BREAKING NEWS: Alex Atkins, FSU’s offensive coordinator, has reportedly been fired: After 11:35, UNC defeated us…
FSU Offensive Coordinator Alex Atkins Reportedly Fired After Loss to UNC
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida State University’s (FSU) offensive coordinator, Alex Atkins, has reportedly been fired following the Seminoles’ devastating loss to the University of North Carolina (UNC) on Saturday. The 11:35 a.m. game at Doak Campbell Stadium ended with a 37-31 defeat for FSU, marking the team’s second consecutive loss and putting the Seminoles’ season in jeopardy.
FSU’s offense, which had been one of the team’s strengths earlier in the season, struggled to gain traction against a UNC defense that had been relatively porous. The firing comes as a shock to many, as Atkins had earned praise for revitalizing the Seminoles’ offensive scheme over the past two seasons. However, the recent downturn in performance has left fans and analysts questioning whether the team’s offensive playcalling was to blame.
A Tumultuous Season
The Seminoles entered the 2024 season with high expectations, coming off a successful 2023 campaign in which the team reached a bowl game and showed signs of significant improvement. Under Atkins’ leadership, FSU’s offense had demonstrated balance between the passing and running game, making the Seminoles one of the more dynamic offenses in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
However, as the season progressed, those expectations began to unravel. After a promising 4-0 start to the season, the Seminoles’ offense began to stagnate, especially in key matchups against conference rivals. Against UNC, FSU’s struggles were particularly evident. Quarterback Jordan Travis, who had been one of the top signal-callers in the ACC, failed to find rhythm against the Tar Heel defense, throwing two interceptions and missing on several deep passes.
FSU’s running game, which had been an anchor of their offense, was also contained by UNC’s defensive front, managing just 104 rushing yards, a far cry from their usual performance. The Tar Heels, who have been criticized for their defensive vulnerabilities this season, were able to exploit FSU’s inability to adjust, putting pressure on the Seminoles’ offense for much of the game.
Questions Around Offensive Identity
Much of the scrutiny surrounding Atkins’ firing stems from questions about the identity of FSU’s offense. While the team showed flashes of brilliance in the early part of the season, they have struggled in recent weeks to execute consistently. Analysts and fans alike pointed to a lack of adjustments during games, particularly when facing strong defensive fronts like that of UNC.
“Atkins had the right idea last year, and his offense was effective,” said ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy. “But as the season wore on, it became clear that teams were catching up to FSU’s schemes. The lack of creativity, the inability to counteract defensive pressures, and the failure to establish a consistent rhythm really hurt them. In a way, this loss was inevitable.”
Even FSU head coach Mike Norvell, who had been a vocal supporter of Atkins up until the loss to UNC, seemed frustrated with the performance of his team’s offense. “We didn’t execute like we should have,” Norvell said in a post-game interview. “We’ve got to be better. I have to be better. We’ll make the necessary adjustments, and that includes looking at every aspect of our game, including our offensive coordinator.”
A Crossroads for the Seminoles
The firing of Atkins comes at a critical juncture for the Seminoles. With the loss to UNC, FSU drops to 4-2 on the season, and their hopes of competing for an ACC championship have been significantly dampened. The road ahead will not get any easier, as the Seminoles will face tough opponents like Clemson and Miami in the coming weeks.
Atkins’ tenure at FSU had been one of promise. After joining the program in 2021, he was credited with helping to transform the offense from one of the worst in the conference to a top-tier unit. His work with quarterbacks, particularly Jordan Travis, was lauded, and he quickly became a favorite of FSU fans for his ability to blend modern spread concepts with traditional power run schemes.
Despite the early success, Atkins had also faced criticism for his conservative playcalling at times, particularly when the Seminoles were unable to break through in high-stakes games. Some analysts have pointed out that FSU’s inability to sustain offensive production against top-tier defenses was a flaw that ultimately cost Atkins his job.
Who Will Replace Atkins?
With Atkins’ departure, speculation has already begun about who might replace him as FSU’s offensive coordinator. While no official announcement has been made, several names are being floated, including current FSU assistant coaches and potential candidates from outside the program.
One name frequently mentioned is Kenny Dillingham, a former offensive coordinator at FSU under Willie Taggart, who is now the head coach at Arizona State. Dillingham has been praised for his innovative offense and ability to develop young quarterbacks. His previous stint at FSU, while short, left a lasting impression on the program, and some believe he could help turn the Seminoles’ offense around if hired.
Other potential candidates could include current college assistants with experience in fast-paced, high-scoring systems, as FSU looks for a fresh approach to reignite its offensive firepower.
The Road Ahead for Norvell and FSU
As Florida State moves forward, Coach Mike Norvell is under pressure to stabilize the program and finish the season strong. After Atkins’ firing, Norvell will likely take a more hands-on approach with the offense, which could mean a shift in offensive philosophy or personnel.
Despite the loss to UNC and the coaching change, FSU’s season is far from over. The Seminoles still have the talent to compete in the ACC, but without a clear offensive identity, their path to a successful finish remains uncertain.
With the 2024 season hanging in the balance, the Seminoles will need to quickly regroup and refocus if they hope to remain relevant in the ACC title race. FSU fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to its new offensive direction under Norvell’s leadership, as the pressure mounts for a program that has been on the cusp of greatness for several years.
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