Florida State is locking in the next chapter of its coaching staff under Mike Norvell, and the latest moves bring both fresh energy and familiar faces into key roles. With a pair of changes finalized, the Seminoles are setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be a pivotal stretch for the program.
Blue Adams is expected to take over as cornerbacks coach, bringing with him a resume that blends NFL experience with a proven track record of developing talent at the college level. Adams most recently coached the secondary at Michigan State, and before that, he spent four seasons working under Jonathan Smith at Oregon State. His coaching journey has taken him through stops at USF, West Virginia, Northern Iowa, Purdue, and even a stint with the Miami Dolphins.
What stands out about Adams isn’t just the breadth of his experience - it’s the results. He’s played a role in the development of NFL defensive backs like Nashon Wright and Rasul Douglas, players who’ve carved out meaningful roles at the next level.
That kind of pedigree matters in Tallahassee, where expectations for defensive backs have always been sky-high. Adams also brings the perspective of someone who’s been in the players’ shoes.
A former Cincinnati standout, he played four seasons in the NFL, including time with the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Bengals. For a position group that thrives on confidence and technique, that firsthand experience could be invaluable.
On the offensive side, Austin Tucker is getting a well-earned promotion to quarterbacks coach, stepping into the role vacated by Tony Tokarz, who left to become the offensive coordinator at Buffalo. Tucker has been a consistent presence on Norvell’s staff, serving as both an assistant wide receivers coach and offensive analyst. His familiarity with Norvell’s system dates back to their time together at Memphis, and he’s also spent time as a wide receivers coach at North Alabama.
Tucker’s playing days as a wide receiver at Arkansas (2007-11) give him a unique lens for coaching quarterbacks. He was part of a Razorbacks team that went 21-5 over two seasons, with appearances in the Sugar Bowl and Cotton Bowl - experiences that help shape a coach’s understanding of high-level football and what it takes to win.
**To round out the shuffle, Brendan Bognar will move into an analyst role. ** After one season on staff at Florida State, he’s stepping into a larger capacity following Tucker’s promotion.
Bognar brings a solid coaching background of his own, having led quarterbacks and recruiting efforts at Samford in 2024. Before that, he worked at UCF under Gus Malzahn and was a graduate assistant at Troy.
He also played quarterback at Murray State, so there’s a solid foundation of experience and football IQ coming into that role.
Here’s how the updated staff looks under Norvell:
- Austin Tucker - Quarterbacks Coach
- Kam Martin - Running Backs Coach
- Nick Williams - Edge Rushers Coach
- Blue Adams - Cornerbacks Coach
Departures from the staff include:
- Tony Tokarz, now at Buffalo
- David Johnson, heading to Arkansas
- **Patrick Surtain Sr.
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These moves reflect a blend of continuity and new energy - a coaching staff that’s evolving but still rooted in Norvell’s vision. The additions of Adams and Tucker show a clear commitment to player development and system familiarity, and with Bognar stepping up, there’s a pipeline of young coaching talent ready to contribute.
As Florida State gears up for the next phase of its rebuild, these hires could prove to be more than just personnel moves - they could be foundational pieces in the Seminoles’ push to return to national prominence.