There’s a new sheriff in town, and in Tallahassee, Fla., it’s nothing but business.
After 34 seasons at the top of Florida State, head coach Bobby Bowden resigned in January, handing over the reins to the Seminoles’ offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.
Though the former LSU assistant coach has been play-calling in Tallahassee since 2007, the transition was still an adjustment for the Seminoles.
“Coach Fisher is definitely a lot more business approach,” redshirt senior quarterback Christian Ponder said at ACC Media Day. “He’s very demanding; he’s got an aggressive coaching style. Coach Bowden was one of those guys you’d love to spend a round of golf with on a Sunday afternoon.”
He may have the necessary qualities of a head coach, but the newcomer certainly has big shoes to fill.
During his career, Bowden racked up 375 wins, 12 ACC titles and two national championships. Mediocrity has plagued the Seminoles during the last five years, and those aching for Florida State’s re-emergence to the national spotlight will look to Fisher to make that dream come true.
“It’s excitement, but it’s preparation,” Fisher said. “Just like you have to prepare to be successful, I can’t be happy just to be here. I have the job. Now what are you gonna do with it?”
The Seminoles will return 10 starters on offense, including Ponder. Despite playing in only nine games, the Heisman-hopeful led the league in total yards per game with 322.
Last year against North Carolina, Ponder registered a career-high 395 passing yards and 33 completions, helping the Seminoles to a come-from-behind win at Kenan Stadium. Florida State has a 14-1-1 record against North Carolina.
