Florida State’s coaching search has taken on a new wrinkle with the arrival of Jeff Purinton as the university’s new athletic director, and one candidate is suddenly drawing more attention.
The Seminoles are looking for their next head coach after firing Mike Norvell, and the early conversation has centered on names with head coaching experience. But Purinton’s hiring could change the shape of that search, especially because of a familiar connection from Alabama.
On3’s Pete Nakos said Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann’s chances may have improved with Purinton now in Tallahassee.
"One name on the first On3 hot board with ties to Purinton is Georgia defensive coordinator," Nakos detailed on Nov. 9. "Both were at Alabama from 2008 to 2015.
"While Purinton was working in communications and working closely with Saban, Schumann worked his way up from a student assistant to director of football operations before eventually following Kirby Smart to Georgia."
Schumann has become one of the more prominent defensive minds in college football during his run at Georgia, where the Bulldogs have remained among the nation’s best on that side of the ball. The bigger question for Florida State is whether it will be willing to hire someone who has not yet been a head coach.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman also linked Schumann to the opening after Purinton’s arrival.
"Purinton also has ties to another FSU head coaching candidate: Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann from their days in Tuscaloosa," Feldman noted on Nov. 9.
"He began his coaching career under Nick Saban as a student assistant at Alabama in 2008 and then followed Kirby Smart to Georgia in 2016. The 36-year-old has been a key piece in the Dawgs’ success and has run the defense since 2024."
Florida State’s search, though, also took a hit elsewhere. Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert, who had been mentioned as a possible candidate, agreed to a new contract extension as the coaching carousel chatter picked up.
"We are excited about the future of Wake Forest Football and taking our program to new heights. …We are just getting started."@CoachDickert signs long-term contract extension: https://t.co/cUON5Vgaov pic.twitter.com/5kr0vKWoIZ
Dickert followed that announcement with a social media message on Nov. 12.
"Candice (Dickert's wife) and I have such a high level of appreciation for everyone involved at Wake Forest that believes in us and the future of our football program," Dickert responded with a Nov. 12, social media message following the news of his extension.
"We know what the path ahead looks like and we are excited to be a huge part of the future. As always, we need ALL of Demon Deacon Nation to continue to invest in the future of our team as we continue to make you proud on and off the field! Go Deacs!!!"
In Other News...
Florida State Coaching Search Just Got Clearer After One Early Candidate's Move
Florida States coaching search is moving into a more defined phase, with the school still working to replace Mike Norvell and new athletic director Jeff Purinton now in the middle of the vetting process. The list of names tied to the job has included Wake Forests Dave Clawson, Dukes Manny Diaz and Georgias Glenn Schumann, a mix that underscores how broad the search has been as the Seminoles weigh both recruiting chops and on-field results.
One early candidates move has helped narrow the picture a bit, even if nothing official has been decided yet. For Florida State, that matters because the next hire is being judged on more than just rsum appeal - Purinton is clearly looking for someone who can stabilize the program quickly and keep the Seminoles competitive in the recruiting battles that shape the ACC race. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Has A Bad Matchup Problem At The Worst Time
Florida State heads into its meeting with Pittsburgh dealing with a thinner offensive backfield than it would like, with three running backs sidelined and true freshman Amari Thomas expected to get the start after a strong showing in the previous game. It is not the kind of setup the Seminoles wanted heading into a matchup like this, especially with Duce Robinson also set to miss his second straight game.
The timing is rough because Pittsburgh brings one of the nations best run defenses into the matchup, ranking second nationally against the run. For Florida State, the challenge is not just replacing bodies, but finding enough balance to keep the offense from becoming predictable against a front built to take away the ground game. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State May Have Found A Scorer Fans Can Believe In
Florida State did not have to wait long to see what Sebastian Rancik could bring after the Colorado transfer arrived ahead of his junior season. Through his first three games, he has already scored 66 points with 12 rebounds and six assists, a strong early return for a player still settling into Luke Loucks offensive system. The early production has given the Seminoles a new option who looks comfortable creating offense and carrying a bigger load than many expected this soon.
Ranciks best showing so far came in a career-high 25 points against Florida A&M, a reminder that his game is translating quickly in Tallahassee. The Slovakian international has brought a polished scoring touch and a level of confidence that stands out in a new setting, and Florida State has reason to keep leaning into it as the season develops. For a team looking for reliable offense, his start has been hard to ignore. [Read more 🡒]