Florida State’s booster operation is making a clear statement during a period of transition: it wants bigger support, and it wants familiar names helping lead the charge.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, Seminole Boosters announced that former Heisman Trophy winner and national title quarterback Jameis Winston has joined its Board of Directors. Winston, now a quarterback with the New York Giants in his 12th NFL season, has remained connected to Florida State since leaving as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
The move arrives one day after the organization said it had partnered with the university’s NIL arm, the Battles End, on Tuesday, Nov. 3. It also comes just after Florida State fired Mike Norvell on Sunday, Nov. 1, with the university saying it is entering a “new beginning” with the football program.
For Seminole Boosters, the timing matters. As spending continues to climb among programs chasing national titles, Florida State is going to need more money flowing into its football operation.
Winston’s presence on the board gives the booster arm a high-profile addition as it works toward that goal. His younger brother, Jonah, is currently on the football roster.
Florida State will try to move forward under interim head coach Rick Stockstill when it heads to Boston College on Saturday, Nov. 7. That will be the first game of the post-Norvell era.
FSU football’s record (3-5, 1-4 ACC)
vs. New Mexico State | 34-17 W
vs. SMU* | 27-24 L
Bye
at Alabama | 50-36 L
vs. Central Arkansas | 34-7 W
vs. Virginia* | 38-7 W
at Louisville* | 44-20 L
at Miami* | 43-35 2OT L
Bye
vs. Clemson* | 36-24 L
at Boston College* | Nov. 7
at Pittsburgh* | Nov. 13
vs. NC State* | Nov. 21
vs. Florida | Nov. 27
In Other News...
FSU Leadership Search Just Got More Expensive Than Fans Expected
Florida State has turned to Parker Executive Search to help guide two of the most important hires in the athletic department, locking in a firm that will handle both the athletic director and head football coach searches. The school agreed to pay $175,000 in flat fees, plus reimbursable expenses, for a process that comes with a detailed scope of services, a payment schedule and some built-in protections for the university.
The contracts also give Florida State a measure of flexibility if the search needs to change course, with termination terms that vary depending on when the school backs out. There is also a notable safeguard in place if a hire does not stick, since Parker Executive Search will provide a free replacement search if that person leaves within 18 months, a clause that underscores how much is riding on getting these decisions right. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Just Gave Its Interim Defense Some Needed Veteran Help
Florida States coaching reset has reached the defensive side of the ball, where the Seminoles are leaning on experience to steady things after a turbulent stretch. With Rick Stockstill elevated to interim head coach following the firing of Mike Norvell, the program has also brought in former head coach Paul Pasqualoni as a defensive analyst, giving the staff another seasoned voice as it tries to regroup.
Pasqualonis arrival is meant to support interim defensive coordinator Ernie Sims, who was recently promoted into the role and now has to help guide the unit through the rest of the season. For a team trying to keep the locker room pointed in the same direction, the move adds a layer of veteran leadership at a moment when Florida State can use all the stability it can get. [Read more 🡒]
Florida State Heads To BC Facing A Real Gut Check
Florida State heads into its road trip to Boston College with the kind of roster uncertainty that can turn a routine conference game into a test of resilience. Coach Rick Stockstill has made toughness and relentless effort the message this week, and it is easy to see why, with as many as 12 players potentially unavailable and key pieces like receiver Duce Robinson and running backs Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton Jr. dealing with injuries.
That leaves Ashton Daniels with even more on his plate, especially after a turnover-prone start that has put ball security front and center. The Seminoles will need him to get the ball to Jayvan Boggs, Michai Danzy and Jasen Lopez while the defense tries to make life difficult for Boston College quarterback Mason McKenzie, whose play is central to the Eagles chances. [Read more 🡒]