Florida State has turned to a familiar face from the Bobby Bowden era to lead the program on an interim basis. Rick Stockstill, who played quarterback for the Seminoles under the legendary coach in the late 1970s, has been appointed interim head coach.
Stockstill brings extensive head coaching experience to Tallahassee after spending 18 seasons at Middle Tennessee from 2006 to 2023. During his tenure with the Blue Raiders, he compiled a 113-111 record and guided the program to 10 bowl appearances.
His most notable victory came in 2022 when Middle Tennessee stunned Miami with a 45-31 upset as 25.5-point underdogs. The win over the heavily favored Hurricanes highlighted Stockstill's ability to prepare his teams for high-stakes matchups.
The hiring represents a return to his alma mater for Stockstill, who lettered at Florida State from 1977 to 1981. He served as a backup quarterback during Bowden's early years building the program into a national powerhouse.
