Three significant changes are made to the coaching staff of FSU football, including John Papuchis switching to linebackers. What Does the Defense Stand to Gain from This?
Florida State football has undergone significant coaching changes, marking a new chapter for the program’s defensive unit. The most notable of these changes is the announcement that assistant coach John Papuchis will transition to the role of linebackers coach for the 2025 season. Papuchis, who has spent the last five seasons as the defensive ends coach, will also continue to serve as the special teams coordinator, but he will relinquish his duties overseeing the defensive line.
This coaching shift aligns with the strategic changes anticipated under new defensive coordinator Tony White, who is set to implement a transition from FSU’s traditional 4-3 defense to a 3-3-5 defensive scheme. The change in defensive philosophy has led to another important adjustment: former NFL player and newly hired defensive line coach, Terrance Knighton, will now take charge of the defensive line, assuming responsibility for all aspects of that unit.
Head coach Mike Norvell expressed his confidence in Papuchis’ ability to succeed in his new position, emphasizing his wealth of experience coaching linebackers. “JP has a wealth of experience coaching linebackers,” Norvell said in his announcement. “I’m excited for him to have a hands-on impact on that group while continuing to serve as our special teams coordinator. He is an elite coach who has played a major role in helping numerous players reach the NFL and has guided one of the top special teams units in the country during our time here.”
Alongside Papuchis’ transition, FSU also announced the addition of Ernie Sims as the assistant linebackers coach. Sims, a former NFL linebacker, brings valuable experience and further strengthens the coaching staff. Additionally, Austin Tucker will assume the role of assistant wide receivers coach, completing the reshaping of the Seminoles’ coaching staff as they prepare for the 2025 season.
These coaching changes signal a shift in the direction of Florida State’s defense, as the program looks to build on its success and enhance its performance under the leadership of Tony White. The move to the 3-3-5 defensive scheme requires flexibility and adaptability from the coaching staff, and the addition of experienced coaches like Papuchis, Sims, Knighton, and Tucker provides the necessary depth and expertise to guide the Seminoles into a new era of defensive play.
As the program evolves and prepares for the future, these coaching adjustments are poised to bring fresh energy and focus to key positions on both sides of the ball. With an emphasis on versatility and development, Florida State’s reshuffled coaching staff is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance heading into the 2025 season.
