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Florida State football names to watch for open offensive, defensive coordinator jobs

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Florida State football names to watch for open offensive, defensive coordinator jobs

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The search for new coordinators has begun for Florida State football.

Head coach Mike Norvell fired offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receiver coach Ron Dugans Sunday evening, just a day after the Seminoles‘ 52-3 loss to Notre Dame.

With just two games remaining in the regular season, Norvell is looking to fill the coaching vacancies as quickly as possible as the Seminoles are expecting a busy offseason.

During his Monday press conference, he said that in the brief time that has passed since the decision to fire the three coaches he has received “tremendous interest” from coaches at the college and NFL level.

As the Seminoles begin the coaching search, what names should fans keep an eye on?

CLASSIFIED ADS: FSU football coaching staff: What Mike Norvell should be looking for in new hires

The Tallahassee Democrat has compiled a list of coaches we think could fill the roles based on program fit. Here are three offensive and defensive coordinator candidates to know.

Defensive coordinator

Zach Arnett – Ole Miss defensive analyst

Currently a defensive analyst at Ole Miss, Zach Arnett has experience as a power five defensive coordinator and head coach at Mississippi State and he is well-regarded as a strong defensive mind. His 3-3-5 scheme may be a drawback to the Seminoles as Fuller ran a 4-3 or 4-2-5, but if one or both parties are willing to adapt it could be a strong partnership. Arnett is a strong recruiter and could give FSU a boost in that aspect as the Seminoles have struggled to land a number of top defensive recruits in recent seasons.

With Arnett currently in an analyst role, a move to FSU as the defensive coordinator could be enticing for the 38-year-old as he looks to move back up the coaching ranks.

Scott Symons – SMU defensive coordinator

There is a connection between current SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons and Norvell. While at Memphis, Norvell hired Symons to his staff in 2018. The 37-year-old was named the Mustangs’ defensive coordinator in 2022 and he has turned the team into a formidable defense that creates turnovers, something FSU has lacked this season. SMU has created 19 turnovers compared to FSU’s three.

In stops at Liberty and SMU, Symons turned both program’s defense’s around, jumping from average to below-average numbers to top 30 defenses at both schools. His connection to Norvell makes him an obvious candidate, but will he leave SMU, which currently sits atop the ACC, for the Seminoles?

Derek Nicholson – Miami co-defensive coordinator, inside linebackers coach

This one might be a long shot, but former Seminole linebacker and current Miami co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Derek Nicholson is a name that has to be watched. He has been a fast riser in the coaching world, working in impactful roles at Louisville and Southern Miss before joining Miami’s staff.

While the Hurricanes’ defense has been inconsistent this season, the linebacking core has been arguably the standout. Nicholson has proven to develop and produce players at each stop in his coaching career, and that is an important quality for the Seminoles.

Nicholson has never served as a defensive coordinator, however, he has been a strong recruiter throughout his career and seemingly has the tools to make the step into a coordinator role.

Offensive coordinator

Norvell tends to operate as FSU’s play caller, but he said he’s open to everything when it comes to coordinators. Because of that, here are three names that are worth knowing should Norvell hand over responsibilities

Kevin Johns – Oklahoma quarterbacks coach

Current Oklahoma quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns has ties with Norvell, hired as the Memphis quarterback coach in 2019. He has years of experience as an offensive coordinator at the Division 1 level and he has played a part in a few high-level offenses.

He was the offensive coordinator for Duke last season and he helped quarterback Riley Leonard develop further into a star. Oklahoma’s offense has been a letdown this season, but once Johns was granted interim offensive coordinator duties he got an improvement out of the Sooners offense and quarterback Jackson Arnold.

With quarterback struggles at FSU this season, Johns could not only provide some stability to the offense, but to its most important position. The one thing in the way for FSU is the possibility of Johns being elevated to permanent Oklahoma offensive coordinator as the team searches for a replacement for Seth Litrell.

Brennan Marion – UNLV offensive coordinator

One of the most popular names, whenever an offensive coordinator role becomes open, is UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. He is one of the fastest risers in the college football coaching world, moving quickly through the ranks with stops at programs like Texas, Pitt and Arizona State on his resume.

Marion runs what he calls the “go-go” offense, a scheme that involves quarterback runs and option plays at a fast-paced tempo. It would certainly be a change from the norm for the Seminoles and Norvell, but with the current head coach keeping an open mind on candidates, it could be an interesting pairing between two of the game’s brightest offensive minds.

Marion has been a fast riser, and a move to FSU could cement his status as one of college football’s next coaching stars. There are a lot of questions that come with a potential move, but if Norvell is willing to take the chance, it could prove to be a fun investment.

Dan Mullen – ESPN analyst, former Florida head coach

Former Florida head coach and current ESPN analyst Dan Mullen hasn’t coached in college since he was fired from Florida in 2021, and his desire to return to the coaching ranks in college football is unknown. However, if Mullen is interested in trading the broadcast desk for the sidelines once more, FSU and Norvell should have a conversation with him.

A decent recruiter and an elite offensive mind, Mullen developed Florida’s offense into one of the more explosive teams in the country during his tenure with the Gators. He developed Kyle Trask into a Heisman candidate and led the Gators to winning records in his first two seasons. His final year ended 5-6.

Mullen’s availability and desire to return to college football is a question mark, but for an FSU offense that has lacked explosive plays this season, he could provide a much-needed spark.

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