Changes to the coaching staff at Florida State were expected after a second consecutive disappointing season. However, one happened on Friday morning that was a bit of a shocker.
Patrick Surtain Sr., who has been the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach for the last three seasons, was dismissed from the program. Shortly after the news broke, Antonio Cromartie, a former FSU cornerback that played from 2003 to 2005, didn’t hold back on his disapproval with the move on social media.
“How the hell do you dismiss your best recruiter and developer of talent. Shit he’s your best coach on staff. This don’t make any sense at all. Unbelievable. He’s probably going to bring his guy TJ Rushing!! Just be on the look out. All I can say is Wow!!! Make it Make sense,” Cromartie said.
Granted, FSU hasn’t been doing what its needed to do as a whole on the recruiting front lately. However, Surtain has helped guys like Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones, and Azareye’h Thomas make it to the NFL over the last two drafts.
Then there’s the 2026 recruiting class that just wrapped up the early signing period. It’s led by four-star cornerback Chauncey Kennon and also had four-star safety Darryl Bell III and three-star Jordan Crutchfield. Surtain had a hand in landing all three of these players. So, who knows how his departure from the program will affect them.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses under Surtain as certain players haven’t quite developed the way people would have hoped. He was seen as one of the better recruiters on the staff by many, which makes him being dismissed sort of a surprise.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU great Antonio Cromartie upset over Patrick Surtain Sr. dismissal
Reporting by Matthew Lenix , FSU Wire / FSU Wire
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