FSU football: What does Rick Stockstill hire bring the Noles?

FSU football has shown commitment to competing at an elite level. That's one of the main reasons FSU head coach Mike Norvell spurned Alabama to remain at FSU earlier this month. Norvell sought an increase in resources for recruiting, and his support staff, and the Noles made a valuable addition to both Monday by hiring Rick Stockstill. Stockstill played at FSU under Bobby Bowden from 1977-81 and is in the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame. He was the head coach at Middle Tennessee State from 2006-2023, compiling a 113-111 overall record. He's been an offensive coordinator, QB coach, recruiting coordinator, WR/TE coach, and passing game coordinator over his 41-year career. Stockstill is no stranger to Power 5 football, as he spent time at Clemson and South Carolina. FSU fans may remember Stockstill for his comments after Middle Tennessee State destroyed the Miami Hurricanes in front of a sparse home crowd in Miami during the 2022 season.

What does Stockstill bring?

Stockstill was successful at FSU as a QB and featured some prominent offenses while at Middle Tennessee State. Those offenses were particularly potent when his son Brent was the QB from 2015-18. Stockstill had a reputation as one of the top recruiters in the nation when he took the job at Middle Tennessee State in 2006. He recruited 16 players who signed or got drafted by NFL teams before becoming a head coach. I don't expect Stockstill to do much recruiting at his age. However, FSU will have someone who's coached nearly every offensive position and an eye for talent at the Director of Scouting on offense position. He has experienced virtually everything you could see as a football coach and should be able to identify strengths and weaknesses easily. His experience as a head coach will prove valuable when it comes to preparation as a staff. He'll also be someone, who younger support staff can learn a ton from and continue to grow in their roles.