FSU to hire Patrick Surtain Sr as defensive backs coach

With Marcus Woodson leaving for Arkansas, Mike Norvell began the hunt for a new defensive backs coach. Just over a week later he’s made a huge move to fill the position with Patrick Surtain Sr. who’s currently on staff with the Miami Dolphins – per Pete Thamel of ESPN.

This could turn out to be an excellent hire in my opinion and one that shows Norvell isn’t messing around. We knew the secondary could have been better coached but the one area I wanted to see addressed with this hire was recruiting specifically in the state of Florida.

Well, you can check both of those boxes with this hire. Surtain was an excellent defensive back himself playing 11 seasons in the NFL (Dolphins 98-04 & Chiefs 05-08) with 3 Pro Bowl selections. He played college ball at Southern Miss where he was the C-USA defensive player of the year in 1997 and first team all C-USA in 1996 and 1997.

Following is pro career Surtain eventually became the head coach at Florida powerhouse American Heritage high school and led them to three state titles. He was 65-10 over six seasons and sent multiple players to the power 5 and eventually NFL level.

Not only does this hire bring an excellent and experienced defensive mind to the staff but he also gives FSU strong ties to South Florida which was a big need on this staff. He’ll also give ties to Louisiana, hailing from New Orleans as well as Mississippi from his time in college.

Surtain Sr has not coached at the college level, but he checks all the boxes of what you’d want in this hire and I’m very excited to see what he can do at FSU! This will certainly help in recruiting as well as helping the players on the roster be the best they can. There’s a lot of talent in this secondary that we’ve been waiting to see produce at their full potential and Surtain could be the key to unlock it.

He will remain with the Dolphins throughout their playoff run and then join the FSU staff. Nothing is ever certain, but it feels like DBU is ready to take back the belt. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!!