Legendary Florida State Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews To Retire
by Bud Elliott on Nov 3, 2009 3:13 PM EST
in FSU Football
75 comments
Here's our tribute, and here's the press release from FSU:
Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, the architect of the Seminoles defense since 1984, will retire at the end of the 2009 season.
One of the nation's most respected defensive coaches, the 68-year-old Andrews, made his decision public today.
"For 47 years it's been about me," Andrews said. "Now it's time to be about us - my family."
Andrews and his wife Diane will continue to call Tallahassee home in retirement.
Over the course of his 26 seasons as the architect of the Seminoles' defense, Andrews has helped develop some of the finest players and units in college football history. More importantly, he has been a mentor to all walks of players with his fiery brand of motivation on the field and his compassion off it.
Florida State coach Bobby Bowden directly credits Andrews' work for producing a pair of national championships.
"He's been here 26 years and we've had such success and you just have to credit him with the success we've had since he came," Bowden said. "He's done such a great job. We'll miss him and his wife and family. He's a good church man and a good civic man and always has his priorities in order and puts his family ahead of football. He's a guy that has never slowed down. He's just as enthusiastic now as he was when he came here."
Andrews will direct the defense through the balance of the season and, after meeting with Florida State director of athletics Randy Spetman, will stay on board through February 10, 2010. That is the date he was hired by Bowden to help transform the Seminoles into what became a college football dynasty.
Andrews provides some insight into his decision with as hand-crafted statement:
"After last football season I told Diane I wanted to coach one more year. For several reasons we agreed that was the thing to do.
"We debated on when it should be announced - before the season or after it. Because of a lot of speculation and questioning from friends, family and media, we decided to go ahead and do it now.
"This is my last year as a football coach at Florida State. I has been a wonderful experience. We have been blessed.
"I just want to thank Coach Bowden for giving me the opportunity to come to Florida State in 1984. It has been 26 great years working for him. I also want to thank all the outstanding coaches and staff people I have worked with through the years.
"I especially want to thank all the players who gave so much of themselves to make this program so successful through the years.
"And finally, to the fans who make FSU so special - Go Noles!
Thanks to coach Andrews for 26 great years. He is the finest coach that Florida State has ever had.
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Sad to see him go
At the same time I feel sorry for him because he is going to have to endure the rest of this season. Thanks for everything Mickey <—- A true Seminole.
"Reporter: What will you tell the team at halftime Bobby?
Bobby: I'll tell 'em what I always tell 'em when were winning. Boys if they don't score we'll win this game"
Enjoy retirement
and thanks for the memories Mickey. You always will be a class act and are one of the greatest coaches in FSU’s history.
Thanks Mickey!
You have fielded some of the best Defenses I have ever seen, and brought the true meaning to the phrase….“FEAR THE SPEAR!”
Go Noles!
Search began months ago man
Co-conductor of the "Kirby Smart for DC 2010" Train!!!!
by NoleThruandThru on Nov 3, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
And we can get the 30 day posting requirement fulfilled so we can hired in Dec.
Reutn to Dominance, 2010!!!!
by UnstopaNole99! on Nov 3, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve heard that Jimbo already has a “gentleman’s agreement” with the DC that he wants, could this be true!? Allowing Mickey to stay on all the way till Feb. seems a little ridiculous due to recruiting, etc.
Spill the beans, who is it going to be?
Speed is a great asset; but it's greater when it's combined with quickness - and there's a big difference.
- Ty Cobb
Heartfelt thanks to Mickey Andrews for everything he brought to this program
He’s all I’ve ever known as DC (born in 1985) and will be missed greatly!
Co-conductor of the "Kirby Smart for DC 2010" Train!!!!
He's been a 'Nole longer than I've been alive.
Literally. Can’t say how much I’ve enjoyed watching his coaching all these years.
None better.
Thanks, Mickey.
End of an era,
Its a bittersweet moment for Seminole nation. Wish he could have gone out on top. Thank you Mickey for all that you have done and meant to FSU!!!
by FtLauderdaleNole on Nov 3, 2009 3:26 PM EST reply actions
Thanks to Mickey for being a legendary coach and good man
But wait a minute here, February 10, 2010? That’s not news I like.
>>---l>
That date is bothersome!
RETURN TO DOMINANCE, 2010!!!!
by UnstopaNole99! on Nov 3, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
the date is just a formality
likely he will have some sort of consulting duties rather than active ones. In the eyes of the NCAA FSU will relieve him of active coaching and recruiting long before that so his replacement can recruit in his stead long before Feb 10th.
by Wild@Heart Nole on Nov 3, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I'm wondering about the term "stay on board"
Like employed in the formal capacity? As in counting toward our coaches limit? I can see a consulting position, but will we have a “new/co-DC” during this time? It’s just kind of interesting.
>>---l>
probably not
but likely it won’t matter so much. I’d expect Andrews won’t be the only one going. As you want your DC in place then the rest, we might be short handed until 2/10 or later anyway. Not unlike in off-season 2007, when FSU was shorthanded with Dexter Carter not passing his NCAA recruiting certification until after signing day (in fairness, he was hired not long before signing day anyway).
by Wild@Heart Nole on Nov 3, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
And for us, "shorthanded" is a relative term in recruiting
Seeing as how we’ve been shorthanded on the recruiting trail for quite some time with only 4 or 5 coaches doing it, and only 2 or 3 doing it well. So I guess even if we’re unable to hire one, we’d still have more leading up to NSD than we currently do.
>>---l>
Wouldn't worry too much about that
That may just be a paperwork/tenure thing. He wants to go out on the anniversary day he came in.
by FtLauderdaleNole on Nov 3, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
All of the defensive recruits will probably know about the new DC before we do
Co-conductor of the "Kirby Smart for DC 2010" Train!!!!
by NoleThruandThru on Nov 3, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
Feb 10 is the date he started 26 years ago and that's the date he wants to leave. I don't think it means anything to anyone other than MA and is not significant.
>-----:----:------>Spear 'em then Scalp 'em
In honor of Mickey, my pledge for his remaining games
whether it’s in the stands, on radio or TV is to to be on my feet whenever the defense is on the field
by robrrt on Nov 3, 2009 3:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I'm in favor
For everyone in the Doak to stand and cheer Mickey and the defense when they’re on the field. I honestly feel that Mickey would appreciate that from the fans.
by CSI Nole on Nov 3, 2009 3:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks Mickey
You put together some of the greatest defenses in the history of the game! Without you, I think we would still be searching for that first NC. In my eyes, you have been one the greatest coaches and one of, if not the best, Defensive Coordinators of all time. I have never seen a defense out score the opposing offensive more than once in a season, in 93 I saw it 4 times and saw you tie offenses two more times. One word: Incredible. Simply incredible.
Heres to all you’ve done, and while this year has fallen short, you have never stopped trying and caring.
You truly are a legend.
"Fifty percent of the teams in country got beat last week" -BB
Florida State Football will never accept falling in the bottom half
Thanks Mickey!!!
I’m going to do my best to make the Maryland game and cheer Mickey on as this will be his last opportunity to roam the sidelines as one of our coaches. Thanks again for the great memories.
by CSI Nole on Nov 3, 2009 3:40 PM EST via mobile reply actions
LIKE SON LEAVING HOME
Knew it would happen but didnt expect the strong emotions.Actually have tears in my eyes..TEARS?!?His name & coached defenses brought terror to any and all until this year.Even last years good defense was still a terror, just gave up more big plays than be remembered.Will really miss him.I pray FSU can hire at least someone who has ties with him from the past who has evolved the scheme to being a modern-dominating version of his defenses of times past.Someone who when he shuts out UF, Miami & rest of teams, can give props to the discipline learned from Master Mickey.Thanks again, MICKEY.YOU ARE THE GOOD HALF OF THIS BB & MICKEY UNION!!..GO NOLES!!
Ferocity
Half of the fun (if not more) of being an FSU fan over the years was watching the defense utterly crush opposing QB’s and offenses into submission. The emptiness that a lot of fans are feeling this year is directly a result of missing the suspense and expectation of just how Mickey and his boys would blow up the other teams offense on each series.
Even though that dynamic might not be there this season, we won’t soon forget what Mickey brought this team.
Probably my favorite memory was 1998 versus Fla when Mickey’s D shut UF down. Stoned Spurrier on every single 3rd down attempts. Great coaching and effort that night.
So long Mickey and thanks for the memories.
2/10/2010
So we will be able to hire a new DC before this time? Are there restrictions on number of coaches on a staff?
as I mentioned above
he’ll likely be on staff, but “reassigned”, not long after the final game but long before Feb 10th. Probably some sort of ‘consultant’ like role. By the technical NCAA definition, he won’t be a coach.
by Wild@Heart Nole on Nov 3, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
From college gameday a couple of weeks ago, I've learned that we need to touch something before going out on the field
So let’s name that after him. Mickey’s Spittoon.
>>---l>
I think a big G&G sign with an f-bomb and pic of Mickey on it on the way out of the tunnel should work...
"If lessons were learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education." -Murray Warmath
+1,000,000!!!
"Fifty percent of the teams in country got beat last week" -BB
Florida State Football will never accept falling in the bottom half
Mickey
has been a great part of this program but i sure do hate to see him go out this way with this defense…
Great timing.
One last home game for him. He’s getting a standing O from me. I’m really going to miss him.
SCALP 'EM SEMINOLES!
Knew it was coming but..
It was still a bit hard like someone said above. Mickey was a class act from the day he showed up to the day he retired. He gave the job, the school and the players his all and when he knew he couldn’t do it anymore he stepped down without any drama or nonsense. Mickey Andrews, a true Nole.
HATE IT ENDED THIS WAY
WHO DO YOU GUYS THINK WILL GET SHOWN THE DOOR, NOW THAT MICKEY’S GONE?
Nobody until after the season
Once the season is over I expect Amato and Allen to be next and I am leaning towards Carter getting the boot too. Haven’t heard his name mentioned by any recruits and the RBs were struggling until Trickett and Jimbo took more of a role in their coaching which doesn’t bode well for Dexter. I have no idea if Odell stays or goes but I have heard people say both ways. With all his old time hires and players gone from the staff I expect Bowden to leave too.
by osceolafan850 on Nov 3, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Do you guys think
Jimbo has already decided who he wants (and possibly has already contacted them) or do you think he’s gonna be searching to find the right guy?
Can you tamper in the NCAA?
Are you allowed to talk to coaches without the permission of the school/ad/head coach in the NCAA without breaking any rule? Didn’t Auburn do that with Petrino a few years ago?
by osceolafan850 on Nov 3, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
I believe tampering w/coaches
is not against NCAA rules. Tampering is against the rules when coaches/staff initiate contact student athletes at other institutions. Though some coaches may have in their contract about reporting contact, or restrictions on entertaining such contact, such as we saw last off-season at Boston College.
However, some consider it unethical to contact another program’s staff for any lateral moves – though usually for an FYI rather than “permission”. The NFL actually codifies this, though more for the purpose of enabling assistants to leave for better positions – assistants for coordinator positions and coordinators for head coaching opportunities.
by Wild@Heart Nole on Nov 3, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Like many on this board...
He’s been a Seminole as long as I’ve been alive. It’s been all i’ve known and i can’t say enough about what it’s meant to watch his defenses through the years.
Unfortunate circumstances, but thank you nonetheless…
MA:
I knew it was coming of course. As upset as I have been this past season over the defense’s performance, I am equally torn about Mickey leaving. From age 4 I have been to every Florida State home game with my father, an alumni of the university. I can remember in my youth watching Mickey on the sidelines “spitting”. I truly am thankful for everything Mickey has done for the program. His selfless attitude has truly been a blessing and a breath of fresh air (in light of other particular coaches on staff). He has exemplified what it means to be a true seminole and for that I will always be grateful. Thank you Mickey for everything you have given to this university, its players, students, and community.
"He who becomes a beast rids the pain of being man"
Thanks for Everything
Coach Andrews, you deserve some time to spend with your family. Thank you for making Saturdays for my family sot enjoyable. God Bless!
Thanks for posting the goal line stand against Kansas
Awesome, I remember watching it at the time, and never forgot it. Was great to see it again.
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