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🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

In today’s edition of The Chief Brief, Florida State is busy navigating some key transitions and preparing for an important offseason. With the signing period underway and a flurry of activity across coaching changes and roster updates, there's plenty to keep track of. Here’s a quick look at what we’re covering today:

🏈 Odell Haggins Transitioning to New Leadership Role – After 31 years at FSU, the longtime defensive coach is taking on a broader leadership role to help guide the team’s future.

🏐 FSU Volleyball’s NCAA Tournament Run Ends in Heartbreak – The ‘Noles fought hard in a five-set thriller but fell short against Ole Miss, closing out their season with a 21-10 record.

🏈 Changes to FSU’s Defensive Staff – With Randy Shannon’s departure, the Seminoles' coaching staff continues to evolve as they head into the 2025 season.

🏈 Joshua Farmer Declares for NFL Draft – The standout defensive tackle announces his decision to pursue his dream of playing professionally.

🏈 FSU's Transfer Portal Push – The Seminoles are targeting key positions to rebuild after a challenging 2024 season, including a focus on offensive tackle Derek Simmons.

🏈 Amaree Williams Moving to Defensive End – FSU plans to move the versatile freshman from tight end to defensive end, adding another layer of flexibility to their defense.

🏈 Closing Strong in the 2025 Class – FSU is pushing for top recruits like Jesse Harrold and Tylon Lee as they look to finish the early signing period with a bang.

🏈 Odell Haggins Transitions into New Leadership Role 🏈

After an illustrious 31-year tenure at Florida State, Odell Haggins’ role within the FSU football staff is evolving for the 2025 season. Announced on Thursday, Haggins will continue as the associate head coach but will step into a broader leadership role, focusing on the development of players and fostering team cohesion.

🌟 A Legacy of Excellence 🌟
Haggins’ impact on FSU is undeniable. As the defensive tackles coach since 2014, he helped guide the team to 14 ACC titles and two national championships. His dedication to the program was recognized with his induction into the Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, following a standout career as a player and coach.

💥 A New Chapter for Haggins 💥
While his coaching duties shift, Haggins’ commitment to Florida State remains unchanged. As associate head coach, he will play a vital role in supporting head coach Mike Norvell’s vision, using his vast experience to guide both staff and players. Haggins is eager to contribute to the program's growth, working alongside new coaches and ensuring that the Seminole standard of excellence is maintained.

🌟 A Career Full of Achievements 🌟
Haggins has coached 21 defensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft, including first-round picks like Andre Wadsworth and Corey Simon. His contributions to FSU football have shaped some of the best players in the game's history, making this transition an exciting new chapter for both him and the team.

Read more here

🏐 FSU Volleyball Falls to Ole Miss in NCAA Tournament 🏐

The Florida State volleyball team's season came to a heartbreaking end on Thursday night, as they fell to Ole Miss in five sets (25-20, 16-25, 25-23, 25-27, 13-15) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at D.J. Sokol Arena in Omaha, Nebraska.

🌟 Strong Start for the Noles 🌟
Set one was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging momentum until a pivotal ace from Emery Dupes gave FSU a 15-12 lead at the media timeout. The Noles closed out the set with a 6-0 run, powered by Taylor Head's serve, to take a 1-0 lead in the match.

💥 Ole Miss Strikes Back 💥
Ole Miss came out strong in set two, dominating from start to finish and evening the match with a 25-16 win. Set three saw the Noles fight back from a 15-11 deficit, using an 8-0 run sparked by Head’s serve to claim the set and take a 2-1 advantage in the match.

⚡ Heartbreak in Set Four ⚡
Set four was a rollercoaster, with FSU coming from behind to tie it at 13 after being down 10-4. The set remained tight, with Ole Miss eventually claiming the win in dramatic fashion at 27-25, sending the match to a deciding fifth set.

💥 A Rally Falls Short 💥
FSU faced an early 6-2 deficit in the fifth set but mounted a comeback to tie it at 12. Despite a phenomenal effort from Dupes, diving into the stands to keep the ball alive, Ole Miss clinched the final two points to secure the win, ending the Seminoles' season.

🌟 Stellar Performances to End the Season 🌟
Khori Louis shone in her final match as a Seminole, recording a career-high 21 kills on 35 attempts, along with five blocks. Taylor Head also contributed with 18 kills and three aces, showcasing the team's resilience until the very end.

💥 Season Finale 💥
FSU finishes its season with a 21-10 record, capping off a strong run in the NCAA Tournament with memorable performances from its standout players.

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🏈 FSU’s Defensive Staff Faces More Changes as Randy Shannon Expected to Depart 🏈

Florida State's defensive coaching staff is undergoing further changes as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Randy Shannon is expected to depart, according to multiple sources.

🌟 Shannon’s Tenure at FSU 🌟
Shannon recently completed his fourth season with FSU, including his third as an on-field coach and second as co-defensive coordinator. He had been serving as interim defensive coordinator for the final two games of the 2023 season after the dismissal of defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.

💥 Shannon’s Impact on FSU Linebackers 💥
Shannon played a key role in developing the Seminoles' linebacking corps, most notably Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach, who were critical to FSU’s 13-1 season in 2023. However, the linebacker room faced challenges this season with the loss of veteran DJ Lundy early on and the need to rely on younger players like Omar Graham Jr., Blake Nichelson, and Justin Cryer.

⚡ Coaching Experience & Previous Stops ⚡
Before his time at FSU, Shannon had extensive experience, including stints as a defensive coordinator at UCF and Florida, and as linebackers coach at Arkansas and TCU. His lengthy career at Miami, both as a coach and defensive coordinator, and his time with the Miami Dolphins added valuable experience to his coaching resume.

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🏈 Joshua Farmer Declares for the 2025 NFL Draft 🏈

Florida State defensive tackle Joshua Farmer has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, announcing the decision via his Twitter account.

🌟 Farmer’s Message to Seminoles Nation 🌟
In his post, Farmer expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey:

💥 A Stellar Career at FSU 💥
Farmer arrived in Tallahassee in 2021 as part of head coach Mike Norvell's first full recruiting class. After redshirting in his first season, he became a key contributor on the defensive line, playing in all 13 games of the 2022 season and recording 15 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.

In 2023, Farmer broke out as a starter, recording 32 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and multiple other impactful stats. His 2024 season continued to show his consistency, with 32 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks.

⚡ A Bright Future Ahead ⚡
At 6-foot-3 and 318 pounds, Farmer leaves FSU after four seasons of development, having grown both on and off the field. As one of Norvell’s first commitments, he’ll now turn his focus to the NFL, fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing at the highest level.

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🏈 FSU Targets Offensive Tackle Derek Simmons in NCAA Transfer Portal 🏈

Florida State is making a significant push in the NCAA Transfer Portal this December as part of an effort to rebuild after a tough 2-10 season in 2024. The offensive line, in particular, has been identified as a priority area for improvement, and FSU is set to make moves to bolster the unit.

🌟 Derek Simmons Scheduled for Visit 🌟
One of the top targets for the Seminoles is Derek Simmons, an offensive tackle from Western Carolina. Simmons is set to visit Tallahassee from December 14-15, with several other programs, including Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech, also in pursuit of the 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman.

💥 Impressive Performance in 2024 💥
Simmons impressed in the 2024 season, earning solid grades from Pro Football Focus with an 82.3 pass-blocking grade and a 74.4 run-blocking grade. His overall offensive grade of 78.8 reflects his strong performance on the field.

⚡ A Florida Native Looking to Return Home ⚡
Originally from Neptune Beach, Florida, Simmons brings a wealth of experience, having transferred from Abilene Christian to Western Carolina. His journey began at Tusculum in 2020, where he played in one game. Simmons is currently ranked as the No. 35 overall player and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the transfer portal by 247Sports.

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🏈 Amaree Williams to Get a Look at Defensive End This Spring 🏈

Florida State coach Mike Norvell plans to move freshman Amaree Williams to defensive end this spring after his strong showing as a tight end. Initially recruited as a defensive prospect, Williams will be evaluated for the Jack linebacker role, which requires rushing the QB, playing in space, and coverage duties.

🌟 Transition to Defense 🌟
Williams impressed during scrimmages as a tough assignment for FSU’s underclassman tackles. With his athleticism and added weight through the winter program, he’s expected to make an impact on defense in Tony White’s system.

💥 Opportunity for Freshman Chase Loftin 💥
Norvell also highlighted freshman Chase Loftin’s potential for immediate contributions, as Williams’ shift opens more opportunities for Loftin at tight end.

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🏈 FSU’s Final Signing Day Push: Targeting Key Recruits for Class of 2025 🏈

After a successful but wild early signing day, Florida State is looking to close out the 2025 recruiting class strong with some key targets still on the table. Here’s a look at the top prospects the Seminoles are pursuing as the early signing period continues.

Key Targets for FSU's 2025 Class

Jesse Harrold (4-star DE)
Harrold is one of FSU's top priorities, with the Seminoles still optimistic about securing his commitment. While other schools like Louisville, Michigan, Auburn, and N.C. State are in the mix, FSU has been the most consistent and is confident in landing him. New defensive coordinator Tony White has been instrumental in the recruitment. A signing this week seems likely, but if Harrold delays until February, things could get more complicated.

Tylon Lee (4-star DL, Ole Miss commit)
The Seminoles have a strong chance with Lee after hosting him for a visit, and the location factor works in their favor. Ole Miss remains a competitor, but FSU is confident in their chances. Lee could contribute early, making the Seminoles an attractive destination. It’s a close race, but FSU seems to have the edge.

Teddy Hoffmann (3-star WR, FAU commit)
Hoffman is a potential flip for FSU after the Seminoles extended an offer. Conversations with head coach Mike Norvell have been promising, and FSU has been pushing hard. Hoffman is a talented, underrated wide receiver with the ability to make plays in space—exactly what FSU needs in their offense. If the ‘Noles secure him, it will strengthen an already impressive receiver class.

More Targets to Watch

Zahir Mathis (4-star DE)
Mathis is likely to make a decision in February, but FSU is still in the mix. The Seminoles have a strong pitch, especially with the new defensive coaching staff in place. Penn State and Ohio State are major competitors, but FSU has a shot if the recruitment drags on.

Chastan Brown (4-star OL)
While it’s expected that Brown will make his decision in February, FSU has a strong chance with him due to his close relationship with new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. If there’s a surprise early commitment, Brown could be the one to watch.

Onis Konanbanny (3-star DB, Tennessee commit)
FSU remains active in Konanbanny’s recruitment, and while Florida is trending for a flip, the Seminoles could still make a push, especially if this recruitment extends into February. FSU’s continued involvement makes them a team to keep an eye on.

Read more here

And that’s a wrap!

As FSU moves into a pivotal offseason, the work is far from over. With changes to the coaching staff, key transfers on the horizon, and a continued focus on recruiting, the Seminoles are setting the stage for a bounce-back 2025 season.

We'll be watching closely as this exciting journey unfolds!