Florida State football has made significant coaching changes, with assistant coach John Papuchis taking on the role of linebackers coach while retaining his special teams coordinator duties. This move comes as the team prepares for the 2025 season and a potential shift in defensive schemes. Additionally, Ernie Sims and Austin Tucker have been appointed to new coaching positions within the program.

John Papuchis: A Coaching Veteran

Papuchis has an extensive coaching career, having spent five seasons as a defensive coordinator. His impact on the defense is evident, as he has coached seven All-Americans and 11 All-ACC performers. In 2024, Florida State achieved a remarkable feat with both punter Alex Mastromanno and kicker Ryan Fitzgerald earning first-team All-America acclaim. Mastromanno led the nation in punting average, and Fitzgerald was perfect on field goal attempts.Papuchis has also developed standout players like edge rusher Jared Verse, who became FSU's first two-time first-team All-American since 1995-96, and Jermaine Johnson II, a first-team All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. His influence extends to NFL veterans like Will Compton and Cole Holcomb, and his linebacker pupils include NFL Draft picks such as Randy Gregory and Nate Gerry.

Coaching in Conference Championships

Papuchis has coached in seven conference championship games, including FSU's win in 2023 to reach 13-0 for only the third time in FSU history. His players have earned 55 all-conference recognitions, four conference Player of the Year awards, and one Rookie of the Year. His coaching has led to 16 NFL Draft picks, with Jared Verse being selected at No. 19 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 2024 and Jermaine Johnson being taken 26th overall by the New York Jets in 2022.

Ernie Sims: A Collegiate Coaching Veteran

Sims is an All-American linebacker at Florida State and a highly experienced coach. He has seven years of collegiate coaching experience and is entering his second season on FSU's staff. After serving as UCF's linebackers coach in 2023 and guiding Jason Johnson to first-team All-Big 12 recognition, Sims brings valuable knowledge and expertise to the FSU linebackers.He previously worked at South Florida from 2020-22, serving in various coaching roles and coaching Antonio Grier to second-team All-AAC recognition. Sims' experience and understanding of the game will create a great atmosphere for FSU's linebackers to reach their full potential.

Austin Tucker: A Wide Receiver Coach

Tucker has six seasons on FSU's staff and seven years in total with the Norvell staff. He has extensive experience at the wide receiver position as a coach and player, allowing him to connect and develop the wide receiving corps at a high level.Before joining Florida State, Tucker was the wide receivers coach at North Alabama for two seasons, where he led a group of freshmen to significant receiving numbers. He has also worked with the running backs and quarterbacks in the past. His time working within the program and with Coach Malzahn will benefit FSU's receivers.Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the offseason. Follow NoleGameday on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.• BREAKING: Boston College Quarterback Transfer Thomas Castellanos Commits To FSU• Tony White Prepared To Build Top Defense At Florida State: ‘I See A Lot Of Potential’• Gus Malzahn Explains Why FSU: ‘This Is A Place Where You Can Win The Whole Thing’• Former Florida State Quarterback Hired As Assistant Coach At UCF