Florida State formally announces Ernie Sims' return to Seminoles as defensive analyst

Former Florida State Seminoles star linebacker Ernie Sims is returning to Tallahassee, as part of Mike Norvell’s coaching staff in 2024.

The program made the announcement on Monday, as Sims is coming back to the Seminoles to be a defensive analyst for the program.

“Ernie Sims, an All-American linebacker at Florida State before being the No. 9 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, has joined the Florida State football staff as a defensive analyst, head coach Mike Norvell announced Monday,” a press release announcing the news read.

Accompanying the press release was a statement from Norvell, who couldn’t be happier to welcome Sims to his coaching staff for this upcoming season.

“I am so happy to bring Ernie back home into this program,” Norvell said. “He was a tremendous player at Florida State and in the NFL, and he has a wealth of football knowledge and experience as a player and coach. This is a wonderful opportunity to continue enhancing our football staff as we work to put our players and coaches in the best position to be successful.

“Ernie will be able to positively impact our current team as well as future members of the Nole Family through his experiences as the No. 1 overall prospect in the nation out of high school, an All-American at Florida State and a top-10 selection in the NFL Draft.”

Additionally, Sims himself is elated at the opportunity to join the Seminoles once again, calling Tallahassee his home and believing Florida State played an incredible role in his football journey.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to return to Florida State,” Sims said. “Tallahassee is my home, and Florida State University played a vital role in my development on and off the field. I’ve taken lessons that I learned here with me throughout my career, so the opportunity to come back and contribute again to the football program is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s been rewarding to watch Coach Norvell build this program back among the best in the nation.

“I’m grateful to be joining his staff and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Florida State.”

Ernie Sims has worked for a number of programs, but none have a stranglehold on his heart like the Seminoles. It’s going to be awesome to have the former All-American linebacker back in Tallahassee with the Seminoles in 2024.