FSU Seminoles: Bob Stoops
Mark Stoops focuses on FSU, not resume
August, 17, 2012
8/17/12
11:07
AM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- If part of the job of being a head coach includes deftly maneuvering around the tough questions with a politically satisfactory answer, Mark Stoops has already proven he's ready for it.
There aren't many opportunities for Florida State's defensive coordinator to face the media onslaught -- head coach Jimbo Fisher limits the availability of assistants -- but Stoops is a natural.
He offers glowing reviews of his best players and still faint praise for the disappointments. He mixes high-level discussion of Xs and Os with a healthy dose of coach-speak. And when the inevitable question is finally posed about how many offers he's received for other coaching jobs, Stoops sidesteps it with ease.
"I'm just working hard to do my job to prepare myself to be the best I can be, to be a better and better coach," Stoops said. "I appreciate the structure and the organization and the leadership that I've been afforded the opportunity to be a part of. It makes me a better coach to work here."
Indeed, Stoops' first two seasons at Florida State have helped to bolster his coaching credentials and allowed him to step out from the shadow cast by three older brothers, who are all college coaches.
But as Stoops has taken Florida State's defense from 108th in the nation the year before he arrived to the No. 4 unit in the country last season, there's not a whole lot more he needs to add to his resume.
Whether Stoops wants to offer detail or not, there were coaching jobs available, according to multiple reports, and more will certainly be on the horizon should the Seminoles' defense produce another elite season in 2012. And if Florida State lives up to expectations this year, there will be more -- and better -- offers coming Stoops' way.
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AP Photo/Phil CoaleFSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops could be a head-coaching candidate at season's end.
He offers glowing reviews of his best players and still faint praise for the disappointments. He mixes high-level discussion of Xs and Os with a healthy dose of coach-speak. And when the inevitable question is finally posed about how many offers he's received for other coaching jobs, Stoops sidesteps it with ease.
"I'm just working hard to do my job to prepare myself to be the best I can be, to be a better and better coach," Stoops said. "I appreciate the structure and the organization and the leadership that I've been afforded the opportunity to be a part of. It makes me a better coach to work here."
Indeed, Stoops' first two seasons at Florida State have helped to bolster his coaching credentials and allowed him to step out from the shadow cast by three older brothers, who are all college coaches.
But as Stoops has taken Florida State's defense from 108th in the nation the year before he arrived to the No. 4 unit in the country last season, there's not a whole lot more he needs to add to his resume.
Whether Stoops wants to offer detail or not, there were coaching jobs available, according to multiple reports, and more will certainly be on the horizon should the Seminoles' defense produce another elite season in 2012. And if Florida State lives up to expectations this year, there will be more -- and better -- offers coming Stoops' way.
ABOUT NOLE NATION
David Hale
David Hale joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the University of Georgia for The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. Hale has written about college and professional sports since 2004. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at davidmhale@gmail.com.
Corey Dowlar
Corey Dowlar joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Florida State and South Florida athletics for 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Dowlar has written about Florida State sports and recruiting since 2007. He currently lives in Clearwater, Fla., and can be reached at cdowlar@gmail.com.