Dec. 5, 2025, 1:52 p.m. ET
Mike Norvell has made a change to FSU’s coaching staff. The Seminoles have fired defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., with Norvell confirming the news Friday during his press conference.
“Grateful for Pat and the contributions the last few years,” Norvell told Warchant’s Tom Lang. “He’s a great man. He’s done a lot within the program. … Definitely wishing him the best as he moves forward and how we move forward with our staff.”
Surtain spent three years on FSU’s coaching staff, joining them ahead of the 2023 season. The secondary, like the entire team, struggled with consistency during that stretch. While they were a key part of their success in 2023, they have struggled over the past two seasons. He also helped Azareye’h Thomas, Renardo Green, and Jarrian Jones become NFL draft picks.
He had success on the recruiting trail, helping them land seven blue-chip recruits during his tenure. The 2024 haul was impressive, with four-star prospects Cai Bates, Ricky Knight III, and Charles Lester also picking the Seminoles. However, the group has yet to make an impact in their two seasons in Tallahassee.
FSU’s fans took to social media to react to the surprising news, with some dismayed and others fine with the decision. Here is a look at what they had to say about Surtain being dismissed.
Antonio Cromartie is not happyThe wrong coach was firedIs more change coming?Nobody should be safeYepIt is a cruel sportA rough start to the day for FSUFSU needs to make more changesExplain it slowlyNorvell is the problemEverything is fineThe final strawOther coaches need to goOpinions are split on SurtainA questionable decisionFSU needs to clean houseDevelopment matters
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