When it comes to American football, Gus Malzahn is a name that instantly rings a bell.
Known for his coaching career at Auburn and now as the head coach at UCF, Gus has spent decades building a reputation in college football.
But away from the spotlight and the sidelines, he shares his life with his wife, Kristi Malzahn, who has been by his side through every high and low.
Who Is Gus Malzahn’s Wife, Kristi Malzahn?
Kristi Malzahan is primarily known as the wife of a famous coach, but she is much more than that. Kristi is someone who has carved her own path while standing strong as Gus’s biggest supporter.
She has earned the title “First Lady of Auburn Football” because of her motherly role within the team and her unfiltered conversations.
She doesn’t just support Gus at home but has also become a mother figure to hundreds of players whom she likes to call her sons.
Not just recruitments, but their parents have also noticed her genuineness. Auburn tight end John Samuel Shenker’s mom has said that Kristi is real and loves their kids.
Similarly, Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis has said that Kristi is a big motherly figure, she always gives them a big hug, asks them how they were doing with their grades, like how one's biological mother would.
Kristi often makes headlines with her outspoken and straightforward personality.
If you are someone who has been following Guz Malzahan, then you might also know Kristi’s candid interview years back that gave people a glimpse of her unfiltered, down-to-earth nature.
Kristi is often seen accompanying her husband at games and at public events but life as college football coach’s wife isn’t as glamorous as it might seem.
Kristi has openly talked about the challenges that come with Gus’s career. From managing the household when Gus is busy with the team to dealing with criticism from fans and media, she has had to take on a lot over the years.
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Gus Malzahn Children
Although Gus and Kristi might have many sons as coach and Team mom but in real life, they are parents of two daughters named Kylie Malzahn and Kenzie Malzahn.
While Gus’s football career has kept him in the spotlight, Kristi has always prioritized family, making sure their daughters had a grounded upbringing.
Their daughters Kylie and Kenzie grew up surrounded by football culture, but they have largely chosen to live private lives, staying away from the constant media attention that follows their father.
Kenzie is now married to Charl Stander while Kylie is married to Collin Peek.
Gus and Kristi are now grandparents. Their grandson, Charles Gustav Stander, was born in October 2021. Charles is the son of Kenzie and Charl.
Kylie has three children. Her youngest child is her daughter Palmer Kristine was born on January 18, 2022.
She also has two sons named Anderson James (born March 2018) and Arthur “Elliott” (born 2019).
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How Long Have Gus and Kristi Been Married?
Gus and Kristi Malzahn’s love story stretches back to the late 1980s. They tied the knot long before Gus’s career exploded into the national spotlight.
Back then, he was still working his way up in the coaching world, moving through high school coaching positions before landing in college football.
Gus and Kristi tied the wedding knot in 1988 and celebrated their 37th anniversary in May 2025.
On their 30th wedding anniversary in 2020, their kids surprised them with an oil painting of their wedding day.
Their marriage has spanned more than three decades, and through all the relocations, long hours, and public scrutiny that come with the job, they’ve managed to keep their bond strong.
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What Happened to Kristi Malzahn?
In January 2022, Gus revealed that Kristi had been hospitalized with an infection, sparking concern among fans and former players.
For more than two weeks, she stayed at Orlando Regional Medical Center, where doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to help her recover.
On February 3, Gus shared the update on Kristi Malzahn health saying that she was finally home. He released a statement thanking the staff at Orlando Regional Medical Center saying that the doctors, nurses and everyone at ORMC have gone above and beyond.
A year later, Kristi took Instagram to wish her granddaughter Palmer on her 1st birthday. She revealed in the caption that Palmer was born when Kristi was sleeping on a ventilator so she missed the first month of her granddaughter’s life in real time.
FAQs
Who Is Gus Malzahn’s Wife Kristi Malzahn?
Kristi Malzahn is the wife of UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn. She is known for her supportive role in her husband’s coaching career and for being a “team mom” figure to players both at Auburn and UCF.
What Happened to Kristi Malzahn’s Health?
In January 2022, Kristi Malzahn was hospitalized with an infection at Orlando Regional Medical Center. After spending more than two weeks there, she made a strong recovery and returned home in early February.
When Did Gus Malzahn and Kristi Malzahn Get Married?
Gus Malzahn and Kristi Malzahn got married in May 1988. They have been married for more than 35 years.
Who Are Gus Malzahn and Kristi Malzahn’s Children?
Gus and Kristi have two daughters named Kylie and Kenzie Malzahn. Both Kylie and Kenzie are already married and are mothers.
Where Is Kristi Malzahn Now?
As of now, Kristi is doing well and living in Orlando with Gus as he continues his role as UCF’s head coach. She remains active around the team and supportive of her husband’s career.
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