The fallout from HC Mike Norvell’s decision to fire defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has begun. And the first major piece to depart is a former All-American. Although the transfer portal hasn’t opened yet, the running back has already decided to leave the program.

“BREAKING: Florida State RB Jaylin Lucas plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3Sports,” reported ON3’s Hayce Fawcett.

The running back and kick return specialist spent two seasons in Tallahassee. The move, however, was largely expected as Jaylin suffered a season-ending injury after playing just two games in 2024. That meant the Houma, Louisiana native accumulated a mere 13 yards, and coming into 2025, appearances still remained scarce.

This season, he had a relatively small impact — 27 carries for 160 yards. Although Lucas was still pivotal in kickoffs and punt returns, and has accumulated 221 yards on attempts in that area. This year, the RB was a depth piece for Mike Norvell as he accumulated 160 rushing and 88 receiving yards for the team. The RB, in truth, offered speed, athleticism, and notched big plays. In just the opening game against Alabama, Lucas capped off a 64-yard catch for the team. But the 21-year-old failed to replicate his form from his previous stint at Indiana.

He was a star for the Hoosiers as he earned first-team All-American honors and was named Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2022, as he logged 591 kick return yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, Lucas amassed 572 return yards and another touchdown. That’s why HC brought him over to Florida State.

“Jaylen Lucas, you know, obviously, his first rep back, and he showed speed, explosiveness. I thought it was impressive,” said Mike Norvell 8 months back about Lucas.

However, now, Lucas is onto pastures anew and has a total of 2,595 yards in his resume for nine touchdowns to make his case. Still, the 5’9″ and 173 lbs junior isn’t the only one planning to enter the transfer portal from Florida State.

Linebacker Jayden Parrish has already announced his decision to enter the portal, along with defensive end Jesse Harrold. Other names on the list include offensive lineman Mario Nash Jr. and tight end Luke Douglas, along with defensive lineman Tyeland Coleman. With lineman Jamorie Flagg and running back Jaylin Lucas also departing, the 2026 roster seems to be thinning out gradually. Is it because Mike Norvell decided to part ways with DBs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.?

Patrick Surtain Sr. opens up about his firing by Mike Norvell

Surtain Sr. spent three years with Norvell. The firing was unexpected as the DB coach was considered one of the best recruiters. Surtain was pivotal in producing NFL draft picks like Renardo Green and Jarrian Jones and led the team’s pass defense improvement in the 2023 season, helping the team to a 13-1 record. But now consequences follow after his firing.

Even the coach himself was perplexed about his firing and reportedly wasn’t given a major reason for the same.

“That FIRED [expletive] hit different. Gave everything for 3 years. I guess 4 years matter more than 40. BET!! Coach Super Good, Y’all,” wrote Patrick Surtain Sr on X.

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Apart from his coaching heroics, Patrick Surtain Sr brought an illustrious NFL legacy to the team. Being a two-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Pro-Bowler still defines the New Orleans native’s legacy. But now that he is fired, Mike Norvell is looking at several names to replace him. Whoever comes in will work alongside Evan Cooper, FSU’s safeties coach, and Nic Williams, the newly appointed defensive ends coach for the team.

Brandon Harris, the UCF DBs coach, has appeared as the top name for the program. Moreover, other names like former Auburn safeties coach T.J. Rushing and Minnesota co-DC Nick Monroe are also in the mix.