FSU football head coach Mike Norvell has a reputation for having coaches poached from his staff. Wednesday he made it clear he’s always prepared to replace them.
FSU football hired TJ Rushing from Memphis on December 28th to coach defensive backs. Rushing had previously coached under Mike Norvell there last season, so it was logical he’d follow him to FSU.
However, it was reported Monday afternoon Rushing would be leaving for the same position at Texas A&M under former FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher.
Which meant Mike Norvell already had to replace an on-field coach without coaching a game yet. The move Norvell made was swift and sent a message that he’s always prepared to handle this type of situation.
It has been reported by multiple outlets he’s hired Auburn defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson to replace Rushing at FSU.
Fans seem to be extremely excited and impressed with the quick work of Norvell.
Fan Reaction
Yyyheeeeewaaaaa Lil bro it’s time to eat 🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢🍢
— Sterl (@HunchoJaQk8) January 22, 2020
I like that he was Auburn recruiting coordinator too
— Jason H (@Jrock4813) January 22, 2020
So does that count as a upgrade at DB coach? #FSU gets Auburn’s DB coach and recruiting coordinator, Marcus Woodson. Good bit of business for Norvell#Noles
— Stadium Drive Podcast (@StadiumDrivePod) January 22, 2020
Did Unc and the committee approve this? Seems to be that recruiting is going to be strong in the Miami Dade area.
— NolaNole (@newname_whodis) January 22, 2020
Hmmm... 3 position coaches with recruiting coordinator tags/ experience.. Think recruiting is going to be ok
— Richard Pearl III (@R_Pearl_20) January 22, 2020
TJ who??! Time to climb!! 🍢🍢🍢
— NateTheGreat (@Frydaddy1212) January 22, 2020
Thoughts
It’s the second Auburn coach who Mike Norvell has coached previously with to rejoin him at FSU. The other is FSU offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham.
Woodson coached defensive backs at Memphis under Norvell during the 2015-16 seasons which featured a secondary that tallied 32 interceptions which were second in the nation over that period.
I do love the fact he has recruiting coordinator experience and has coached at an SEC school that knows how to get in the trenches of recruiting in the south.
The fact he’s coached with Norvell previously is a plus too as he should be familiar with how he likes things done.
We’ll have to see how he and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller jive since they’ve never coached together before. However, one would have to think Fuller would have had some input on the hire.
Woodson will be joining the staff at a perfect time with National Signing Day approaching and upcoming junior days prior to the beginning of spring ball.