MARIANNA, Fl. (WTXL) - While everyone is hoping Mike Martin's last ride in Garnet and Gold will go on for a lot longer, eventually it will come to an end. A new coach will then take over for the first time in forty years. Mike Martin Jr., obviously a candidate to replace his dad. On Tuesday, the Tallahassee Democrat reported that Florida A&M head coach, and former Seminole pitching coach Jamey Shouppe, also entered his name in the search. We confirmed that with Shouppe, who told WTXL he applied "after being encouraged by several FSU alumni and friends."
Another name in the race? Jeff Johnson, who's headed Chipola College the last 22 years. He's won three straight State titles, six overall, three Junior College National titles, and 14 Conference Championships. Johnson has applied for the Florida State job, and wants people to know, he feels like he's more than "just" a JUCO coach.
"I feel like if you coach, whether it's in high school, junior college, or a college coach, if you can coach, you can coach," he said. "I think it's one of the top ten jobs in the country Division I. It's about motivating players, it's about getting players to buy in, trust one another, play together. Yeah, the X's and O's are important as well, the recruiting part is important as well, but I think it's 50% recruiting, and 50% developmental part of it."
Florida State has said they will not name a new head coach until after this season is over.
