The Florida State football team is currently grappling with one of the most challenging seasons in its storied history. With a dismal 1-9 overall record, the Seminoles have seen their hopes for a successful campaign dashed. Following a crushing defeat to Notre Dame with a score of 52-3, head coach Mike Norvell made the tough decision to fire three assistant coaches: offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans.
Mike Norvell discusses the Florida State firings
In a heartfelt statement, Norvell expressed his gratitude for the contributions of the three coaches over the past five years. “I appreciate the work these three men have provided over the last five years with me at Florida State,” he said. “They are all great men with families who also have poured into our program. We had many great moments together here, and I have never doubted their passion for our players and for Florida State.”
However, the results on the field this season have not met the expectations associated with the Florida State program. “Unfortunately, we have not upheld the Florida State standard with our results on the field this season. I did not make any of these decisions lightly, but I felt changes needed to be made to elevate our program back to where we all desire it to be,” Norvell added.
More stats and info on the 2024 season for FSU
Fans had high hopes for the Seminoles this year, especially after a perfect regular season and an ACC title last season. Yet, the reality has been starkly different. Florida State has managed only one win in the ACC this year, which came against California in Week 5. The team’s struggles have been evident, as they average just 258.9 total yards of offense per game, ranking them among the lowest in the nation.
The defense has not fared much better, allowing an average of 398.8 yards per game, placing them at No. 99 in the country. Both Atkins and Fuller were not new to their roles this season; Atkins joined the program in 2020 and became offensive coordinator in 2022, while Fuller has been the defensive coordinator since 2020. Dugans has been with the Seminoles since 2019, coaching the wide receivers.
Financial impact of the firings
Shortly after the announcement of the firings, the financial implications began to surface. According to reports, the combined buyouts for Atkins, Fuller, and Dugans will total approximately $8.5 million. This figure is subject to a duty to mitigate, meaning Florida State could receive offsets based on any new income the coaches secure.
For specifics, Adam Fuller would be owed $4.625 million, Alex Atkins nearly $3.1 million, and Ron Dugans just over $800,000. The duty to mitigate stipulates that Florida State is entitled to offsets from any new income the coaches may earn, which could lessen the financial burden on the university.
What lies ahead for Florida State
As the Seminoles look to regroup, they have a bye week to reflect and strategize before facing Charleston Southern on November 23. This time off will be crucial for the team to reassess their approach and finish the season on a more positive note. Florida State linebackers coach Randy Shannon will step in as the interim defensive coordinator, but it remains to be seen whether Norvell will appoint an interim offensive coordinator or take over play-calling duties himself.
The upcoming game against Charleston Southern presents an opportunity for Florida State to start fresh. With the changes in coaching staff, players may find renewed motivation to perform. Can the Seminoles turn things around and salvage what has been a tumultuous season? Only time will tell, but fans will be watching closely to see how this team responds to adversity.
In the world of college football, seasons can turn on a dime, and Florida State is hoping that the changes made now will set the stage for a brighter future. The passion of the players and the support of the fans will be vital as they navigate through this challenging period. The Seminoles have a proud history, and with the right adjustments, they can strive to reclaim their place among the elite in college football.
