"It was a different type of bond": IOL commit Peyton Joseph pens emotional farewell message for Florida State's recently fired OC Alex Atkins

By Maliha

Modified Nov 12, 2024 14:25 GMT

Four-star interior offensive lineman Peyton Joseph flipped from Florida to Florida State in July and witnessed one of the worst seasons of the Seminoles. After going 1-9 record this season, coach Mike Norvell fired offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans this weekend.

Joseph’s relationship with Atkins, in particular, seemed to run deep. In an emotional X post on Monday, he expressed his disappointment over Atkins' departure, writing:

"It was a different type of bond💔 Best is yet to come forever got love for this man one of da realest in the game🤝🏽."

Atkins had been with Florida State since 2020, initially serving as the offensive line coach before taking on the role of offensive coordinator. The Seminoles enjoyed a successful 2022 season under his leadership, posting a 10-3 record.

However, Florida State’s offense faltered this season, and the school's overall performance dropped dramatically. Despite a roster that wasn’t regarded as elite, it even struggled to compete against programs with lesser talent.

On Monday, Norvell addressed the media and spoke about the difficult decision to fire the coaches.

"Unfortunately, we have not upheld the Florida State standard with our results on the field this season," Norvell said. "I did not make any of these decisions lightly, but I felt changes needed to be made to elevate our program back to where we all desire it to be.”

Norvell also acknowledged the importance of stabilizing the program during this transition period. He expressed his desire to have new hires in place by Dec. 1, especially with the early signing period beginning just a few days later on Dec. 4.

Peyton Joseph's recruitment update with Florida State

Peyton Joseph has remained a steadfast and vocal supporter of Florida State during this disappointing period for the program. Despite the Seminoles enduring a series of decommitments from top recruits following a rough losing streak, Joseph has continued to stand by his school.

On Thursday, Joseph even took a dig at the decommitted players in an X post, writing:

"When that turn around hit stay on that side go for any commits who flip🍢🍢 @FSUFootball."

Florida State's 2025 class slipped from the No. 12 to the No. 18 spot in the nation following the decommitments of six players, including four wide receivers, CJ Wiley, DL Hardison, Daylan McCutcheon and Malik Clark, as well as four-star edge rusher Javion Hilson and four-star defensive lineman Myron Charles.

However, the Seminoles' this cycle still features 13 committed players, including blue-chip prospects like offensive lineman Solomon Thomas, running back Byron Louis, quarterback Tramell Jones and offensive tackle Mario Nash Jr.