Mike Norvell wasn't through with adding to the 2026 Seminoles coaching staff, including bringing back a familiar face.
Turns out Florida State football had room for more coaching staff hires. Thursday's additions are bound to boost the offense and recruiting department under Mike Norvell.
Mitch Ciombor is soon joining the staff as the director of high school relations -- with Zach Blostein of Noles247 reporting that move late Thursday evening.
Ciombor will come over via Duke, where he held the same role. But he's familiar with Tallahassee -- having spent 2022-2024 as director of player personnel and as a recruiting assistant. Ciombor isn't just a Norvell hire -- but also made via general manager of FSU football John Garrett.
"Ciombor's hire to FSU's staff is one of several changes they've made to their front office operation this offseason," Blostein wrote. "Garrett became FSU's new general manager in late December while Taylor Edwards was hired to be the Director of Football and Player Acquisition."
And Ciombor isn't the only key hire made by FSU.
Florida State also announced that Gabe Fertitta is returning. He was a previous offensive analyst from 2022-2024 before leading the Nicholls State offense as offensive coordinator. Norvell raved about the hire via a school news release.
"I'm excited to have Gabe and his family back in Tallahassee," Norvell said. "Gabe brings valuable perspective from his experience as a head coach and offensive coordinator, and he has a familiarity with our program that will allow him to have an immediate impact."
Norvell added: "Gabe has strong values that align with how we operate, and he has a deep knowledge base of successful offensive production. He will be a great asset to me, Coach [Tim] Harris and our entire program."
Fertitta's hire additionally hands FSU a third man with play calling expertise following the retirement of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.
Fertitta is also energized for his Tallahassee return.
"My family and I are extremely grateful to Coach Norvell and the Florida State administration for this opportunity to return to Tallahassee and rejoin such a great program," Fertitta said in the release. "I look forward to working with the outstanding young men in our program, not only to develop them as players but also to guide them into becoming great representatives of Florida State University. I've always viewed coaching football as a ministry, and the chance to pursue that at Florida State under Coach Norvell is an incredible honor."
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