Florida State Assistant Coach Cooper Williams Joins Buffalo Bulls as Offensive Line Coach
Florida State's coaching staff has undergone changes following the 2025 season. Three assistant coaches have left the program, with defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. being fired, and running backs coach David Johnson and quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz taking positions elsewhere. In their place, Florida State has brought in new coaches, including EDGE coach Nick Williams, cornerbacks coach Blue Adams, and running backs coach Kam Martin.
The changes in the coaching staff at Florida State are ongoing as assistant offensive line coach Cooper Williams is set to leave the program. Williams is expected to join Tokarz at Buffalo as the Bulls' offensive line coach. Williams, who previously assisted offensive line coach Herb Hand, will now have his first on-field coaching job. During his time at Florida State, Williams helped two offensive linemen earn all-conference honors this past season.
This marks the end of Williams' second stint with the Seminoles, having followed head coach Mike Norvell from Memphis in 2020. Williams has worked under Norvell for eight of the last nine years, including a season at Missouri as a graduate assistant. Prior to his time at Florida State, Williams began his coaching career at Memphis, where he also played as a student-athlete. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Buffalo, having been part of successful programs in the past.
Buffalo, under head coach Pete Lembo, finished with a 5-7 record last season. Williams, Tokarz, and Lembo have a history of working together, having previously been part of the coaching staff at Memphis. With Williams joining the Bulls, he will bring his expertise and coaching experience to help further develop the team's offensive line. The coaching changes at Florida State and Buffalo signal a new chapter for both programs as they prepare for the upcoming season.