FSU Football Adds Defensive Analyst With South Florida, Big Ten Ties To Staff
Florida State is filling out its coaching staff ahead of the beginning of spring practice in March. The Seminoles have lost a handful of off-field staff members throughout the offseason, including Director of Scouting (Offense) John Garrett to Duke.
With that being said, they've made another addition after hiring veteran coach and FSU Hall of Famer Rick Stockstill in late January. The incoming coach should further the program's presence and relationships in South Florida.
According to social media, former Nebraska Defensive Quality Control coach Philip Simpson will be joining head coach Mike Norvell's staff in Tallahassee. Following one year with the Cornhuskers, he'll assume a defensive analyst role with the Seminoles.
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Prior to taking the leap to the college level, Simpson was a successful head coach for Homestead High School. He spent four years with the Broncos, compiling a 28-16 record while leading the school to its first state title appearance in 2022. Simpson was named the Miami Herald Coach of the Year in 2021 and went 23-5 during his final two seasons with the program.
Simpson coached a pair of current FSU players at Homestead. Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Daniel Lyons and redshirt sophomore defensive end Dante Anderson both signed with the Seminoles as members of the 2021 class. Lyons totaled 58 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, six sacks, and five quarterback hurries and Anderson recorded 23 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and five quarterback hurries as seniors.
Leading up to his stint as a head coach, Simpson coached at Southridge High School (defensive line coach/defensive coordinator) and Palmetto High School. He played his college football under current Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule at Temple. Rhule was Simpon's defensive line coach for one season in 2006. He appeared in 24 games with the Owls, recording 39 total tackles.
The Seminoles signed seven high school prospects from South Florida in their 2024 class. However, Florida State lost battles for top recruits such as five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, four-star defensive end Armondo Blount, and four-star athlete Zaquan Patterson.
Simpson will likely be working with the defensive line in Tallahassee. He will be an important piece as Norvell tries to build a stronghold around the talent-rich areas of the Sunshine State.
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