TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Odell Haggins, a veteran assistant at Florida State University, is moving into a different position as Mike Norvell reconfigures his coaching staff. Haggins has spent over three decades with the Seminoles, serving as interim head coach on two occasions throughout his tenure.
Since 2014, Haggins has held the title of associate head coach while also coaching the defensive tackles. As he shifts roles, he will continue to serve as an associate head coach but will concentrate more on benefiting the entire athletic program in his new capacity.
In a statement released Thursday, Norvell expressed his confidence in Haggins, noting, “He will continue to be an active member of our staff. Odell will play an integral part in maintaining the standard of play here at Florida State by pouring into the development and relationships with our players and the cohesiveness of our staff in this new leadership role.”
Norvell has also brought in Tony White, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Nebraska, to fill a similar role at Florida State. White is anticipated to bring along defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, which will put Knighton in a significant position to continue the legacy established by Haggins.
During his extensive career with the Seminoles, Haggins contributed to an impressive 279-113-1 record, capturing 14 Atlantic Coast Conference titles and securing two national championships. In recognition of his excellent contributions, he was inducted into the Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
Haggins expressed gratitude towards Coach Norvell for his impact on both the program and the university, saying, “I have learned from some of the greatest coaches in the history of college football, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my knowledge and experiences to support what Coach Norvell is doing. I’m excited for this change in responsibilities and looking forward to working alongside our new coaches.”
During his time at Florida State, Haggins has helped develop nearly two dozen players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL, including notable first-round draft picks like Brodrick Bunkley, Travis Johnson, Corey Simon, and Andre Wadsworth.
Having been a standout player himself, Haggins thrived at the nose guard position during Florida State’s glory years. He played a key role in the team achieving a remarkable 39-8-1 record and was part of four bowl-winning squads. He joined Bobby Bowden’s coaching staff following the Seminoles’ national championship in 1993.
As Haggins takes on this new leadership responsibility, he remains a crucial figure in Florida State’s football program and its ongoing efforts to build a strong team culture and performance standard.
