FSU Coaching Candidate Sent a Clear Message With His Decision to Stay

Wake Forest coach stays put

Florida State’s search for a head coach is underway following the end of the Mike Norvell era. Less than two weeks into the process, one coach linked to the vacancy has chosen to remain at Wake Forest.

The article identifies the coach as Dickert, but does not provide his first name. He led Wake Forest to nine wins in his first season, a program record for a first-year coach, and the Demon Deacons are now 8-1 and ranked No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

FSU search remains open

Florida State’s administration has indicated it wants to fill the position soon. Athletic director Jeff Purinton is evaluating candidates, while university leaders have said little about the direction of the search.

Purinton said at his introductory press conference Tuesday that he would consider how candidates assess recruits, motivate players and prepare teams to perform on Saturdays. The article says fans have been left to speculate about the profile of the next coach.

Other names linked to job

Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann has also been connected to the opening. The article additionally names UCLA’s Bob Chesney, Kentucky’s Will Stein, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, New Mexico’s Jason Eck and former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher as possible candidates.

Pressure to deliver wins

Florida State’s next coach will have access to resources and facilities intended to help attract top recruits, the article says. But the program’s challenge will be winning games and avoiding another prolonged stretch of disappointing results.

Hiring an active coach requires care, particularly when that coach has a winning team with postseason ambitions. The article says the names circulating in connection with the search remain speculation as Purinton assesses candidates.