Yesterday’s Poll Results

Today’s Poll

🏹 Welcome to The Chief Brief! 🏹

Happy Sunday, Seminole!

In today’s edition, we explore FSU’s latest updates on the path to championship glory and pivotal coaching decisions. Here’s what you need to know:

🏃‍♀️ FSU Women’s Cross Country Earns NCAA Championship Bid 🏃‍♀️

The No. 24 women’s cross country team has secured an at-large bid for the NCAA Championships. With momentum from a stellar regional performance, the Noles are set to compete in Madison, Wisconsin, to cap off an inspiring season.

🏈 Norvell’s Offensive Coordinator Search: Balancing Familiarity and Innovation 🏈

Mike Norvell embarks on a critical search for a new offensive coordinator. With six prior hires under his belt, the decision looms large: will he stick with familiar methods or embrace new ideas to spark an offensive revival?

🔒 Defensive Coordinator Search: Spotlight on Recruiting 🔒

As FSU searches for a new defensive coordinator, recruiting prowess takes center stage. The right hire could reinvigorate FSU’s defensive pipeline, bringing blue-chip talent and a renewed edge to Tallahassee.

🌟 Carter Smith: Next Chapter in FSU’s Quarterback Search 🌟

Following Tramell Jones’ decommitment, four-star quarterback Carter Smith has emerged as a top target for FSU’s 2025 recruiting class. With visits lined up and comparisons to Jordan Travis, Smith’s potential fit has the Seminole faithful buzzing.

🏈 FSU Defensive Coordinator: Game-Changing Hire Needed 🏈

Brendan Sonnone of 247Noles emphasizes that FSU’s next defensive coordinator must be an immediate asset in recruiting. With the stakes higher than ever, this hire could define the program’s trajectory heading into 2025.

🏃‍♀️ FSU Women’s Cross Country Earns NCAA Championship Bid 🏃‍♀️

The No. 24 Florida State women’s cross country team is heading to the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships after securing an at-large bid on Saturday evening.

📍 The Race Ahead 

The championship 6k race will take place on Saturday, November 23, at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Madison, Wisconsin, with the starting gun set for 10:20 a.m.

🔥 Momentum from Regionals 

The Seminoles earned their spot on the national stage following a stellar performance at the NCAA South Region Championships, where they captured four All-Region honors and finished third overall as a team.

💬 Coach’s Corner 

“These women were counted out the entire season,” said FSU head coach Cody Halsey. “It fueled their fire every day, every training session, every long run and every weekend. I can’t express how incredibly proud I am of their constant hard work, dedication, and trust in each other and the process. We are very excited for one more race to cap off an incredible season.”

The Noles are ready to compete and finish their impressive season strong. Stay tuned for updates from Madison!

Read more here.

🏈 Norvell’s Offensive Coordinator Search: Balancing Familiarity and Innovation 🏈 

As Mike Norvell begins the search for his next offensive coordinator, he brings a wealth of experience in making these pivotal hires. With six OC hires already under his belt, including two stints with Kenny Dillingham, this process is familiar territory. Yet, with Florida State’s offense struggling mightily this season, the stakes—and the approach—feel different.

🔍 A History of Familiar Faces 

Norvell has often leaned on coaches from his own network. Five of his six previous OC hires had prior experience working with him, including notable names like Chip Long, Darrell Dickey, and Kenny Dillingham. The lone exception, Kevin Johns, was brought in during Norvell’s final season at Memphis. This pattern underscores Norvell’s trust in those he knows, but could this be the moment to break that mold and bring in fresh ideas?

🧑‍🎓 Prioritizing Youth and Potential 

Norvell’s hires have also skewed younger, with an average age under 40 at the time of their appointment. This preference aligns with Norvell’s own age when he began his head coaching journey and reflects a focus on developing rising coaching talents. Young prospects like Brennan Marion (UNLV) and Tino Sunseri (Indiana) fit this mold and could use FSU’s platform to springboard into higher-profile roles.

⚖️ What’s at Stake 

This season’s offensive struggles make this OC hire one of Norvell’s most critical yet. Whether he opts for a familiar, young talent or an experienced outsider, the hire will signal the program’s direction: doubling down on Norvell’s proven methods or embracing innovation to spark a turnaround.

Read more here.

🔒️ Defensive Coordinator Search: Spotlight on Recruiting🔒️ 

As Florida State searches for a new defensive coordinator, the recruiting prowess of potential candidates is coming into focus. Here’s a breakdown of top contenders who could bring significant recruiting firepower to the Seminoles’ program:

Chris Hampton (Oregon Co-DC/DB Coach) 

Recruiting Strengths: 

Hampton has a proven track record of attracting top talent nationwide. At Oregon, he secured elite recruits like five-star DB Trey McNutt and four-star prospects Aaron Flowers and Dorian Brew.

Why FSU: 

While he lacks deep Florida ties, his ability to build relationships and recruit nationally would complement FSU’s push for a broader recruiting base.

Tyler Santucci (Georgia Tech DC) 

Recruiting Strengths: 

Santucci’s work at Texas A&M included landing four-star talent such as Daymion Sanford and Matrell Harris. At Georgia Tech, he’s helped elevate recruiting rankings to their highest levels in years.

Why FSU: 

With experience at big programs and recruiting success in the Southeast, Santucci offers a youthful energy that aligns with FSU’s goals.

🏈 Charlie Partridge (Indianapolis Colts DL Coach) 

Recruiting Strengths: 

NFL coaching experience makes Partridge highly appealing to recruits. At Pittsburgh, he played a key role in bringing in top talent like Elliot Donald and JUCO standout Tommie Duhart.

Why FSU: 

Partridge’s dual NFL and college experience provides an edge in developing players and attracting NFL-minded recruits.

Travaris Robinson (Georgia Co-DC) 

Recruiting Strengths: 

Robinson’s resume is unmatched, with seven five-star recruits and numerous four-stars to his name, including Jalen Mbakwe, Vernon Hargreaves, and former Seminole Jammie Robinson.

Why FSU: 

His elite recruiting skills, particularly in the Southeast, make him a transformative candidate for improving FSU’s high school recruiting.

Travis Williams (Arkansas DC) 

Recruiting Strengths: 

Williams has strong connections in the Southeast and has landed high-profile recruits like five-star LB Owen Pappoe and four-star LB Smoke Monday.

Why FSU: 

His ability to win recruiting battles against top programs and develop linebackers aligns perfectly with FSU’s defensive needs.

Read more here.

🌟 Carter Smith: Next Chapter in FSU’s Quarterback Search 🌟 

Florida State’s quest for a 2025 quarterback has shifted into high gear following Tramell Jones’ decommitment, and all eyes are now on four-star prospect Carter Smith. The Fort Myers native has emerged as a top target for the Seminoles, with a decision likely to come down to FSU and Wisconsin.

A Dual-Threat Star in the Making

Smith, who recently set the Southwest Florida passing record, is celebrated for his dynamic athleticism and leadership. His private quarterback coach, Ken Mastrole, compared him to former Seminole Jordan Travis, citing his ability to dominate on the ground while steadily developing as a passer. Smith’s linebacker mentality and focus on improving his game make him a compelling fit for FSU’s offensive system.

The Recruitment Journey

Smith was committed to Michigan but reopened his recruitment in October due to changes in commitment dynamics. Now, with official visits scheduled for Wisconsin this weekend and FSU on the final weekend of the season, the Seminoles have a prime opportunity to secure his pledge.

Ready for the Big Stage

Mastrole emphasizes Smith’s readiness to transition to college football, highlighting his preparation in a college-level high school system and his dedication to mastering X’s and O’s. Whether he takes the reins as a freshman or waits behind current talents like Luke Kromenhoek, Smith’s potential impact is undeniable.

FSU fans have reason to be excited as the team positions itself to land one of the most promising quarterback prospects in the 2025 class.

Read more here.

🏈 FSU Defensive Coordinator: Game-Changing Hire Needed 🏈

As Florida State embarks on a pivotal offseason, the search for a new defensive coordinator is shaping up to be Mike Norvell’s most critical decision yet. According to 247Noles’ Brendan Sonnone, the next DC must bring more than tactical expertise—they must be a force on the recruiting trail to rejuvenate the Seminoles’ defensive talent.

Why Recruiting is Key

While on-field competency is non-negotiable, Sonnone argues that FSU’s defense has suffered from a lack of blue-chip talent from the high school level. Recent cycles have seen marquee recruits flip away from the Seminoles, with high-profile losses like Travis Hunter (2022), Keldric Faulk (2023), and KJ Bolden (2024). To reverse this trend, the next DC must not only lead a strong defense but also establish connections with top-tier recruits and regional pipelines.

What FSU Needs in a DC

1. Proven Defensive Success:
   The hire must bring a track record of coordinating high-level defenses, preferably from a program currently excelling in this area.

2. Recruiting Prowess:
   While not every DC needs to be an elite recruiter, FSU’s next hire must at least be a strong asset in recruiting, capable of leveraging relationships with prep players, high school coaches, and transfer prospects.

3. Immediate Impact:
   FSU needs a DC who can attract defensive talent to Tallahassee immediately, potentially bringing players from their current program to bolster the roster.

4. Regional Connections:
   Familiarity with the Southeast is vital to hit the ground running and reestablish FSU’s dominance in recruiting top local talent.

The Stakes for 2025

The next season is a make-or-break year for the program, and the defense needs a leader who can set the tone both on and off the field. This hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about revitalizing FSU’s recruiting energy and turning defensive promise into on-field performance.

And that’s a wrap!

The Seminoles are stepping into a week of big decisions and bigger opportunities. From the cross country team’s NCAA Championship bid to the coaching hires that could reshape FSU’s future, the stakes have never been higher.

What’s next? Whether it’s a game-changing defensive coordinator or a star quarterback, the pieces are coming together for a thrilling 2025 season.

Thanks for reading today’s edition of The Chief Brief—your daily dose of all things FSU. Until next time, Go Noles! 🏹