Glenn Schumann buzz builds around Florida State opening

Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann has emerged in increased speculation around Florida State’s head-coaching search after the Seminoles hired athletic director Jeff Purinton this week, according to DawgNation’s Connor Riley.

Schumann has surfaced in previous searches. He was a candidate for North Carolina in 2024, and the Philadelphia Eagles interviewed him for their defensive coordinator position after the 2022 season. Now in his fifth year as Georgia’s defensive coordinator and defensive playcaller, the 36-year-old is directing a unit that delivered what Riley described as perhaps its best performance under him against Ole Miss.

Kirby Smart credited Schumann’s play-calling and the players’ commitment to a plan featuring pressure looks and disguises. Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson, a Tallahassee native who chose the Bulldogs over his hometown program, is tied for the team lead in tackles and ranks second in sacks and tackles for loss.

The Florida State connection extends beyond geography and recruiting. Purinton worked at Alabama for 15 years, overlapping with Schumann’s time as a student assistant, graduate assistant and personnel staffer. Purinton said during his introductory news conference that Florida State would explore every candidate and hire the coach it considers the best fit.

There is no stated agreement between Schumann and Florida State. Baylor, Maryland and Florida State are the open Power 4 jobs identified by Riley, while NC State reportedly is set to hire Philip Rivers, though that move had not been finalized.

Schumann received a contract extension in January and makes $2.2 million as Georgia’s defensive coordinator. Only Schumann remains from Smart’s first on-field Georgia staff. His linebackers have produced three Butkus Award winners, and Chris Cole is presented as another contender.

Georgia’s players say the outside discussion has not changed their focus. Quintavius Johnson praised Schumann’s daily teaching and game plans, while safety Khalil Barnes described a coach absorbed in studying opponents and putting players in position to succeed.

Schumann’s immediate assignment is Missouri. Georgia’s players remain focused on that game amid the coaching speculation.

Why it matters

Schumann is the only on-field assistant remaining from Kirby Smart’s first Georgia staff and directs a defense described as among the nation’s best. A departure would force Smart to replace a coordinator, defensive playcaller and inside linebackers coach who has helped produce three Butkus Award winners.

What to watch next

Georgia faces Missouri next as Schumann continues coordinating the Bulldogs’ defense. Florida State athletic director Jeff Purinton said the school will explore every candidate before making its hire.