Florida State Brings Back Gabe Fertitta as Director of Football Strategy, Offensive Assistant
Florida State is reuniting with a familiar face - and a proven offensive mind - as head coach Mike Norvell announced that Gabe Fertitta is returning to Tallahassee to serve as the Seminoles’ director of football strategy and offensive assistant.
This isn’t Fertitta’s first stint with the program. From 2022 to 2024, he played a key role as an offensive analyst during one of FSU’s most explosive stretches in recent memory. Now, after a successful season as the offensive coordinator at Nicholls State, Fertitta is back - and expected to make an immediate impact.
“Gabe brings a valuable perspective from his time as a head coach and offensive coordinator,” Norvell said. “His familiarity with our program, his values, and his deep knowledge of offensive football will be a tremendous asset to myself, Coach [Alex] Atkins, and the entire program.”
Let’s be clear - this isn’t just a feel-good reunion. Fertitta’s track record speaks for itself.
A Proven Commodity in Tallahassee
When Fertitta joined the Seminoles in 2022 as a senior offensive analyst, the offense took off. That year, Florida State led the ACC in total offense and was one of only two teams in the nation to average at least 270 passing yards and 210 rushing yards per game - a rare balance in today’s game.
The Seminoles also led the country in explosive plays, averaging 7.46 plays per game of 20+ yards. That’s not just high-octane football - that’s calculated, efficient aggression.
In 2023, the offense didn’t slow down. FSU once again topped the ACC in scoring and led the league in total touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, and yards per completion.
Quarterback Jordan Travis, who earned ACC Player of the Year honors, was the centerpiece of an offense that produced 10 all-conference selections. Fertitta was behind the curtain helping orchestrate it all.
A Strong 2025 at Nicholls State
After leaving Florida State, Fertitta took over as offensive coordinator at Nicholls State in 2025 - and immediately made his presence felt. The Colonels opened their season with a statement win over No.
4 Incarnate Word, a 20-6 upset that marked the highest-ranked victory in program history. Fertitta’s offense kept a top-tier pass rush at bay, allowing just one sack against a defense that had ranked 13th nationally in sacks the previous year.
Nicholls State’s offense showed discipline and efficiency under Fertitta. The team ranked fourth in the Southland Conference in rushing yards per game during conference play, threw the fewest interceptions in the league, and finished second in fewest sacks allowed and turnovers lost. They also ranked third in time of possession - a testament to smart play-calling and control at the line of scrimmage.
Quarterback Ean Rodrique thrived in this system, posting the third-highest completion percentage in conference play and throwing just one interception in seven games against Southland opponents. He also ranked fifth in total offense - numbers that reflect both player development and a well-structured offensive scheme.
A Coaching Journey Built on Results
Fertitta’s coaching résumé is built on consistent success at every level. Before his time at Florida State and Nicholls State, he served as a quality control assistant at Louisville in 2021.
But his most dominant stretch came during his tenure as head coach at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, where he led the Bears to a 43-8 record over four seasons, including four straight trips to the state championship game and two titles (2017, 2020). He was named District 5-5A Coach of the Year twice.
Even before becoming head coach, Fertitta helped guide Catholic to its first-ever state title in 2015 as offensive coordinator. His offensive roots run deep - from coaching wide receivers and offensive linemen at Catholic, to leading St. Stanislaus (MS) to a 12-1 season in 2013, to coordinating at the junior college level with Itawamba Community College.
He’s also no stranger to the classroom. Fertitta earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Mississippi College, where he also played. That educational background, paired with years of coaching experience, has shaped his approach to teaching the game - methodical, clear, and purpose-driven.
A Return That Makes Sense
For Florida State, bringing Fertitta back isn’t just about familiarity - it’s about fit. He knows the system, understands the expectations, and has proven he can help produce results on the field. With the Seminoles looking to maintain their offensive edge in a highly competitive ACC, Fertitta’s return adds another sharp football mind to the mix.
And for Fertitta, the return to Tallahassee is more than just a job opportunity.
“My family and I are extremely grateful to Coach Norvell and the Florida State administration for this opportunity,” Fertitta said. “I look forward to working with the outstanding young men in our program, not only to develop them as players but also to guide them into becoming great representatives of Florida State University. I’ve always viewed coaching football as a ministry, and the chance to pursue that at Florida State under Coach Norvell is an incredible honor.”
It’s a homecoming that brings both familiarity and fresh momentum. Fertitta’s back in garnet and gold - and Florida State’s offense just got a little more dangerous.