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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Sunday, Seminole! This edition of The Chief Brief is packed with pivotal updates for Florida State fans. From Gus Malzahn’s hiring as offensive coordinator to another disappointing loss, FSU’s offseason is off to a dramatic start. Here's what you need to know:

🏈 FSU to Hire Gus Malzahn as Offensive Coordinator
Malzahn, former UCF and Auburn head coach, is bringing a wealth of experience to the offensive coordinator role. His hiring signals a new era for FSU’s offense and could provide much-needed stability after a tough 2024 season.

🏈 Final Whistle on a Forgettable Season
The Seminoles ended the season with a devastating 31-11 loss to Florida, capping off a historic downturn. With major changes on the horizon, FSU is looking to rebuild from the ground up.

🏈 New Name Emerges in FSU’s Defensive Coordinator Search
As FSU seeks to bounce back, a new name has emerged in the search for a defensive coordinator: Tony White, Nebraska’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator. White’s experience could be key in rebuilding the Seminoles' defense.

🏀 Seminoles Secure Paradise Jam Title with Latson’s Triple-Double
The women’s basketball team capped off a dominant tournament performance with a title win, thanks in part to Ta'Niya Latson’s rare triple-double. FSU’s strong showing hints at a promising season ahead.

🎤 Coach Norvell's Post-Game Reflections
Coach Mike Norvell gave candid insights into the season’s struggles, the upcoming changes, and his confidence in FSU’s path to recovery.

⭐️ FSU Keeps the Pressure on 4-Star LB Tavion Wallace ⭐️
Florida State is working hard to flip 4-star linebacker Tavion Wallace from Arkansas, keeping the pressure on as Early Signing Day approaches. Wallace’s visit to Tallahassee has put FSU in a strong position to secure his commitment.

🏈 Gus Malzahn's Impact on FSU's Offense 🏈

A quick look at the positives, negatives, and unknowns from the Gus Malzahn hire.

🏈 FSU to Hire Gus Malzahn as Offensive Coordinator 🏈

Florida State is making a significant splash in the coaching market by bringing in former Auburn and UCF head coach Gus Malzahn as its new offensive coordinator. Malzahn, a veteran offensive mastermind, resigned from his post at UCF on Saturday to take the position in Tallahassee under his former protégé, Mike Norvell.

🌟 Why Malzahn is the Right Move
Malzahn’s pedigree speaks for itself. With a career record of 105-62 as a college head coach, including guiding Auburn to the BCS National Championship Game in 2013 (where he lost to FSU), he brings an extensive offensive resume. His offenses have averaged 447.7 yards per game over 19 years, frequently ranking among the nation's best in both rushing and total offense.

🔑 The Norvell-Malzahn Connection
Malzahn’s ties to Norvell go back to their days at Tulsa in the late 2000s, where Norvell served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn. This relationship ensures immediate alignment in offensive philosophy and play design.

📉 Rebounding FSU’s Offense
After a dismal 2024 season in which FSU ranked near last nationally in total offense, Malzahn’s proven track record as a play-caller is expected to reignite the Seminoles’ attack. His time at UCF includes three consecutive top-10 rushing offenses, complementing Norvell’s historically strong passing schemes.

🚨 What’s Next?
Malzahn replaces Alex Atkins, who was dismissed earlier this season, and will assume primary play-calling duties—a change from Norvell’s previous approach. As the Seminoles look to rebuild after a 2-9 campaign, Malzahn’s hiring signals a commitment to reinvigorating the program’s offensive identity.

📊 Quick Stats:

• Past Success: Malzahn’s teams have eclipsed 5,000 yards of total offense 16 times.

• UCF Offense in 2024: Ranked 18th nationally in yards per game despite using four starting quarterbacks.

• Track Record: His offenses have hit 6,000 yards eight times and 7,000 yards three times in his career.

FSU fans can expect a modernized, dynamic offense tailored to maximize the team’s talent. With Early Signing Day approaching, this move could also be pivotal in securing offensive recruits.

Read more here, here, and here.

🏈 Final Whistle on a Forgettable Season 🏈

In a fitting end to a disastrous season, Florida State fell to Florida 31-11 on Saturday night, marking the worst campaign in modern Seminole history. The loss dropped FSU to 2-10, their poorest record since 1974, and extended the Gators’ lead in the Sunshine Showdown rivalry to 38-28-2.

🌪️ Turnover Chaos:
The Seminoles fumbled the ball eight times — losing five — in a turnover-filled performance. Florida capitalized on these miscues, scoring 10 points off turnovers in the first half alone, including a touchdown set up by a fumble deep in FSU territory.

🎓 Freshman QB Struggles:
Freshman quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, in his second career start, faced relentless pressure from Florida’s defense, which racked up eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Kromenhoek finished with 140 passing yards on 15-of-28 completions, but FSU’s offense managed just 239 total yards.

🚨 Missed Opportunities:
FSU showed flashes of promise but repeatedly squandered scoring chances. A third-quarter drive to the UF 7-yard line ended in yet another fumble, one of many self-inflicted wounds that have defined the season.

📉 Historic Decline:
This year’s team represented one of the steepest one-season declines in college football history, dropping from last season’s 13-win ACC Championship team to a 2-10 finish.

🛠️ Looking Forward:
As the Seminoles head into the offseason, Coach Mike Norvell and his staff face significant questions about rebuilding a program that has hit rock bottom. From addressing turnover woes to retooling the roster, the road to redemption begins now.

Read more here and here.

🏈 New Name Emerges in FSU’s Defensive Coordinator Search 🏈

As Florida State continues its hunt for a new defensive coordinator following Adam Fuller’s dismissal, a new name has emerged as one of focal points in the search: Tony White, Nebraska’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

🌟 Why Tony White Stands Out:

• Current Role: White is in his second season at Nebraska, where he has transformed the Cornhuskers’ defense into a formidable unit.

• Experience: Over 18 years in coaching, including five seasons as a defensive coordinator and roles at Syracuse, Arizona State, and San Diego State.

• FSU Connection: Sources indicate White and FSU have been in communication, with one person describing it as an interview.

🎓 Tony White’s Coaching Journey:

• Nebraska (2023-present): Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator

• Syracuse (2020-22): Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

• Arizona State (2018-19): Defensive Passing Game Coordinator

• San Diego State (2009-17): Cornerbacks/Recruiting Coordinator

🏈 What’s Next for FSU:
With Gus Malzahn expected to take over the offense, finding a defensive leader is pivotal to ensuring balance and a return to competitiveness. The decision is expected soon, as FSU moves quickly to solidify its staff before a pivotal offseason.

Read more here.

🏀 Seminoles Secure Paradise Jam Title with Latson’s Triple-Double 🏀

The Florida State women’s basketball team (8-1) capped off a perfect run at the Paradise Jam with a commanding 95-54 victory over Gonzaga on Saturday, claiming the Reef Division title.

🌟 Historic Performance:

• Ta'Niya Latson recorded a rare triple-double, scoring 24 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and tying her career high with 10 assists. She’s just the fourth Seminole in program history to achieve this feat and one of only nine players nationally this season.

• Latson earned MVP honors after an outstanding tournament, which included a double-double (30 points, 11 rebounds) against Texas Tech and 21 points versus Missouri State.

💪 Tournament Standouts:

• Makayla Timpson: Named to the all-tournament team with 20 points, five rebounds, and a career-high six steals against Gonzaga.

• Sydney Bowles: Contributed 17 points, including five three-pointers, and continued her sharpshooting form.

• O’Mariah Gordon: Tallied 14 points, four assists, and four steals, aiding FSU’s suffocating defense.

🔥 Seminoles Dominate on Both Ends:

• FSU forced Gonzaga into 26 turnovers, racking up 15 steals in the process.

• The Noles’ balanced offense saw six players hit from beyond the arc, finishing 12-of-28 from three.

🏀 Game Recap:
After an early two-point deficit, FSU surged ahead with a 19-4 run, building a commanding 28-12 lead. Despite a second-quarter Gonzaga push, back-to-back threes from Bowles steadied the Seminoles. By halftime, FSU led 48-23, keeping the Bulldogs without a field goal for five minutes.

In the second half, Gonzaga cut the deficit to 13, but Latson took over, scoring 11 third-quarter points. FSU closed with a 13-2 run, fueled by Latson’s playmaking, to seal the title.

🚨 Next Up:
The Seminoles travel to Knoxville to face unbeaten Tennessee (5-0) on Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. in the Food City Center.

Read more here.

🎤 Coach Norvell's Post-Game Reflections 🎤

On the Disappointing Loss
"It's a disappointing end to an awful season," Norvell stated. Despite opportunities, FSU's five turnovers, all fumbles, and struggles on defense contributed to the loss. The Seminoles allowed 235 rushing yards, and Norvell highlighted missed tackles and miscommunication as major issues. He took full responsibility, emphasizing that the team must make immediate changes.

On the Offensive Coordinator Search
Regarding reports linking Gus Malzahn to the offensive coordinator role, Norvell confirmed, "I know we've identified our offensive coordinator and very excited about who that will be," though he couldn't comment further as final details are still being worked out.

On the Flag Controversy
When asked about Florida's flag-planting at midfield, Norvell responded, "I told him what I thought." He expressed that while Florida had the right to celebrate, FSU would not accept such actions on their field again.

On the Offseason Outlook
Norvell shared his confidence in turning the program around: "This is done being the way we played this year. It will be fixed." He stressed the importance of recruiting, developing players, and building a strong identity moving forward, emphasizing that changes will begin immediately.

Read more here and here.

⭐️ FSU Keeps the Pressure on 4-Star LB Tavion Wallace ⭐️ 

For the second straight weekend, Florida State hosted one of its top remaining targets, Tavion Wallace, a four-star linebacker out of Bexley (Ga.) Appling County. Wallace, who committed to Arkansas this summer, was back in Tallahassee for FSU’s matchup against the Florida Gators, accompanied by a special guest—his mother.

🌟 Impressions and Recruiting Pitch:
Despite FSU's tough season, Wallace left with a positive impression, praising the Seminoles' consistency in building a family-like connection. The coaching staff emphasized the opportunity for early playing time, a message that resonates with the talented linebacker.

• "If you're put in early, [the NFL] sees what you can do as a rookie," Wallace said, highlighting his interest in immediate impact opportunities.

• Wallace also expressed comfort in taking on a leadership role, saying, "I could step in and be a leader. I'd seem like a vet my first day here."

🏠 Mom’s Approval:
Wallace’s mother, who joined him on this visit, voiced her support for FSU as a potential destination if he flips from Arkansas: "She said this would be somewhere she'd want me to come," Wallace shared.

⏳ Timeline and Defensive Coordinator Hire:
With Early Signing Day on Wednesday, Wallace plans to make his decision after discussions with his parents and careful consideration. He noted that FSU has hinted at finalizing their defensive coordinator hire by Monday or Tuesday, a move that could factor into his choice.

🤝 Special Bond with Norvell:
A standout aspect of Wallace’s recruitment is his connection with head coach Mike Norvell. Their conversations often stray from football, focusing on family and personal interests. "Every time I see him, we just talk about the weight room and flex on each other," Wallace said, showcasing the unique rapport they share.

🏆 National Ranking:
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker is ranked as the nation’s No. 176 overall prospect and the No. 17 linebacker by 247Sports.

Read more here.

🏈 Gus Malzahn's Impact on FSU's Offense 🏈

Gus Malzahn’s hiring as offensive coordinator brings a blend of experience and familiarity to FSU, but there are both positives and uncertainties ahead.

📈 Positives 📈

• Mike Norvell’s Broader Role: With Malzahn overseeing the offense, Norvell can focus on the bigger picture, transitioning into a CEO role that many have called for. This move provides more time for Norvell to lead the entire program while Malzahn handles offensive responsibilities.

• Recruiting Edge: Malzahn’s experience at UCF, where he built competitive classes, especially in the southeast, gives FSU an added recruiting boost. Though recruiting won’t be his primary task, his presence strengthens FSU’s efforts.

• Offensive Continuity: Since Norvell’s offense was shaped under Malzahn’s guidance at Tulsa, the transition should be smoother than expected, with similar offensive philosophies and personnel fit.

🤔 Unknowns & Concerns 🤔

• Offensive Efficiency: Malzahn’s offenses were once top-tier at Auburn, but recent years at UCF saw less success, with rankings falling outside the top 30. It remains to be seen if he can regain that earlier form.

• Talent Transfer from UCF: The state of UCF’s roster raises questions about how many key players Malzahn can bring with him. A rough season and internal turmoil may limit his ability to add immediate impact players.

• Quarterback Development: While Malzahn succeeded with players like Cam Newton, his recent quarterback development has been inconsistent, with multiple changes at UCF and struggles at Auburn. FSU will need to see if he can restore stability at the position.

Read more here.

And that’s a wrap!

As the dust settles on a season of high expectations that ultimately fell short, the focus now shifts to what’s next for FSU. With Gus Malzahn set to reshape the offense and changes coming on the defensive side, the Seminoles are gearing up for a transformative off-season. The future is uncertain, but there’s a sense of renewed hope as the program looks to rebound and reclaim its place among college football’s elite.

For the women’s basketball team, the momentum from their Paradise Jam victory could be the spark they need for a strong run through the rest of the season. Meanwhile, FSU’s recruiting efforts continue to heat up, with key recruits like Tavion Wallace on the radar. It’s clear that FSU is poised for a pivotal chapter in both football and basketball. As always, Seminole fans have plenty to look forward to. Go Noles! 🏹