Randy Shannon to Co-Defensive Coordinator & LB Coach Thoughts

Experience and Continuity

I wouldn’t be a fan of Randy Shannon as the sole defensive coordinator, but I’m cool with having him as the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. I don’t know if I can ever erase Jimbo Fisher sharing he loved facing Shannon’s defenses while he was at Miami(and routinely torched them).

The FSU defense showed drastic improvement over the past year, and the linebackers were one of the most improved units. Linebacker Kalen DeLoach, arguably the most improved defensive player, saw a huge improvement in his play. His father, Mr. Rob DeLoach, co-signs Randy Shannon as a big part of helping with that:

Adam Fuller and Chris Marve became the third different defensive coordinator/linebackers coach combo since 2017 when hired by Mike Norvell.

Randy Shannon’s presence over the last season is likely valued over hiring a new staff member with the Early Signing Period approaching. Shannon and Fuller reportedly work well together, and the players like having Shannon on the staff.

FSU likely isn’t going to compete for a national title in 2022, so continuing to show stability with steady improvement is the right call as opposed to bringing in someone brand new and adjusting to how they want to do things and hoping they gel with Adam Fuller.