That’s what many people are proclaiming as a new coach has come on board at the former powerhouse. In an effort to revitalize the sleeping powerhouse, a new coach, Charlie Johnson was hired on, but not as head coach. Johnson will oversee all parts of the team, effectively taking on the assistant head coach role. He will have an active role in shaping the players, as well as recruiting, discipline, and team philosophies. He has no previous coaching experience to speak of, but has described himself as a "student of the game." The idea was to bring new blood into the organization while keeping the figure head, Bobby Bowden, as the head coach. Not only will this help infuse new blood into the team, into the university, but it allows FSU to keep some of its pull as a great recruiting team with the hallowed Bowden still at the helm. Some see this as a sign of desperation or a way to force Bowden out should Johnson right the ship, but the university, through the athletic director state that "While coach Johnson is an excellent addition to our team, Bobby Bowden is still the head coach, for as long as he wants the job."
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Coach Johnson had this to say as he was annouced as a new member of the Florida State family. "Im grateful for the opportunity to coach at such a terrific university and with perhaps the greatest coach the game has seen in Coach Bowden. Looking at the team, the challenge will be gettin what amounts to a group of younger players to play consistently and play smarter. The talent is there, but as is the case with all young players, keeping their heads in the game for the full 60 minutes is a challenge. I think we can do that here, this year. With some of the senior leadership we have, as well as the playmakers, this team has a chance to be one of the most exciting in the nation. That being said, we are looking to re-establish the present and get to a championship level, and re-energize this proud school, the tradition of excellence at Florida State. I have no doubt that we have the talent and desire to life that crystal football again."
The media will be quick to point out that Bowden’s team has been on a bit of a downhill slide lately. A few years ago they were just coming off a National Championship win, and now, before anyone could realize, they are coming off an 8-5 season. Granted, they won the ACC last year, but they backed into it, more a result of a poor ACC than anything else. Many feel that the Noles have slipped in years past, that Bowden cant recruit or coach like he used to. Many say that the game has passed him by or that there is so much exposure that FSU has lost its advantage in bringing in recruits from not only its pipeline states of Florida and Georgia, but nationally also. Bowden, and his staff, publicly states that this isnt true, and he is more dedicated than ever to his team and the university.
The inability to beat rivals and win home games have killed the Seminoles as of late. Doak Campbell Stadium used to supply a great advantage as it provided the home crowd noise and instilled fear in their opponents, but with key home losses in the last few years, the mystique of Doak is slowing fading away. While Florida and Miami have been beatable for the Noles, they lose games they should win to teams like North Carolina, Clemson and NC State. Alot of the blame for losing was placed on the offensive coordinator, who was let go to make room for Coach Johnson. The key to Florida State's success is discovering the formula that worked in the 90's; great offense, both in the air and on the ground, smothering defense, and keeping special teams off the field.
As they gear up for the season, FSU has an eye on the ACC championship again, and look to attain another National Championship. The new hire, combined with the talent on the team has everyone thinking big early on. Will coach Johnson deliver? The Seminoles appear poised to take the next step, and will begin by running through the august drills. This includes red-shirting players, fine tuning their schedule, and a look forward to the preseason Top 25 and Heisman Hopefuls. Look for more details on the Noles and their upcoming season as it gets closer.
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Note: If i forgot something, or if you want to see something or know something about my dynasty, let me know. Also, i apologize for the lack of colors and graphics, but im new to HTML and dont have a whole lot of time to be real creative with work and what not. Hope you enjoy.
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