Florida State's new AD inherits coaching search with Jimbo Fisher lobbying for return
Florida State named Jeff Purinton as its new athletic director on Monday, and his immediate challenge is leading a head football coaching search to replace Mike Norvell, who was fired November 1 after a 3-5 start. According to a USA TODAY Sports report, former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher is aggressively pursuing the position, already contacting potential staff members even before the school has meaningfully begun its search process. A college executive told the outlet that little of substance has occurred yet in the search. Other names reported to be on Florida State's radar include Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, and FSU alum Manny Diaz, though Diaz is described as facing an uphill battle. Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert is notably absent from consideration, with two coaching agents citing non-compete clauses in Wake Forest contracts covering fellow ACC schools.
Anyone telling you much has happened at Florida State in their coaching search is full of it. They just hired Purinton as AD. Nothing of consequence has happened yet
Why it matters
For brands: Sponsors and partners tied to Florida State athletics are watching a leadership transition that will shape the program's identity for years to come.
For coaches: Candidates and their agents are navigating an early-stage search while at least one contender is already actively recruiting staff, raising the stakes for timing and positioning.
For athletes: Florida State players face uncertainty about the program's direction as a new AD and head coach search unfolds simultaneously.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports college football
Sources
- Yahoo Sports college football: New Florida State AD Jeff Purinton inherits coaching search with Jimbo Fisher already making moves