FSU football: Reaction to Alex Atkins contract extension and raise

FSU football head coach Mike Norvell hired a little-known offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Alex Atkins when he took the FSU job in December 2019.

The move has proven to be one of his best hires to date, with Atkins earning a raise and contract extension through December 31, 2023.

The offensive line showed promise in the 2020 season, despite no real offseason in the spring and summer while implementing a new offense.

The Noles were among the best rushing teams in the ACC, and quarterbacks(pre-Jordan Travis and injuries to Devontay Love-Taylor) appeared to have more time to throw.

However, Atkins’ greatest value might be on the recruiting trail where he’s assembled one of the most impressive offensive line units FSU has seen in nearly a decade.

He also signed the first blue-chip offensive tackle (Robert Orr) in several years in the 2021 recruiting cycle.

The move to grant Atkins a raise and extension by Norvell proves he practices what he preaches. Norvell harps on constantly evaluating and making sure the best players are playing.

In this case, he has evaluated the performance of Atkins and understands the value he brings to FSU football.

He understands suitors will be lining up for Atkins (LSU reportedly showed some interest before hiring another coach a short time ago), and this move should put the kabob on any rumors of Atkins going anywhere in the next couple of years.

The move is also a message from Mike Norvell to future coaches that may join his staff. If you come to FSU and perform up to or surpass expectations, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.

I think the contract extension and raise are well-deserved, and it’s good to see FSU football able to pay an assist of this caliber handsomely. It’s another sign of football being the No. 1 priority again in Tallahassee.