Patrick Surtain II didn’t say much. He didn’t need to. Hours after Florida State moved on from defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., the Denver Broncos star dropped a short three-word message that sent the Mile High faithful scrolling for meaning.

Soon after the news, Patrick Surtain Sr. reacted on X. “That FIRED sh-t hit different. Gave everything for 3 years. I guess 4 years matter more than 40. BET!! Coach Super Good Yall💪🏾💯.”

Patrick Surtain II saw that and finally responded with three simple words: “Tsss! All good.”

Meanwhile, Seminole fans were already bracing for changes after Mike Norvell missed another postseason. Yet no one thought Surtain Sr. would be the first door closed. Norvell confirmed the news Friday during his press conference.

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“Grateful for Pat and the contributions the last few years,” Norvell said.

After that, Norvell kept his tone respectful. He reminded everyone how much work went into the program behind the scenes. He acknowledged that Surtain Sr. carried himself with integrity and shaped young players every day.

Surtain spent three years on the staff after joining ahead of the 2023 run. The secondary had flashes of big-play talent, but consistency slipped the past two seasons. Still, he played a huge role in the development pipeline.

Finally, there was recruiting. Surtain helped the Noles land seven blue-chip prospects, something that excited fans in Tallahassee and the Garnet and Gold diehards. The 2024 class looked promising with names like Cai Bates, Ricky Knight III, and Charles Lester choosing the Seminoles. Yet the production has not shown up on the field, and now the next step will happen without him.

However, not just fans, past and present players are also left confused after the news.

Patrick Surtain’s firing confused everyone

Mike Norvell didn’t offer a proper reason for letting Patrick Surtain Sr. go, and that only made things louder in Tallahassee. Current players and former Seminoles immediately reacted.

Former FSU standout and now FSU parent Antonio Cromartie shared his thoughts. He didn’t hold back, and his tone showed real disappointment with the program.

“How the hell do you dismiss your best recruiter and developer of talent. Sh-t he’s your best coach on staff. This don’t make any sense at all. Unbelievable. He’s probably going to bring his guy TJ Rushing!! Just be on the lookout. All I can say is wow!!! Make it Make sense.”

After that, current players chimed in, and the reactions kept coming. Safety Earl Little Jr. posted, “🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂.” Rising defensive back Zae Thomas dropped “💔💔.” Offensive lineman Micah Pettus added, “🤦🏾‍♂.”

Meanwhile, former linebacker Dontavious Jackson went public, calling the decision “seriously unserious.” The responses showed one thing. Players loved their coach, and this move didn’t sit right.

Yet the context matters. Surtain helped produce three NFL draft picks in two seasons. Jarrian Jones went 96th, Renardo Green landed at 64, and Azareye’h Thomas was taken at 73. Still, Florida State’s pass defense never hit an elite level. So maybe that’s what cost Patrick Surtain his job. Now the FSU moves forward, but the confusion remains.