Amidst the portal chaos and coaching staff turnover, athletic director Michael Alford, head coach Mike Norvell and general manager of player personnel John Garrett met with the local Tallahassee media
as a group for the first time on Monday. Usually, Norvell does not hold press conferences after his signing-day availabilities until spring ball kicks off in late February and early March, but all three spoke, discussing what each role will look like and why they needed to revamp the personnel department.
Alford began the presser with a prepared statement, detailing the partnership between Garrett and Norvell and why Garrett is the right person to take on this newly created responsibility at Florida State.
“As you know, we promised an extensive review of the program, and we used internal and external resources to accomplish that…There is a clear delineation of focus and responsibilities between the personnel department and the on-field coaches. We’re excited about the direction of our program and real excited to have John Garrett join us.”
“We thought it was very important to have NFL experience and understand how an NFL front office works. But, also, equally as important, to have college experience. They are two different organizations.”
Garrrett then explained why he wanted to return to Tallahassee, but made clear that Norvell would have the final say on all decisions.
“I had a wonderful experience at Florida State for the two years that I was here, and the success that we had and the people that I worked with were really the attraction to come back…They just reassured as we went through the process.”
“Well, it’s Coach Norvell [who has final say]. Coach Norvell has HC next to his name. We’re all here to make sure we make the best decisions for Florida State University football under his guidance. It’s our job that he has all the information to make a proper decision for that.”
While Norvell did not deny that he would have final say, he hammered home that there would be “checks and balances” between the coaches and the personnel department.
“I think the checks and balances are something that’s critical in today’s day and age. You’ve got coaches, coordinators, a head coach, and personnel. Making sure that checks and balances are in place so that we are making the best decision possible for Florida State. With John, and for all scopes of his title and his job, that’s what I challenged him with: making sure that the guys we bring in to Florida State fit Florida State.”
Throughout the press conference, Alford declined to define what success looks like, and Norvell did not mention any players in the portal but said the last two days have felt like “two years.”
The head coach and athletic director are hoping that, under Garrett’s guidance, more responsibilities can be taken off Norvell’s plate to ensure a smoother operation and better results on the field.
“Going through this last season and seeing all that’s on coach’s plate, it’s different,” Alford said. “Not only what he has to deal with, but with contracts and putting the roster together and the portal, we need some more assistance in some of those areas.”
The full press conference can be found below.
