When Peter Boulware donned the iconic garnet and gold of Florida State, he was part of a dynasty that dominated college football. His time at FSU solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Now, as the Seminoles find themselves in a challenging season, Boulware has weighed in on the crucial decisions facing head coach Mike Norvell regarding coordinator hires.
Mike Norvell discusses the Florida State firings
After a disheartening 52-3 loss to Notre Dame, the Seminoles’ head coach made the tough call to fire offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans. This shake-up comes amid a season that has fallen far short of expectations.
“I appreciate the work these three men have provided over the last five years with me at Florida State,” Norvell said. “They are all great men with families who have poured their hearts into our program. We had many great moments together here, and I have never doubted their passion for our players and for Florida State.”
Yet, the results on the field have not matched that passion. “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.
Peter Boulware weighs in on coordinator hires
In light of these changes, Boulware took to social media to express his hopes for the future of the program. “I hope that FSU Football picks two veteran proven coordinators. Now is not the time to try an unproven up-and-comer,” he tweeted on Sunday afternoon. His words resonate deeply, especially for fans yearning for a return to glory.
Boulware’s impressive resume speaks volumes. During his junior season, he set a school record with 19 sacks, earning him consensus first-team All-American honors, All-ACC recognition, and the title of ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He was even named National Defensive Player of the Year by Football News, showcasing his dominance on the field. His 19 sacks led the nation in the 1996 season, a feat that remains etched in FSU history.
Florida State season in review
This season has been a stark contrast to the glory days. After a perfect regular season last year and an ACC title, the Seminoles were expected to reclaim their spot at the top. However, the reality has been sobering. With only one ACC win against California in Week 5, the team has struggled mightily, averaging just 258.9 total yards of offense per game—ranking them as one of the least productive offenses in the nation.
The defensive side of the ball hasn’t fared much better, allowing an average of 398.8 yards per game, which places them at No. 99 nationally. It’s clear that both sides of the ball have underperformed, and the coaching changes reflect the urgency to turn things around.
Atkins, who joined the program in 2020 and became offensive coordinator in 2022, and Fuller, who has led the defense since 2020, were both part of a system that has not delivered the desired results. Dugans, who has been with the team since 2019, also faced the consequences of the team’s struggles.
The road ahead for FSU
With these changes, Florida State is looking to regroup. Linebackers coach Randy Shannon will step in as the interim defensive coordinator, but it remains unclear if Norvell will appoint an interim offensive coordinator or take over the play-calling duties himself.
The Seminoles had a bye week this past weekend, providing them with a crucial opportunity to regroup before facing Charleston Southern on November 23. The extra time could be pivotal as they aim to finish the season on a high note.
The passion for Florida State football runs deep, and fans are eager to see how the program will respond to this tumultuous season. Will the changes spark a resurgence? Can they return to the heights that Boulware and his teammates once reached? The answers lie ahead, but one thing is certain: the Seminoles are determined to reclaim their place among college football’s elite.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Norvell and his choices moving forward. With the right hires and a renewed focus, Florida State has the potential to rise again. The journey may be challenging, but the spirit of FSU football remains unyielding. The future is bright, and the Seminoles are ready to fight for their legacy.
