Chris Thomsen shares what Nick O’Leary brings to Florida State staff

During his time as a player, Nick O’Leary was a star for Florida State. Now, he’s back with the Seminoles as a student assistant coach and tight ends coach Chris Thomsen expects big things from him going forward.

As Thomsen explained, the team is excited to have him and his recent NFL experience is going to help in the room.

“It helps a lot. It’s been great bouncing ideas off Nick, and we’re excited,” Thomsen said. “He’ll bring a lot from a technique standpoint as he learns the offense with the guys. He’ll be able to mix in and help those guys with a lot of different things. Like you said, the recent NFL experience … he brings a lot to the room in addition to other guys that will help out. Our guys are excited about having him here.”

Nick O’Leary was a star tight end at Florida State from 2011 through the 2014 season. He was a key weapon for quarterback Jameis Winston during the Seminoles’ run to a national championship for the 2013 season. He came back and built on that performance by winning the Mackey Award in 2014 while being named an All-American.

In 2015, Nick O’Leary was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He remained in the NFL through the 2020 season, playing for four different teams. Now, he returns to Tallahassee to get his career in coaching started. There, Chris Thomsen will act as a mentor for him.

Nick O’Leary’s position as a student assistant is an interesting one in college football. It comes with limitations to when he can be in contact with the players and he won’t be able to recruit while acting in this role. However, there is an expectation that he makes a very real impact on the tight ends this season.

Florida State is loaded at the tight end position, too. That includes South Carolina transfer Jaheim Bell, who is expected to have a massive season.

Mike Norvell on adding Nick O’Leary to the staff

The entire Florida State staff is excited about the addition of Nick O’Leary. That starts with head coach Mike Norvell. As he explained, O’Leary is bringing plenty of experience to the staff, even if that isn’t coaching experience.

“We’re excited about Nick being on staff and what he brings to the program and what he has meant to the program,” Norvell said ahead of Fall Camp. “He was the greatest tight end to play during his time in all of college football.”