Florida State University Faces Coaching Changes Ahead of 2026 Season
Florida State University has undergone significant changes under head coach Mike Norvell's leadership in recent years. The team brought in new coordinators and assistants before the 2025 season, but the results were disappointing, with the Seminoles finishing 5-7 and missing out on the postseason once again.
As the Seminoles gear up for a crucial season under Norvell, more changes are on the horizon. Running backs coach David Johnson, whose contract was set to expire, has officially joined the Arkansas coaching staff. Johnson's departure marks the first offensive assistant to leave FSU this offseason, highlighting the ongoing shake-up within the program.
Johnson's move to Arkansas was influenced by his relationship with head coach Ryan Silverfield, with whom he previously worked at Memphis. During his time at Florida State, Johnson played a key role in developing talented running backs like Trey Benson, who went on to be drafted in the NFL. Despite some inconsistencies in the running back rotation last season, Johnson's impact on player development and recruiting cannot be overlooked.
With Johnson's departure, Florida State will need to find a suitable replacement to fill the coaching void. While the team has secured a solid recruiting class for 2026, the search for a new running backs coach remains a top priority as the Seminoles aim to build on their recent recruiting success and on-field performance.