Assistant Coach Randy Shannon will not be back in 2025. FSU is now in search for a new linebacker coach. This comes as no surprise as Mike Norvell hired Tony White -Nebraska defensive coordinator to run the defense next season. We expect FSU to hire a coach who has either coached in the 3-3-5 scheme. One name that comes to mind is Zach Arnett. He coached with Tony White at San Diego State. He was the DC at Mississippi State under Mike Leach. He became the HC at Mississippi State after Mike Leach passed away. Arnett is an analyst at Ole Miss right now.
Why Zach Arnett? One of the coaches known for running the 3-3-5 defense was San Diego State coach Rocky Long. He had a ton of success and under his watch came Coach Tony White and Zach Arnett. One thing is important is having a linebacker coach who understands this scheme. Who else would be better than Arnett who learned under the master of the 3-3-5 defense? His defense at Mississippi State was rated #40 in scoring defense in 2022. He coached in the SEC where Mississippi State faces some of the best offenses week in and week out. Arnett has recruited Florida so that box checks off.
Why not Arnett? The main reason is will Arnett take a demotion basically to coach linebackers at FSU. He has been a DC and a HC. Would he be alright not being the GUY? If Arnett could make the move to becoming just a lb coach it would be huge. The only other question is can Arnett recruit at an elite level. He has never been known for being an elite recruiter. FSU needs to improve the talent on the roster.
Final Thoughts: FIT, that is key for the linebacker coach. Randy Shannon is a coach who has primarily coached in 4-3 defenses his entire career. This defense is predicated on the linebackers being and important part of the defensive scheme. Arnett has coached in this defense before and run the line backing room. He is very well respected in the coaching ranks. You will have another coach who not only ran a football program as a head coach, he was defensive coordinator himself. Having guys who have all been part of this scheme will make it easier for these players to transition into it.
Why Zach Arnett? One of the coaches known for running the 3-3-5 defense was San Diego State coach Rocky Long. He had a ton of success and under his watch came Coach Tony White and Zach Arnett. One thing is important is having a linebacker coach who understands this scheme. Who else would be better than Arnett who learned under the master of the 3-3-5 defense? His defense at Mississippi State was rated #40 in scoring defense in 2022. He coached in the SEC where Mississippi State faces some of the best offenses week in and week out. Arnett has recruited Florida so that box checks off.
Why not Arnett? The main reason is will Arnett take a demotion basically to coach linebackers at FSU. He has been a DC and a HC. Would he be alright not being the GUY? If Arnett could make the move to becoming just a lb coach it would be huge. The only other question is can Arnett recruit at an elite level. He has never been known for being an elite recruiter. FSU needs to improve the talent on the roster.
Final Thoughts: FIT, that is key for the linebacker coach. Randy Shannon is a coach who has primarily coached in 4-3 defenses his entire career. This defense is predicated on the linebackers being and important part of the defensive scheme. Arnett has coached in this defense before and run the line backing room. He is very well respected in the coaching ranks. You will have another coach who not only ran a football program as a head coach, he was defensive coordinator himself. Having guys who have all been part of this scheme will make it easier for these players to transition into it.
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