Seminoles’ linebackers and special teams coordinator John Papuchis has reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from the Georgia Bulldogs. According to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, the offer was a multi-year deal valued at a staggering $3.5 million, a figure that would have made Papuchis one of the highest-paid coordinators in college football.
The decision to turn down such a significant financial windfall sends a clear message about Papuchis’s belief in Head Coach Mike Norvell’s vision for the program and his dedication to the Seminoles’ journey back to the top of the college football landscape. Papuchis, who has been a key part of Norvell’s staff since 2020, recently saw his role expand to include linebackers in addition to his special teams duties for the 2025 season. His loyalty in the face of a lucrative opportunity is a major victory for FSU.
The Georgia Bulldogs, a perennial powerhouse under Head Coach Kirby Smart, were actively seeking to fill a key defensive coaching role and identified Papuchis as a top target. With his proven track record of developing talent and his reputation as an elite recruiter, the Bulldogs were willing to pay a premium to add him to their staff. The reported $3.5 million salary would have been a significant jump from his current compensation at Florida State, which is believed to be around $800,000 for the 2025 season.
However, sources indicate that for Papuchis, the choice was not solely about money. He is deeply invested in the culture and foundation that Norvell has built in Tallahassee. The opportunity to see the program’s rebuild through to its conclusion and to be a part of a national championship contender at a place he has helped build from the ground up was a more compelling prospect than a simple change of scenery for a larger paycheck.
“JP is all in on what we are doing here,” a Florida State insider commented. “He’s a huge part of our success, and he’s a massive reason why our special teams have been so consistent and why we’ve been able to develop the talent on our defense. His loyalty means everything to Coach Norvell and the rest of the staff.”
Papuchis’s decision to stay is a major boost for the Seminoles, especially on the recruiting trail. He is a highly respected recruiter, and his continued presence provides stability and continuity for FSU’s efforts, particularly in a crucial offseason. With the Seminoles coming off a successful run and poised for another strong campaign in the 2025 season, maintaining the integrity of the coaching staff is paramount.
The rejection of a major offer from an SEC rival like Georgia is a powerful recruiting tool in itself. It demonstrates to recruits that the FSU coaching staff is not just a stepping stone, but a committed group of coaches dedicated to building a lasting legacy in Tallahassee.
For the Seminoles’ special teams and linebackers, Papuchis’s return ensures that both units will continue to be guided by an experienced and well-regarded coach. His expertise in both areas is a rare and valuable asset, and his decision to remain at Florida State speaks volumes about the trajectory of the program under Mike Norvell.
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