What's Happening?
Florida State University's football program is undergoing significant changes in its coaching staff following the 2025 season. Cooper Williams, who served as an assistant offensive line coach at FSU, is set to leave the program to join the University at Buffalo as their offensive line coach. This move reunites Williams with Tony Tokarz, who was recently appointed as Buffalo's offensive coordinator. Williams has been a part of the FSU coaching staff since 2020, following head coach Mike Norvell from Memphis. During his tenure, he contributed to the development of the offensive line, which saw two players earn all-conference honors in 2025. Williams' departure marks the end of his second stint with the Seminoles, having previously served in various
coaching roles, including as a graduate assistant. His coaching career began at Memphis, where he transitioned from a student assistant to an analyst role before moving to FSU.
Why It's Important?
The departure of Cooper Williams from Florida State to Buffalo highlights the ongoing changes and challenges within college football coaching staffs. For FSU, this change is part of a broader restructuring effort following a season that saw several coaching departures. The move to Buffalo represents a significant career advancement for Williams, as he takes on his first on-field coaching role. This transition could impact both programs; FSU will need to fill the gap left by Williams, while Buffalo stands to benefit from his experience and familiarity with Tokarz. The coaching changes at FSU also reflect the dynamic nature of college football, where staff turnover can influence team performance and recruitment strategies.
What's Next?
As Cooper Williams transitions to his new role at Buffalo, Florida State will need to identify and recruit a suitable replacement to maintain the strength of their offensive line coaching. The Seminoles' ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, at Buffalo, Williams will have the opportunity to implement his coaching strategies and contribute to the development of the Bulls' offensive line. The collaboration between Williams and Tokarz, both of whom have a history of working together, could lead to a more cohesive and effective offensive strategy for Buffalo in the coming season.
