defensive style aimed at rejuvenating the pass rush and increasing pressure on rival quarterbacks. However, the Knights have encountered numerous challenges, ranking 115th nationally with only 11 sacks across eight games. Their overall defensive performance places them 12th in the 16-team Big 12, 79th in the nation, allowing 379.1 yards per game.
“This process has been a rigorous experience for our players,” Roof mentioned during his weekly media availability. “When they dedicate so much time, energy, and effort, the lack of favorable results can be disheartening. Nonetheless, the leadership remains strong, and I believe the team recognizes how close we are to turning things around.”
UCF’s traditionally fast-paced offense has also faced substantial difficulties in generating points, cycling through three different starting quarterbacks this season. Despite ranking 20th nationally in total offense with 454.8 yards per game, the Knights are only 51st in scoring offense, averaging 30.4 points per game. In their Big 12 matchups, UCF produces an average of 434.4 yards but struggles with scoring, managing only 25.6 points per game.