John Garrett Appointed as Florida State’s New General Manager
Florida State University has appointed John Garrett as its new general manager of player personnel, a role created to enhance its football program. This decision is part of a significant restructuring aimed at improving team performance.
John Garrett’s Background
Garrett comes to Florida State after two successful seasons at Duke University in the same capacity. During his tenure at Duke, he played a pivotal role in securing key player acquisitions through the transfer portal, which contributed to the team winning the 2025 ACC title. Notable recruits included:
- Quarterback Darian Mensah
- Wide receiver Cooper Barkate
- Running back Anderson Castle
Prior to his role at Duke, Garrett served as the director of scouting for offense at Florida State from 2022 to 2023. Under his guidance, the Seminoles achieved remarkable success, recording a 23-4 overall record and securing a perfect 13-0 regular season in 2023.
Football Program Restructuring
Florida State’s decision to retain head coach Mike Norvell for the 2026 season comes after a challenging period where the team posted a 7-17 record. As part of the revamped strategy, the football department will undergo a reevaluation to ensure a more competitive edge.
In his new role, Garrett will oversee various critical areas, including:
- High school recruitment
- Transfer portal strategies
- Scholarship management
- Long-term personnel planning
Centralizing aspects such as NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) negotiations and recruiting analytics will also be prioritized under Garrett’s leadership.
Duce Robinson’s Commitment
In a positive development for the Seminoles, first-team All-ACC wide receiver Duce Robinson announced he will not enter the NFL draft. Instead, he plans to return to Florida State for another season after a standout performance this past year where he:
- Caught 56 passes
- Accumulated 1,081 receiving yards
- Scored six touchdowns
Robinson made history as Florida State’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2019, further solidifying the team’s promising future.
Closing Thoughts
Athletic director Michael Alford emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of college football. “John Garrett brings a proven background that allows our coaches to focus on what they do best—coaching,” he stated.
This restructuring aims to build a sustainable and competitive roster, aligning Florida State’s football program with elite standards.
