I outlined in my previous post a solid choice to replace Billy Napier. Jajuan Seider has the pedigree, experience, and presence to be a force at FSU. Of course, Jimbo has his plan and list of qualified applicants, but good coaching talent is available.

One more name to throw into the ring is Mike Canales, current QB coach and OC at North Texas. Granted, hearing “North Texas” doesn’t elicit thoughts of high-flying offenses. Nor does it make you think of punishing running games. Let’s face it: it doesn’t matter. This is Jimbo’s offense and he wants to find someone capable to run it. Mike Canales fits the bill. Here’s an interesting excerpt from his North Texas profile.

Canales guided a North Texas offense that featured its third straight season of producing a 1,000 yard rusher in Lance Dunbar, who also rushed for a school record 313 yards. Dunbar also became only the sixth player in NCAA history to have 4,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving.

Third straight season of having a 1,000 yard rusher? Yes, please. It’s only been over a decade since FSU was able to accomplish that. Okay, here’s more.

Prior to coming to North Texas, Canales had been the offensive coordinator at the University of South Florida for three years. Canales has been successful at helping offenses flourish at both the college and professional level. He was the offensive coordinator at the University of Arizona for three years prior to his latest stop at South Florida.

He also coached wide receivers for the New York Jets of the National Football League and was the quarterback coach at North Carolina State where he helped develop Phillip Rivers who is currently an All-Pro player for the San Diego Chargers of the NFL.

He has a tremendous volume of experience as an offensive coordinator. He also has his own ties to Florida, serving as OC at USF for several years. However, they throw in the little tidbit about Philip Rivers. I’d have to research that point a bit–is it similar to saying Dameyune Craig was the QB coach with EJ Manuel? Or did Canales play a key role in Rivers’ development? I’ll look into that further in hopes we can uncover something.