More potential assistant coach candidates: Chris Weinke
Why not?
Coach Jimbo Fisher said he prefers his offensive coordinator to see through the eyes of the quarterback (hence, why James Coley was converted to QB coach after Dameyune Craig left). Hiring Weinke as a quarterbacks coach would seem to imply that he would have the inside track to become offensive coordinator. What gives people pause about this idea is the lack of coaching experience he has–arguably not enough to justify garnering the offensive coordinator title.
However, Weinke has coached some of the top quarterbacks coming out of college at the IMG Academy. Those quarterbacks include Ryan Tannehill, Cam Newton, Christian Ponder, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Josh Freeman. That is an impressive list. I couldn’t think of someone more qualified that’s (1) available; (2) experienced in coaching quarterbacks; and (3) going to energize the FSU fan base. It is one thing to have recruits walk into the locker room and see the glass-cased lockers of FSU legends; it’s another to have one of those legends in your living room recruiting and coaching on the sidelines of Doak Campbell Stadium. Weinke has also built a tremendous reputation as a quarterbacks coach, which will make recruiting elite QBs to Florida State easier. Moreover, Billy Napier left FSU after barely a month on the staff; Arguably, Weinke would be more loyal to staying at FSU.
Keep in mind that new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was hired without any coordinator experience at the college level. Weinke may be a stretch to be considered OC, but with Jimbo to groom him, it could pay dividends.
I’ve seen fans throw his name around on other websites. The fan base would love it obviously. The lack of coaching experience, as you say, may hold this back from being a possibility.
I would hate to see another school give him a shot before we do. I know he hasn’t taken the traditional route but its a no brainer to me, being a delusional fan.
Oh I’m with you! The fan in me would love it. But tue fact that he’s never coordinated an offense prevents it from happening
Well, are you at all worried by Pruitt’s lack of experience as a coordinator? I would be more concerned that our defensive coordinator lacks experience. At least on offense, an inexperienced coordinator would be personally groomed and developed by Fisher.
A little. Jimbo did hire other coaches on the defensive side of the ball with coordinator experience in Sunseri and Kelly that could guide Pruitt along. I just don’t think Fisher’s as willing to go that route on the offensive side because of how involved he feels he has to be. I hope that makes sense lol. It did when I typed it.
It definitely makes sense and I agree–Sunseri and Kelly being on the staff will be a tremendous asset. I guess I’m worried about these two hires. Napier proved to be a steal (considering how quickly he was snatched up by Nick Saban). Judging by how long it was taking to fill the last position (OC/QB), it’s hard to tell where Jimbo was on his list. We are not that far from spring practice — hires have to be made soon!