Florida State Hires Veteran John Garrett as New General Manager Amid Offseason Revamp

Florida State has named John Garrett its new general manager. The move comes less than a week before the NCAA Transfer Portal opens. It fills a critical vacancy left by Darrick Yray’s departure to UCLA.

Head coach Mike Norvell has been reshaping his staff this offseason. Bringing in a seasoned executive like Garrett is a significant step. This hire aims to solidify the program’s roster management strategy.

Garrett Brings Extensive Experience from Duke and NFL to FSU

John Garrett spent the last two seasons as GM at Duke. According to reports from Warchant, he will assume the same role at Florida State. He was instrumental during a successful period for the Blue Devils.

Under his oversight, Duke went 9-4 in 2024. The team also beat FSU for the first time ever that season. This fall, Duke finished 8-5 and won the ACC Championship game.

Garrett is no stranger to Tallahassee. He served as FSU’s director of offensive scouting from 2022-23. The Seminoles went 23-4 during that stretch and won an ACC title.

His background includes five years as head coach at Lafayette. More notably, he brings 18 years of NFL coaching experience. He has held positions with the Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Bengals.

Strategic Hire Poised to Boost Seminoles in Critical Transfer Window

This timing is crucial for Florida State’s immediate future. The transfer portal opens soon, and spring practice follows. Garrett’s expertise will be vital for roster construction and recruitment.

His recent success at Duke demonstrates effective player acquisition. He helped secure quarterback Darian Mensah from Tulane last year. That experience is directly applicable to FSU’s current needs.

The hire signals a commitment to a professional front-office structure. It allows coaches to focus more on player development and game planning. For fans, it should translate to a more competitive and deeper roster.

This key appointment of John Garrett as General Manager provides Florida State with a proven architect for roster success. His blend of college and professional experience is a major asset. The Seminoles are positioning themselves for sustained competitiveness with this strategic front-office move.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is John Garrett?

John Garrett is the new General Manager for Florida State football. He previously held the same role at Duke for two seasons. He also has extensive NFL coaching experience with several teams.

Why is this hire important now?

The hire comes just before the NCAA Transfer Portal opens. Effective roster management is critical in modern college football. Garrett’s experience will be key for FSU’s immediate recruiting efforts.

What did he accomplish at Duke?

At Duke, Garrett oversaw a 9-4 season in 2024 and an 8-5 season with an ACC Championship game win in 2025. He helped build a competitive roster, including adding a key transfer quarterback.

Has he worked at FSU before?

Yes, John Garrett worked at Florida State from 2022-23 as the director of offensive scouting. The Seminoles enjoyed great on-field success during his two-year tenure with the program.

What is his football background?

Beyond college roles, Garrett spent 18 years as an assistant coach in the NFL. His brother is former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, and his father, Jim, was a longtime NFL scout and coach.