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Florida State announces firing of both coordinators, wide receiver coach

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs11/10/24

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Florida State head coach Mike Norvell fires offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans.
Florida State football coach Mike Norvell stares intently at the field during the 2024 season. (Ken Lanese/Special to Warchant)

After falling to Notre Dame 52-3 on Saturday 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.

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.

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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 has a bye this week 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.