Florida State staff changes: Financial impact of firings revealed

The Florida State football team is in the middle of one of the worst seasons in school history this year. They’ve struggled out to a 1-9 overall record so far, and earlier on Sunday, ‘Noles head coach Mike Norvell announced the firings of three assistant coaches: Alex Atkins, Adam Fuller, and Ron Dugans.

Shortly after the news was released, Steve Berkowitz of USA Today broke down the financial impact of the firings.

Per contracts, Alex Atkins, Adam Fuller and Ron Dugans will be owed combined total of roughly $8.5 million in buyouts, all subject to a duty to mitigate with FSU getting an offset from their new income.

Fuller and Atkins were under contract thru 2/28/27, Dugans thru 2/28/26. https://t.co/sGbMg3BpHK

— Steve Berkowitz (@ByBerkowitz) November 10, 2024

For more specifics on the contracts.

Fuller would be owed $4.625 million.
Atkins would be owed nearly $3.1 million.
Dugans would be owed just over $800,000.
Again, all have duty to mitigate, with FSU entitled to offset.

— Steve Berkowitz (@ByBerkowitz) November 10, 2024

According to Berkowitz, Adam Fuller would be owed $4.625 million. Alex Atkins would be owed nearly $3.1 million. Ron Dugans would also be owed just over $800,000. And it’s important to note all three are subject to a duty to mitigate. That means that FSU would get an offset version of the payout from their new income.

Mike Norvell discussed the Florida State firings

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.

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 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.

On3’s Grant Grubbs also contributed to this article.