🏹 October 4th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

Hello, Seminole Nation!

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, the action on and off the field continues to heat up. In this edition of "The Chief Brief," presented by The Gnarly Barley, we dive deep into the ever-spinning coaching carousel, explore the Seminoles' keen eye for future talent, and celebrate the addition of Women's Lacrosse to our athletic family. From coaching shake-ups to promising recruits, there's never a dull moment in the world of FSU sports. So, grab your favorite garnet and gold gear, and let's get started on this midweek's journey through Seminole territory!

Florida State and Clemson: A Potential ACC Exit on the Horizon?

2023 might end up being the year that reshapes the ACC. Florida State's athletics director, Michael Alford, has been vocal in his criticism of the conference, leading to whispers of the "Magnificent Seven" ahead of the ACC's spring meeting. The ACC's decision to expand westward by adding Cal, Stanford, and SMU was met with controversy, narrowly passing the vote.

But the real shocker? Rumors from South Carolina suggest that Clemson might announce its departure from the ACC later this month (Happy Halloween!). While FSU has been openly critical of the ACC's financial disparity compared to the SEC and Big Ten, Clemson had been relatively silent—until now. Recent reports indicate that Clemson has been in discussions with both the SEC and Big Ten, with an official announcement expected in October.

Interestingly, Clemson seems to be adopting a "strength in numbers" strategy, hinting at collaboration with Florida State and possibly North Carolina for a coordinated conference exit. Drew Weatherford, a member of the Florida State Board of Trustees, previously stated that FSU's departure from the ACC was more a question of "when" than "if." North Carolina, traditionally seen as the bedrock of the ACC, has also shown signs of discontent, especially after the ACC's recent expansion.

The financial implications are clear. Staying in the ACC until 2036 could see FSU and Clemson lag behind their rivals, who benefit from an additional $30 million annually in TV revenue. Clemson's preference seems to lean towards the SEC, despite some resistance within SEC circles. And while Florida State might not bring new markets to the SEC, their consistent high TV viewership, even during challenging times, cannot be ignored.

However, the elephant in the room remains the ACC exit fee or Grant of Rights. The recent departure of Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12, and the relatively low cost of their exit, might offer a blueprint. But with the ACC's Grant of Rights extending for another thirteen years, the situation is more complex.

One thing is certain: the futures of Florida State and Clemson seem increasingly linked. Their next moves could either see them break free from the ACC or remain in a conference that many view as second-tier in the evolving landscape of college football.

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FSU Introduces Women's Lacrosse to Varsity Lineup

Florida State University has announced the addition of women's lacrosse to its roster of varsity sports. This decision highlights FSU's dedication to diversifying its athletic programs and taps into the rising popularity of lacrosse in the Southeast and nationwide.

The move positions FSU within the ACC's strong lacrosse tradition, as many member schools have established successful lacrosse programs. While specifics about the program's launch, coaching hires, and recruitment are still under wraps, the excitement within the Seminole community is palpable.

For those eager to get a glimpse of what's to come, the newly minted FSU Women's Lacrosse Instagram account made its debut with an announcement post, which you can check out here. As the program takes shape, Seminole fans can anticipate dynamic matches and the rise of a new Seminole sports legacy.

Walt Bell's Coaching Woes Continue, While FSU's Offense Flourishes

Walt Bell, once the offensive coordinator at Florida State, has faced another setback in his coaching career. The Indiana Hoosiers announced their decision to part ways with Bell after a series of disappointing performances, the latest being a 44-17 loss to Maryland. This marks the third time this season that Indiana scored 17 points or fewer against a Power 5 team.

Bell's tenure at Indiana was characterized by underwhelming offensive stats. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers ranked No. 111 nationally in scoring offense and No. 110 in total offense this year. These figures show a decline from his first year, where they finished No. 98 in scoring and No. 110 in total offense.

Indiana's head coach, Tom Allen, expressed the need for a new direction offensively. While he thanked Bell for his contributions, the decision underscores the challenges Bell has faced in his recent coaching roles.

During Bell's time at Florida State in 2018, the Seminoles' offense ranked 103rd nationally in scoring, averaging just 21.9 points per game, and 101st in total offense with an average of 361.2 yards per game. However, post-Bell, FSU's offense has seen a revival. In the subsequent seasons, the Seminoles improved to an average of 27.9 points per game and around 400 yards per game, showcasing a more dynamic and efficient offensive system.

The recent firing from Indiana adds another chapter to Bell's tumultuous coaching journey, while FSU continues to rebuild and progress on the offensive front.

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FSU Extends Offer to 2026 Safety Simeon Caldwell

Florida State's football program is looking ahead to the future, as they extended an offer to Jacksonville's Simeon Caldwell. The young talent from The Bolles School is set to graduate in 2026 and has already caught the attention of several college football programs. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, Caldwell's versatility allows him to play both as a safety and a linebacker.

Upon receiving the offer, Caldwell shared some insights from his conversation with FSU's head coach Mike Norvell. The Seminoles' coaching staff was particularly impressed with his size, physicality, and adaptability on the field.

The young athlete's offer list is growing, with schools like Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, Pitt, and Tennessee already expressing their interest. As of now, there are no predictions on the 247Sports.com Crystal Ball regarding Caldwell's college choice, and he is yet to receive a ranking for the 2026 class.

For those interested in seeing Caldwell in action, highlights from his sophomore season can be viewed here. The future certainly looks bright for this emerging star, and FSU fans will be eager to see if he chooses to don the garnet and gold.

What a whirlwind of events it's been, Seminole fans! As we wrap up this edition of "The Chief Brief," we'd like to extend our gratitude for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. To stay even more connected with us and get a behind-the-scenes look, sneak peeks, and more, don't forget to follow our brand new Instagram account: The Chief Brief on Instagram. It's the perfect place to share your Seminole spirit and engage with fellow fans. Until next time, keep that Seminole pride burning bright, and as always, Go Noles!