Florida State opened the 2025 college football season with three consecutive wins, highlighted by an upset of Alabama in the season opener. This suggested promise for the Seminoles with Thomas Castellanos at quarterback. However, they then lost seven of their next nine games, eliminating bowl eligibility and ending hopes for a playoff berth.
Following this disappointing season, the losing record forced the school to make numerous coaching changes, which included the firing of defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. The decision to give Surtain his release papers caused Florida State alumnus and NFL veteran Antonio Cromartie to voice his displeasure on social media.
Patrick Surtain Sr.’s Firing Doesn’t Sit Well With Florida State Alumnus Antonio Cromartie
Surtain was dismissed as Florida State defensive backs coach after three seasons in which he helped the Seminoles develop a decent pass coverage group. Under his guidance, defensive backs allowed a 57.7% completion rate and 190.6 passing yards per game (per On3).
Over the next two seasons, though, the unit’s efficiency declined, surrendering 196.1 passing yards per game and a 62.5% opponent completion rate (per On3). This decline in defensive performance set the stage for further changes.
His removal in Tallahassee was primarily due to the team’s 7-17 record between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. As a result, the firing means the Seminoles will launch an extensive search to find a new defensive backs coach.
However, not everyone agrees with the decision. Former Florida State player and NFL veteran Cromartie, a former first-round NFL draft pick and four-time Pro Bowler, criticized the school’s move, describing the act as “nonsense” and “unbelievable.”
“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 wrote.
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Surtain broke his silence hours after the announcement of his removal as Florida State’s defensive backs coach. He unleashed his feelings on social media, saying he had given everything to the program, and the firing hit him hard.
“That FIRED sh*t hit different. Gave everything for 3 years. I guess 4 years matter more than 40. BET!! Coach Super Good Yall,” he said.
Norvell thanked Surtain for his services with the team in a media availability session on Friday, saying the coach was a great man and rendered a lot of contributions for Florida State over the last few years.
Surtain, who played for Southern Mississippi in his collegiate days, had an 11-year career with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs, recording 37 interceptions (including two pick-sixes) and 105 pass deflections. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and earned two All-Pro selections.
The former cornerback has passed down his talent to his son, Denver Broncos CB Pat Surtain II, who earned two First-Team All-Pro selections and an AP Defensive Player of the Year last season.