Florida State legend Peter Boulware offers warning, advice to Mike Norvell on coordinator hires

When Peter Boulware suited up for Florida State, the team was consistently at the top of the college football world. And he was one of the greatest players in college football history during his time there. When a legend speaks, ears tend to perk up. And Boulware decided to chime in with his thoughts on the coordinator hires that Mike Norvell is about to make for the program.

I sure hope that @FSUFootball picks two veteran proven coordinators. Now is not the time to try an unproven up and comer. @Warchant

— Peter Boulware (@pboulware) November 17, 2024

“I hope that FSU Football picks two veteran proven coordinators. Now is not the time to try an unproven up and comer,” Boulware tweeted on Sunday afternoon.

Peter Boulware racked up a school record 19 sacks during his junior season with the Seminoles, earning consensus first team All-American, All-ACC, and ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was also named National Defensive Player of the Year by Football News. His 19 sacks were the most in the country in the 1996 season.

Mike Norvell discussed the Florida State firings

After falling to Notre Dame 52-3 and dropping to 1-9 on the season, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has fired offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. He also fired wide receivers coach Ron Dugans.

“I appreciate the work these three men have provided over the last five years with me at Florida State,” Norvell said. “They are all great men with families who also have poured into our program. We had many great moments together here, and I have never doubted their passion for our players and for Florida State.

“Unfortunately, we have not upheld the Florida State standard with our results on the field this season. I did not make any of these decisions lightly, but I felt changes needed to be made to elevate our program back to where we all desire it to be.”

Florida State’s season has been disappointing for even the most optimistic fans. After posting a perfect regular season record last season and winning the ACC title, the Seminoles were the favorites to win their conference again this year.

More stats and info on the 2024 season for FSU

Instead, the Seminoles only have one win in the ACC this season, coming against California in Week 5. It’s been an all-systems failure for Florida State. The team is averaging just 258.9 total yards of offense per game, the third-least in the nation.

The Seminoles’ defense hasn’t been much better, allowing 398.8 yards per game, which ranks No. 99 in the country. Neither Atkins nor Fuller are new to their positions this season.

Atkins joined the program in 2020 and became the offensive coordinator in 2022. Likewise, Fuller has been the Seminoles’ defensive coordinator since 2020. Dugans has been the wide receivers coach for FSU since 2019.

Florida State linebackers coach Randy Shannon will take over Fuller’s responsibilities and serve as the team’s interim defensive coordinator. It hasn’t been announced if Norvell will appoint an interim offensive coordinator or take over the play-calling duties himself.

Florida State had a bye this past weekend before facing off against Charleston Southern on Nov. 23. The Seminoles will undoubtedly use the extra time to attempt to recompose themselves and prepare to finish the season strong.

On3’s Grant Grubbs also contributed to this article.