Florida State University's football program is undergoing a significant shakeup, as head coach Mike Norvell has parted ways with three key members of his coaching staff. The dismissals of offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and wide receiver coach Ron Dugans come on the heels of a lopsided 52-3 loss to Notre Dame. With just two games remaining in the regular season, Norvell is now tasked with finding replacements who can help the Seminoles turn the tide and position the team for a successful offseason.

Elevating the Seminoles: Exploring Potential Coaching Candidates

Defensive Coordinator Candidates

As the Seminoles embark on their search for a new defensive coordinator, several intriguing names have emerged as potential candidates. Zach Arnett, currently serving as a defensive analyst at Ole Miss, possesses extensive experience as a power five defensive coordinator and head coach at Mississippi State. His 3-3-5 defensive scheme may require some adaptation to fit the Seminoles' existing 4-3 or 4-2-5 approach, but his strong defensive acumen and recruiting prowess could make him an attractive option.Another candidate worth considering is Scott Symons, the current defensive coordinator at SMU. Symons has a prior working relationship with Norvell, having joined the Memphis coaching staff in 2018 when Norvell was the head coach. Symons has transformed the Mustangs' defense into a formidable unit, creating turnovers at a high rate – a crucial element that has been lacking in the Seminoles' defense this season. The potential to reunite with Norvell and continue his defensive turnaround could be a compelling draw for Symons.Closer to home, Miami's co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach, Derek Nicholson, is a former Seminole linebacker who has quickly risen through the coaching ranks. While the Hurricanes' defense has been inconsistent this season, Nicholson has demonstrated his ability to develop and produce standout players at each of his coaching stops. Although he has yet to serve as a defensive coordinator, his strong recruiting skills and potential to make the leap into a coordinator role could make him an intriguing option for the Seminoles.

Offensive Coordinator Candidates

While Norvell has traditionally operated as the Seminoles' play-caller, he has expressed openness to considering candidates for the offensive coordinator position. One name that stands out is Kevin Johns, the current quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma. Johns has prior experience as an offensive coordinator at the Division I level and has been involved in the development of high-powered offenses. His work with Duke's quarterback Riley Leonard last season and his recent interim offensive coordinator duties at Oklahoma, where he helped improve the Sooners' offense, could make him a valuable asset in addressing the Seminoles' quarterback struggles.Another candidate generating significant interest is Brennan Marion, the offensive coordinator at UNLV. Marion is widely regarded as one of the rising stars in the college coaching world, with a reputation for implementing a fast-paced, up-tempo "go-go" offense that incorporates quarterback runs and option plays. While this approach would represent a significant departure from the Seminoles' current offensive philosophy, Norvell's openness to new ideas could make this a compelling pairing of two innovative offensive minds.Finally, the potential availability of former Florida head coach Dan Mullen could be an intriguing option for the Seminoles. Mullen, currently an ESPN analyst, has a proven track record of developing explosive offenses and Heisman-caliber quarterbacks. His offensive expertise and recruiting prowess could provide the spark the Seminoles' offense has been lacking, though his desire to return to the coaching ranks remains uncertain.Regardless of the specific candidates, the Seminoles' coaching search will undoubtedly be a closely watched process as they aim to assemble a staff capable of elevating the program and positioning it for long-term success.