Consider college football as a hierarchical structure. Whether you’re a player, coach, or part of the off-field staff, the objective is to consistently ascend to the next tier. In a highly competitive industry where opportunities are scarce and need to be seized, the momentum is building with an increasing number of off-field staff members at Florida State securing promotions this offseason. This trend gained traction following the appointment of John Garrett, the former Director of Scouting, as the General Manager of Player Personnel at Duke under the leadership of the new head coach, Manny Diaz.
Subsequently, a minimum of three additional staff members have opted to join Garrett in Durham. This trio will be contributing to the Blue Devils’ front office in diverse capacities.
Mitch Ciombor, who served as a student equipment manager and player personnel assistant during his two-year tenure at Florida State, is set to assume the role of Coordinator of High School Recruiting at Duke.
After dedicating six years to the football program, and with additional time as a student at Florida State, Michael Zerbe is embarking on the next phase of his career with the Blue Devils. Throughout his tenure with the Seminoles, Zerbe undertook various roles, serving as a student manager, student recruiting assistant, player personnel assistant, and assistant director of player personnel.
Zerbe is set to bring his expertise to Duke in the capacity of Director of Scouting on the defensive side of the ball. Given his extensive experience, his transition to this new role is expected to be enriched with valuable insights and contributions.
Jenna Kinker, a key member of Florida State’s recruiting staff, is set to embark on a new chapter as she assumes the role of Duke’s Director of Recruiting Operations. With over a year of experience at Seminoles, where she served as the coordinator of on-campus recruiting, Kinker brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. Her background also includes roles as a football intern at UCF and the on-campus recruiting coordinator for UT-Chattanooga.
These departures signify that Florida State will undergo some changes in personnel throughout the offseason. Additionally, the Seminoles recently witnessed graduate assistant Cooper Williams accepting a position at Missouri earlier this week.