Florida State football finished with a 5-7 record to end the year after losing to arch-rival Florida in blowout fashion. This was a result that the fan base did not want to see happen.
Head football coach Mike Norvell went to the podium after the loss and stated that there would be massive changes. The Seminoles already added forty-four newcomers to the roster and six staff changes last year, what else could they possibly do?
It looks like a constant loop of issues that keep hampering them. Nonetheless, Florida State fans just want to see the football program be successful on the gridiron with grabbing wins. The Seminoles have a combined 7-17 record over the past two seasons.
Individuals think that some of the coaching staff is the root of the issue with the results on the field. The Seminoles made a surprising dismissal of defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
Surtain Sr. was considered one of the Seminoles' best recruiters. Our very own Kelvin Hunt broke down his thoughts on the dismissal. However, I want to focus on another point, where fans are asking why other assistant coaches didn't get the axe.
Individuals have highlighted coaches such as John Papuchis, Tony Tokarz, and even David Johnson as people who need to be fired. While I am not one to advocate for firings, there is likely a reasoning why them not being fired yet.
For starters, all of their contracts will be expiring in February 2026. If the Seminoles elect to extend their contracts, then I can understand the frustrations. The thought process from the university is probably to let the contract ride out to avoid paying unnecessary buyout fees.
While I am not saying that Coach Johnson is an issue, 247Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that Arkansas is targeting him to be their running backs coach.
Arkansas is targeting Florida State’s David Johnson for its running backs coach job, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 5, 2025
Has worked at FSU since 2020. Previously worked in the SEC at Tennessee in 2018 and ‘19. pic.twitter.com/HVBY9CoRZx
Mississippi State has already lured away defensive analyst Zach Arnett from the Seminoles' staff to be their defensive coordinator. This tends to make me believe that Florida State will be retaining Tony White for the 2026 season.
Overall, it is confusing to see the Seminoles keep these coaches around with potential expiring contracts. This has to be an odd dynamic for players on the roster as they try to have guidance.