Brian Kelly left the door open on Florida State, and he didn’t sound surprised the Seminoles are in the market.
Speaking Tuesday on College Sports Radio on SiriusXM, the former LSU coach addressed Florida State’s head coaching opening and made it clear he understands why the job would draw attention.
“When you’re talking to an unemployed football coach, every job’s a great job, you know? But Florida State, look, I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games.
I know what that’s like, the history and tradition of Florida State, playing in that state, and the fan base,” Kelly said. “So anytime you have an incredibly brand driven, great tradition and history, there’s a want and desire to be part of somebody that has had that success and, certainly, leading that program, from anyone’s perspective, would be an honor and privilege.”
Kelly also said Florida State still carries real name value.
“There’s still brand recognition. There’s no doubt about that. I don’t think that’s changed,” Kelly said.
He tied that point to the broader changes in college football, using Indiana as an example of how the sport keeps shifting.
“When people talk relative to, ‘It’s not what it used to be,’ nothing’s what it used to be! Everything has changed,” Kelly said.
Kelly backed Florida State’s move to part ways with Mike Norvell on Sunday, saying the school could not afford to sit still.
“You have to make a decision like Florida State did, because you can’t afford to wait anymore because there’s just so much competition out there across the board,” Kelly said.
He also offered a blunt warning for programs that lean too heavily on their past.
“In the big game, they don’t care what your resume looks like. They care what you’ve done now. Or you become Radio Shack,” Kelly said.
The discussion came as Florida State begins both its athletic director search and its head coaching search at the same time.
In Other News...
Florida State Just Entered A Defining Stretch It Can't Afford To Miss
Florida States football future suddenly sits at the center of a much larger institutional test. The university has moved on from Mike Norvell, and now the Seminoles are trying to line up a new athletic director and a new head coach while carrying a financial burden that was already well over $430 million before the buyout hit the books.
The timing only makes the challenge sharper, with the early signing period looming and a recruiting calendar that does not slow down for administrative turnover. Florida State has to make a hire that stabilizes the program quickly, but it also has to do it while weighing debt, leadership structure and the kind of long-term commitment that can keep the next coach from walking into another crisis before he even gets started. [Read more 🡒]
Florida States Rebuilt Roster Already Looks Ahead Of Schedule
Florida States mens basketball team wasted little time showing how far along this rebuilt roster might be, rolling past Florida A&M in its regular season opener, 112-69. Sebastian Rancik led the way with 25 points, Marcis Ponder added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Anthony Robinson II chipped in 16 points as the Seminoles backed up the promise they had already flashed in exhibitions.
For Luke Loucks, now in his second season, the early returns are encouraging because this group was assembled through a mix of transfers and recruits and already looks comfortable playing together. One game does not define a season, but Florida States blend of production and pace in the opener suggested a roster that may be ahead of schedule as it settles into the year. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Offense Just Lost A Weapon It Couldnt Afford To Lose
Florida States offense took another hit Saturday when wide receiver Duce Robinson went down against Clemson and was later confirmed to have suffered a season-ending ACL tear. It is the kind of injury that changes the shape of an offense, especially for a Seminoles team that was already juggling multiple injuries and trying to patch together production at running back.
Robinsons absence leaves a noticeable void in the passing game and forces Florida State to adjust on the fly. One possible answer is a heavier dose of tight ends, who may need to become a bigger part of the plan as the Seminoles look for reliable targets and a way to keep the offense moving without one of its most important weapons. [Read more 🡒]