Florida State Reels John Garrett Back from Duke at a Critical Juncture
Florida State is bringing back a familiar face - and they’re doing it at a moment when timing couldn’t be more crucial.
John Garrett, who has spent the past two seasons as Duke’s General Manager of Player Personnel, is reportedly returning to Tallahassee to take over the same role for the Seminoles. It’s a move that reshuffles the deck just days before the Transfer Portal officially opens, and it could have ripple effects on both programs.
A Familiar Return to Tallahassee
Garrett’s connection to Florida State runs deep. Before Duke hired him away in January 2024, he served as FSU’s Director of Scouting for Offense - a role that marked his first foray into the college front office world after years coaching at both the collegiate and NFL levels. While in Tallahassee, Garrett wasn’t just breaking down opposing defenses - he was instrumental in evaluating high school talent and navigating the ever-evolving transfer landscape.
His impact was felt. During Garrett’s two-year stint with the Seminoles, Florida State posted a 23-4 record, including appearances in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl and the 2023 Orange Bowl.
Whether that success was directly tied to Garrett’s work or not, the results on the field spoke volumes. Since his departure?
Florida State has stumbled to a 7-17 record over the past two seasons.
Building a Winner at Duke
Garrett didn’t miss a beat after heading to Durham. At Duke, he played a key role in reshaping the Blue Devils’ roster, helping them to a 17-9 record over the last two seasons - a stretch that included an ACC Championship this year.
His eye for talent was on full display. Duke’s 2025 signing class ranked fifth in the ACC, and last year’s transfer haul was headlined by quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred in from Tulane and became the team’s starter.
Garrett’s approach has always been rooted in balancing long-term roster building with immediate impact, and that blend helped Duke stay competitive in a tough conference. The Blue Devils didn’t just win - they built a foundation that looked sustainable.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Worse for Duke
The real sting for Duke isn’t just losing Garrett - it’s when they’re losing him. The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opens this Friday, marking the first day programs can directly contact and sign transfers. That window is a frenzy every year, and having a general manager in place is critical to navigating it successfully.
Without Garrett, Duke is heading into that stretch without the person who’s been at the center of their roster strategy. Relationships with potential transfers, scouting priorities - all of it gets thrown into flux with less than a week before the portal opens.
Business as Usual… For Now
For now, the Blue Devils are trying to keep their focus on the field. Head coach Manny Diaz and the team are already in El Paso, Texas, preparing for their Sun Bowl matchup against Arizona State.
That game kicks off Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET - just two days before the Transfer Portal madness begins.
It’s a tough balancing act. Duke has a bowl game to win and a roster to manage, all while navigating a sudden leadership void in the front office. Meanwhile, Florida State is hoping Garrett’s return can spark a turnaround and restore some of the momentum they had during his first stint.
One thing’s clear: both programs are entering a pivotal stretch - and John Garrett is once again right in the middle of it.