I’ve watched the hate/love relationship come full circle for FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.
The hate received in his first three years as FSU defensive coordinator was unreal, despite the defensive improving by leaps and bounds every season the talent on the roster got better.
I was a vocal minority supporting that sentiment, but fans founds reasons to doubt. However, there is no doubt the FSU defense at the end of the 2023 season was argubably the best in the nation.
They rank among the top in several statistical categories, and Adam Fuller has gotten rewarded for the hard work. Pete Thamel reports Fuller signed a three-year extension with a raise:
Source: Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller signed a new three-year contract with FSU, which includes a raise. FSU finished No. 6 nationally overall in scoring defense in 2023 for the undefeated ACC Champions.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 7, 2023
Fuller, who also helps coach the safeties, helped create the best-passing defense in the nation. FSU led the nation in passing completion percentage allowed (46.8) and passed defended (77). FSU was second in the nation among QB hurries (289), according to PFF.
Fan Reaction
Crazy how we saying #KeepFuller boys just needed time. https://t.co/7jDqMDUaFM
— Lima Beans (@WestSideNole) December 7, 2023
Let’s run it back my boys 🔥😂‼️ https://t.co/hOtY2WYLWz pic.twitter.com/XjoQZTvqjU
— Sterl (@HunchoJaQk8) December 7, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥 get paid Fuller!!!! https://t.co/w8bNIKk4HV
— C.J. Wilson (@CjWilson850) December 7, 2023
Fuller went out and earned that this year. Also great timing before weekend visits with transfers and HS kids who have probably heard he’s looking around https://t.co/ZALpd9ve9Z
— Bryan Deeds (@bryanDeeds) December 7, 2023
Yessir…well deserved https://t.co/yOTMsm7c2j
— Mr. Williams (@deecwilliams) December 7, 2023
Earned—- not given. https://t.co/WoWkpbA6JL
— Mike Settle Jr (@settleml92) December 7, 2023
Earned it! 🍢🍢🍢 https://t.co/5FgPuoY4JC
— Brian Ross (@brewmeone) December 7, 2023
The difference a year makes. Last year everybody would’ve been raising hell, now everyone’s relieved he’s staying https://t.co/SfiOHPxLDA
— Austin Veazey (@EasyVeazeyNG) December 7, 2023
Hell yes https://t.co/SEbooyYWJ5
— Ricky Bobby (@RickyBobby_NY) December 7, 2023
RUN IT BACK x3 @CoachAdamFuller https://t.co/ZUDMHHAOOz pic.twitter.com/eUfuy0EsHz
— Quan (@YouNoleTheVibez) December 7, 2023
Woah. Well deserved 🍢 https://t.co/dJ5sE4VjdQ
— DadgumNolesFootball (@NolesFootball20) December 7, 2023
Adam Fuller. Certified P5 caliber DC. Made me believe lol https://t.co/xSGZhiQLF2
— Luke (@sasserluke9399) December 7, 2023
They ranked No. 5 among P5 teams in scoring defense (15.9 ppg). They were third among P5 teams in third down conversions allowed (27.3 percent). They were tied for second among P5 schools with 45 sacks.
They were No. 7 mong P5 schools in touchdowns allowed in the red zone (43.2 percent). The improvement since the 2020 season has been astounding, but another factor in year one was not having a real offseason to install his system.
Some players were not good fits, and others were not FSU-caliber players.
It took a while to earn the trust of the players, but gradually the defense began to take shape. They didn’t allow more than 24 points all season and haven’t allowed more than 30 points five times in the last 26 games.
It’s a well deserved extension and raise, and it appears fans can finally give him his props.