Florida State volleyball head coach Chris Poole announced on Wednesday, Jan. 7, that he is stepping down after 18 seasons with the program.
According to FSU, Poole chose not to seek an extension following the 2025 season after leading the Seminoles to 15 NCAA tournament appearances.
After an astounding and impactful coaching career, Poole is ready to move on and pass the position down to the next coach in line.
“This university, this department, and this program have meant everything to me,” Poole said in a statement.
“After thoughtful consideration, I believe this is the right time for me to step aside. I am excited to pursue my next goal in life of working in athletics administration. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve built in Tallahassee and am fully confident in the future of Florida State volleyball.”
Poole finished with 405 victories, including four ACC titles. He led the Seminoles to five appearances in the NCAA tournament’s Round of 16 and became the first ACC team to reach the national semifinal in 2011.
Poole is a four-time ACC Coach of the Year. He has 12 20-win seasons and 36 victories over ranked opponents. He is ranked No. 7 all-time among Division I coaches with 955 career wins in 39 seasons.
“Chris Poole is one of the most respected coaches in Florida State’s entire athletics history,” Michael Alford, FSU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, said. “His decision to step down allows the volleyball program to take its next step forward.”
FSU finished Poole’s final year with a 16-13 record (10-10 in the ACC).
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State volleyball coach Chris Poole steps down after 18 seasons
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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